Retaining Walls

Serving Athens, Watkinsville & Oconee County Retaining Wall Needs

Properties throughout Athens-Clarke County and nearby communities often feature sloped yards, uneven terrain, or drainage challenges. Our retaining wall services are designed specifically for local conditions in:

• Athens, GA
• Watkinsville
• Oconee County
• Winterville
• Bogart
• Hull

As a local Athens retaining wall contractor, We Solve It Outdoor Solutions understands local soil composition, rainfall patterns, and permitting requirements—ensuring your wall is built correctly the first time.

Professional Retaining Wall Installation Services

The types of retaining walls we build include: 

Concrete Retaining Walls

Concrete retaining walls offer superior strength and longevity. These walls are ideal for taller installations, load-bearing applications, and commercial sites where durability is essential. Proper reinforcement and drainage are critical for performance. Cement is made through a complex process that is continuously being refined. Take a moment to check out the video about “How Cement is Made” via the American Cement Association.

Block Retaining Wall Installation for Residential & Commercial Properties

Segmented block retaining wall installation remains one of the most popular options for homeowners. These systems allow for flexible design, consistent alignment, and excellent drainage when properly installed following recommendations such as the “Segmental Retaining Wall Best Practices Guide” from  The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA).

Segmental Retaining Walls for Sloped Terrain: Segmental retaining walls use interlocking modular blocks engineered to work together structurally. These systems are commonly paired with geogrid reinforcement for enhanced stability.

Natural Stone & Boulder Retaining Walls in Watkinsville

Natural stone retaining walls and boulder retaining walls blend seamlessly into the landscape while providing effective erosion control retaining walls for hillsides and sloped yards.

Timber & Modular Retaining Wall Systems

Timber retaining walls are cost-effective for smaller applications, while modular retaining wall systems offer advanced engineering for curved walls, terracing, and complex layouts.

Retaining Wall Construction Guidelines:

Engineered & Gravity Retaining Walls for Athens & Bogart Properties

Some projects require engineered retaining walls to safely handle soil pressure and elevation changes. Gravity retaining walls rely on their own mass to resist soil pressure and are best suited for shorter wall heights.

Reinforced Retaining Walls

Reinforced retaining walls use retaining wall reinforcement methods such as geogrid layers embedded in compacted soil. These are ideal for taller walls and steep slopes.

Retaining Wall Footing Requirements

Footings must be sized and placed correctly based on wall height, soil type, and load conditions to ensure long-term stability.

Drainage & Erosion Control Solutions in Winterville & Hull

Drainage failure is the most common cause of retaining wall collapse. Every project we install includes proper retaining wall drainage solutions.

• Retaining wall for sloped yard stabilization
• Hillside retaining wall solutions
• Backyard drainage retaining wall systems
• Retaining wall for uneven yard leveling
• Retaining wall to stop flooding
• Soil erosion prevention walls

By relieving hydrostatic pressure, we protect the retaining wall’s structural integrity and extend its lifespan. Two core principles emphasized in The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standards and guidance for safe retaining wall construction are:

1. Provide positive drainage behind the wall.
   ASCE highlights that hydrostatic pressure is one of the leading causes of wall failure. Retaining walls should include granular backfill, perforated drain pipe, and weep holes to prevent water from building up behind the structure.

2. Design for soil conditions and applied loads.
   Walls must be engineered based on site-specific soil properties, slope, and any surcharge loads (such as driveways, buildings, or vehicles). ASCE guidance stresses proper geotechnical evaluation and structural design to achieve adequate factors of safety against sliding, overturning, and bearing failure.

In practice, this means a “one-size-fits-all” wall is unsafe—each project should be tailored to the site’s soils, grade, and use, with drainage and structural capacity treated as essential, not optional.

Retaining Wall Repair & Replacement Services

Even well-built walls may fail over time due to age, poor original installation, or changing site conditions. We Solve It Outdoor Solutions provides expert retaining wall repair contractors for:

• Leaning retaining wall repair
• Cracked retaining wall repair
• Failing retaining wall solutions
• Retaining wall replacement services

Understanding Retaining Wall Rebuild Cost

Rebuild costs depend on wall height, material choice, reinforcement needs, drainage corrections, and site accessibility. A professional evaluation ensures repairs are code-compliant and cost-effective.

Permits, Height Regulations & Local Compliance

Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County regulate retaining wall construction based on height and placement. 

• Retaining wall height regulations
• Retaining wall permit requirements
• Engineering coordination when required

An experienced Athens retaining wall contractor will help to ensure your project meets all local codes and avoids costly delays.

Residential & Commercial Retaining Walls

We Solve It Outdoor Solutions builds retaining walls for a wide range of applications:

• Residential landscape retaining walls
• Sloped backyard stabilization
• Driveway and foundation support walls
• Commercial erosion control and grading projects
• HOA and multi-property retaining wall systems

Our team works closely with property owners to design walls that complement existing landscapes while delivering long-term performance.

Why Choose We Solve It Outdoor Solutions

As a locally owned company, we bring regional expertise and professional standards to every project. Homeowners and businesses trust us as their Athens retaining wall contractor because we focus on:

• Proper engineering and drainage
• High-quality materials
• Skilled installation techniques
• Clear communication and project transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do retaining walls last?

Retaining walls can last 50–100 years depending on materials, reinforcement, drainage, and maintenance. Concrete and reinforced walls typically offer the longest lifespan.

2. What are signs your retaining wall is failing?

Common signs include leaning, cracking, bulging, soil erosion behind the wall, or standing water near the base.

3. Do retaining walls need drainage?

Yes. Drainage is essential. Without proper drainage, water pressure builds up and can cause cracking or collapse.

4. When is a retaining wall required?

A retaining wall is required when soil must be held back due to slope changes, erosion risk, drainage issues, or elevation differences that threaten structures.

Schedule a Retaining Wall Consultation in Athens, GA

If your property needs erosion control, slope stabilization, or a professionally built hardscape feature, We Solve It Outdoor Solutions is the local expert you can trust. Working with a proven Athens retaining wall contractor ensures your wall is built for long-term success. Contact us today!