Retaining Wall Construction in Washington, DC
For the perfect retaining wall for your lawn or property, choose SML Services. We have everything it takes to give you a retaining wall that will look great as well as serve its purpose. With years of experience, we’ve developed a stellar reputation for our quality work and excellent customer service. Customers near and far have chosen us to protect their property and add beauty and value to it. Now you can too.
To schedule a consultation, or to request a quote, give us a call at (202) 425-1872 today.
Get A QuoteThe Area’s Leading Retaining Wall Contractor
Ask any of our satisfied clients, and they’ll be sure to tell you: Our retaining walls are the real deal.
We build with the highest standards in mind. Using only the highest caliber of tools, equipment, and materials, we construct each wall with passion and dedication. We make every effort to make sure your wall is not only durable, but also aesthetically pleasing.
Quality. Beauty. Value. That’s what makes us the local area’s leading retaining wall company. Contact us to see for yourself.
What Are Retaining Walls Used For?
Steep slopes and varying elevations are common in Washington. Retaining walls are often required to level these spaces and ensure they’re flat and usable. They’re commonly used for driveways, gardens, and patios.
Retaining walls also help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, especially during heavy rainfall. They offer structural support to yards while improving landscape design.
What is the Best Material for a Retaining Wall?
The best material for a retaining wall depends on the site’s conditions, the desired final look, and the wall's main function.
Some of the most popular materials include:
- Concrete blocks: Durable and versatile, concrete blocks offer a modern look and are used in areas with high water flow or unstable soil.
- Natural stone: Stone walls are popular because of their beautiful characteristics. They blend well with natural environments, making them a great choice for high-end landscaping projects.
- Wood timbers: Pressure-treated wood is often used for smaller walls, but it’s best suited as a short-term solution or may be used for decorative purposes due to its limited lifespan.
- Poured concrete: Ideal for taller walls or structures needing extra reinforcement, poured concrete offers a sleek, modern appearance and unmatched strength.
How Long Does a Retaining Wall Last?
The operational life of a retaining wall depends on the material used and the quality of installation. Durability is key in Washington, where the climate varies from freezing winters to hot, humid summers.
On average, concrete block and poured concrete walls can last 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance, while well-constructed natural stone walls may last over a century.
Wood retaining walls are more vulnerable to rot and typically last 20 to 40 years, but regular inspection and maintenance can extend the life of any retaining wall, particularly in areas prone to water runoff and erosion.
What Are the Different Types of Retaining Walls?
There are several types of retaining walls to consider for your property, each with its own advantages.
Here are a few common ones:
- Gravity walls: Gravity walls rely on their own weight to hold back the soil and are often made from heavy materials like concrete or stone.
- Cantilevered walls: Cantilevered walls use a reinforced concrete slab to support structures and are anchored to the ground, making them ideal for larger projects.
- Segmental Retaining Walls (SRWs): Made from interlocking concrete blocks, SRWs are flexible and cost-effective. They’re suitable for small and large installations.
- Sheet piling walls: Used in areas with limited space or soft soil, sheet piling walls are made of steel or wood and are driven into the ground.
- Anchored walls: As their name suggests, these walls are reinforced with anchors or cables driven deep into the soil. They’re perfect for retaining walls that need extra strength, often for steep slopes or taller structures.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Retaining Wall?
In Washington, DC, a permit is typically required to build retaining walls. The DC Department of Buildings (DOB) regulates the issuing of permits. They may request details such as the height, length, and material of the retaining wall to ensure that the wall meets safety and structural standards.
As the area’s best retaining wall contractor, we can help you through the process of obtaining a permit to begin construction.
Our Retaining Wall Building Process
Retaining walls support your soil and help it to resist lateral pressure. They keep your lawns and gardens intact by preventing soil erosion and downhill movement. That’s an important task, and it takes a special team to ensure your retaining wall can do the job properly.
SML Services is proud to be that team. We’ve spent years mastering our wall building process, working with care and precision to ensure it’s done right.
Our building process goes like this:
- We test your soil for optimal placement.
- We inspect your property to determine any potential issues.
- We measure the proposed building space to figure out the right size for your retaining wall.
- After we’ve concluded the right size, we draw up plans and mock-ups
- When the installation day comes, we show up on time and check in with you to confirm plans
- We build the wall skillfully and efficiently with your desired material
- We clean up afterward
Your Retaining Wall, Built Your Way
We want to realize your vision for your space. That means, when we build your retaining wall, we make sure it complements the rest of your outdoor features. We work closely with you to determine your needs and wants, tailoring the design of your wall accordingly. We also offer a range of material options for your wall. Brick, stone, concrete—you name it, we can build it.
For Washington, DC’s Best Retaining Walls, Choose SML Services
We know we’re the best choice for retaining walls in the local area. Clients near and far have come to appreciate our quality craftsmanship, expert stonework, and meticulously well-crafted masonry. We know you will too, once you experience our services for yourself.
Get started today with a no-obligation consultation. To book yours, be sure to contact us today at (202) 425-1872. We can’t wait to hear from you.