Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

A failing retaining wall puts your property at risk. We build walls that hold up to soil pressure, frost, and Alaska's demanding conditions for decades.

(907) 202-5481

Concrete block retaining wall with landscaping beside a paved walkway in Anchorage, AK

Why Retaining Walls Fail in Alaska

Most retaining wall failures in Alaska come down to three things: poor drainage behind the wall, footings installed above the frost depth, and inadequate design for the actual soil loads. When the ground freezes and water cannot escape from behind the wall, the pressure builds dramatically. Poorly installed walls bow, crack, and eventually collapse.

Our walls are built to handle these conditions. We excavate footings below the frost depth, install proper drainage aggregate and drain pipe at the base of every wall, and size the wall materials and embedment depth to handle the actual lateral loads involved.

Whether you need a small garden wall or a structural retaining wall protecting a slope above your home or driveway, we build it correctly from the foundation up.

Retaining Wall and Masonry Services We Offer

We build a range of wall types and masonry features for residential and commercial properties:

Segmental block retaining walls for residential landscaping and slopes
Poured concrete retaining walls for high-load or structural applications
Concrete masonry unit (CMU) block walls for commercial and industrial use
Boulder retaining walls using natural stone
Tiered retaining wall systems for large grade changes
Concrete masonry privacy and perimeter walls
Retaining wall repair and replacement for failed existing walls

What to Expect From Your Project

We start every retaining wall project with a site assessment to evaluate the slope, soil type, existing drainage patterns, and any surcharge loads from structures, vehicles, or slopes above the wall. This determines what type of wall and what footing depth are needed for your specific situation.

For walls that require engineering, we work with structural engineers in the Anchorage area to get stamped plans when needed for permitting. For walls under 4 feet, we typically do not need a permit, but we always install them to structural standards regardless.

Our retaining wall work integrates naturally with other projects. If you are also planning a new concrete driveway or concrete walkways, we can combine everything into one project and mobilization. See all our services on the Anchorage Concrete Contractor home page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of retaining wall is best in Alaska?⌄

For most residential applications in Anchorage, segmental block walls or poured concrete walls are the best options. They handle frost pressure well when properly installed with adequate drainage and footing depth. The right choice depends on the wall height, soil conditions, and load requirements.

Do retaining walls need drainage in Alaska?⌄

Yes, drainage behind a retaining wall is critical in Alaska. Without it, water saturates the soil during spring thaw, dramatically increases lateral pressure on the wall, and can cause it to fail. We always install drainage aggregate and, for taller walls, perforated drain pipe behind the wall.

How tall can a retaining wall be without engineering?⌄

For walls 4 feet or under in height, engineering is typically not required in most jurisdictions. Walls exceeding 4 feet should be designed by a structural engineer to ensure they can handle the soil loads, especially in Alaska where frost and saturated soils increase lateral pressure significantly.

Get a Free Retaining Wall Estimate

We serve Anchorage and the surrounding communities. Call 24/7 for a free site assessment and written quote.

(907) 202-5481