Charlotte, NC 28278

Retaining Walls

We are the Best Retaining Walls Builder in Charlotte NC.

Is your backyard on a beautiful green hillside, but only the cows can mow through?

Wish you could have a level patio for entertaining, a firepit area for cozy nights, or raised garden beds overflowing with fresh produce?

Retaining walls are your secret weapon to turn that slope into a usable and beautiful part of your outdoor space.

At Lapis Patios, we specialize in building strong, aesthetic retaining walls that will help you get the most out of your yard space.

What are retaining walls?

With retaining walls, you can easily turn that picket fence garden into an Eden of lilacs, rose bushes and lilies.

How are our retaining walls different than others?

At Lapis Patios, we are CMHA (Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association) certified.

When you see this certification on us, you can rest assured that your project is installed correctly above industry standards, to last longer than we will.

No joke.

How do we build retaining walls for your backyard?

Before we even think of building the retaining wall, we ensure:

  • Proper Drainage.

    Nothing can break down a retaining wall quite like groundwater. We install drainpipes to remove sub-surface water, making your retaining walls a happy ever-after story.

  • Safe Height.

    We assess your soil composition, compaction, slope grade, and local building codes, to determine the appropriate height and design for a safe and structurally sound retaining wall.

  • Top-tier materials.

    We care for your retaining walls – how they should be durable, aesthetic, fit right into your pocket (budget), and last you generations.

    • Like pressure-treated wood? It’s affordable, becomes aesthetic with some sealing and staining.
    • Want concrete blocks? They are durable, low maintenance, come in various textures and colors.
    • Fancy natural stone? It’s the elegant, long-lasting kind; but that’s what budgets stretch for.

  • Protection from water.

    We put the cherry on top of your retaining walls with retaining wall caps placed on top of the wall, which add a finished look, protect your wall from water infiltration, and look perfect.

6 Types of Retaining Walls

Pressure -treated Wood

Warm, natural look.

Durable for 15-20 years.


Concrete Blocks

Get this in varied styles and colors.

Durable for 50+ years.


Natural Stone

Classic, timeless beauty.

Durable for 100+ years.


Cast In Place Concrete

Modern, sleek look.

Durable for 100+ years.


Treated Timber

Rustic, natural appeal.

Durable for 20-30 years.


Gabions

ndustrial, modern look.

Durable for 50+ years.


How can a retaining wall help me? [14 WAYS]

  • Improves water drainage
  • Creates level usable space on slopes
  • Retains soil for your plants
  • Can serve as a flowerbed border
  • Prevents soil erosion and slippage
  • Low maintenance, yet aesthetic
  • Noise reduction
  • Adds functional space (extra yard seating, or place a small grill on top)
  • Prevents flooding by holding, diverting, redirecting water towards drains (great for pools!)
  • Works as a moisture barrier
  • Helps hold up driveways, patios & more
  • Prevents landslides near hilly areas
  • Structure to position your solar lights
  • Used to protect around a tree

Be it for your patio, around the firepit, or near the pool, let’s create a wall you’ll love to always lean on.

Ready to create retaining walls that inspire for centuries?

Don’t be shy, contact us today for a free consultation! We’ll help you design and build the perfect foundations for your outdoor space.

Get My Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you build a stairway in the retaining wall?

Absolutely.

Staircases can be incorporated into retaining wall designs to provide convenient access to different levels. This is especially useful on sloped landscapes.

Go for it! Retaining walls are perfect for shoring up hillsides.

We build them into the slope, creating a stable vertical surface. This allows for usable flat areas on previously unusable inclines.

Retaining walls can get wet from rain or irrigation.

While we know that wet soil adds complexity, retaining walls can still be built. Drainage systems are crucial behind the wall to prevent water buildup and pressure. Consult us, we might just be able to help you!

For DIY, the limit is 4 feet high, but we are professionals. So, if you ask us, the sky is the limit!

With a proper inspection, let us create the best retaining walls for you.

Retaining wall blocks that will be used for a fire pit must be heat-resistant.

Concrete, stone, and brick walls are naturally fireproof. Treated wood offers some fire resistance, but it’s not fireproof.

What we’re saying is, you have options!

Yes, paintable materials like concrete blocks can be painted to match your landscaping or create a unique look.

Extending an existing retaining wall is totally possible! Just consult a professional from our Lapis Patios team to ensure the structural integrity of the addition.

There’s a difference. We’ll clear this up:

  • Retaining walls are structural and hold back soil. Because of this, they are typically installed first but each project is uniquely different.
  • Pavers are for surface application and are not designed to hold back significant soil pressure.


Don’t worry, retaining walls can be built on uneven ground.

We make sure the base of the wall is terraced to follow the slope, so that you get a stable and level structure.

In some applications, CMHA standards even require burying one or multiple layers of wall block underground.

That’s an amazing idea. The answer is yes! Retaining walls can be incorporated with water features to create beautiful, cascading waterfalls in your landscape.

These are some ideas we usually execute for our awesome clients:
 
LED lights. Energy-efficient and long-lasting option for highlighting the wall or steps.
 
Solar lights. Eco-friendly and easy to install along the top or base of the wall.

We do repairs like fixing cracks or loose blocks, and even repair major structural issues when necessary. We also make sure they never happen again.

Hardscapes trouble? You know we’re here for you.

Sealants are great for maintaining the structural integrity of the wall by preventing water infiltration and making sure your blocks are stable.

They also make your pavers look aesthetically pleasing.

Interlocking block systems are a popular choice. As professionals, we’d say they’re easy to install, and come in various styles for you to choose from. Those blocks are heavy though!