Retaining Wall Design & Installation
Retaining wall and seat wall design for Southeast Wisconsin landscapes.
Gravity Retaining Walls
Transform your outdoor space with our reliable and attractive gravity retaining walls! These walls act like strong guardians, keeping your soil in place while adding a touch of charm to your landscape. They’re perfect for giving your property that extra lift. If you’re dreaming of a beautiful and secure yard, gravity retaining walls are your go-to solution
Seat Walls
Create the perfect outdoor gathering spot with our stylish seat walls! Imagine a comfy and functional addition to your patio or garden where friends and family can relax. Seat walls not only provide extra seating but also add a touch of elegance to your outdoor oasis. Our seat walls are designed for your comfortand are the ideal choice for transforming your space into a cozy retreat. For a cozy and inviting atmosphere, choose our seat walls and let your outdoor space become a favorite hangout for all!
How We Install Retaining Walls
1) Design & Planning
We start by assessing your landscape and determine the purpose and location of the retaining wall. Factors such as soil condition, drainage, and the desired height and style of the wall are considered. We will then create a detailed plan and obtain any necessary permits or approvals for your project.
2) Excavation & Foundation Preparation
We clear the area where the proposed retaining wall will be installed, removing any vegetation, debris, or obstacles. The soil is excavated to the required depth and compacted, ensuring a stable and level base. We then install a compacted clean stone base.
3) Installation of Wall Units
We begin by laying the first layer of retaining wall block units, ensuring proper alignment and levelness. Retaining walls must have at least one layer of blocks that are installed below grade for the stabliiity of the wall. A rubber mallet or dead blow hammer is used to set each unit firmly in place. The subsequent courses will be installed by staggering the joints for added strength and stability of the wall. Any necessary cuts or adjustments will be made to ensure a seamless fit.
4) Backfill & Compaction
As the wall installation progresses, we backfill the space being the will with a clean granular material. The backfill will be installed in small lifts to ensure proper compaction and minimize settling while also maintaining the integrity of the wall. Depending on the wall, geogrid may be installed between block layers and into backfill material to add strength to the wall.
5) Drainage & Waterproofing
We incorporate appropriate drainage measures to prevent water buildup behind the retaining wall. This may include installing perforated drainage pipes and gravel backfill behind the wall to facilitate water flow.
6) Finishing Touches
Once the retaining wall is installed and backfilled, any desired finishing touches, such as coping or cap stons are added to enhance the appearance and functionality of the wall. We make sure to clean up the construction area and ensure the surrounding landscape is restored to its original condition.
Extend Your Time Outside!
Elevate your outdoor space with lighting on retaining and seat walls! Beyond aesthetics, well-placed lights add safety and ambiance, turning your space into a welcoming retreat. Enjoy extended usability and a touch of sophistication for an enhanced outdoor living experience!
Check Out Some Of Our Retaining Walls
Retaining wall planning for Southeast Wisconsin
A retaining wall can manage a grade change, help create usable landscape space, define planting areas, or add seating near a patio. The right approach depends on the wall purpose, height, site conditions, and how water moves through the property.
What a retaining wall project needs to address
Purpose, layout, and wall type
Planning begins with what the wall needs to do and how it fits the surrounding landscape. Gravity retaining walls rely on the weight and setback of the wall system. Seat walls are typically used as lower landscape features that add definition and seating to an outdoor living area.
Base preparation and backfill
A stable, level base and properly placed backfill are important parts of a segmental wall installation. Site access, soil conditions, wall geometry, and adjacent improvements all affect the installation plan.
Drainage and water movement
Water collecting behind a wall can add pressure and contribute to movement or deterioration. A project plan should account for drainage behind the wall and for where surface water will travel after construction.
Existing-wall repair or replacement
Leaning, bulging, separated wall units, erosion, or recurring water problems can indicate that an existing wall needs an on-site evaluation. The visible symptom alone does not determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate; the wall, base, drainage, and surrounding grade need to be considered together.
Permits and engineering depend on the project
Permit and engineering requirements vary with the municipality, wall dimensions, location, loading, and site conditions. Paradise can discuss the landscaping scope, but the applicable authority and qualified design professionals determine project-specific requirements. Those requirements should be confirmed before construction when they apply.
Retaining wall service in Franklin and nearby communities
Paradise discusses retaining-wall projects with property owners in Franklin, New Berlin, and surrounding Southeast Wisconsin communities. The Franklin landscaping hub and New Berlin landscaping hub connect local property owners to the appropriate service pages. Request a retaining wall consultation or estimate to discuss a new wall or an existing wall concern.