Steep or uneven terrain creates structural demands that simple grading cannot fix. This is where retaining walls become necessary. When the ground drops too quickly or when a project needs a stable platform, you need a system that holds soil in place and manages pressure reliably.
Our priority is to design the wall correctly before any equipment moves. Accurate measurements, proper engineering, and the right materials ensure the structure performs, stays stable, and supports the work you plan to build around it.
The Types Of Walls We Build
We build large-scale and mid-sized walls that support serious grade changes. These are the walls that hold up pool decks, patios, and major cuts into a hillside. We do a lot of this type of work each year, and it is a big part of what our crews and machines are set up to handle.
We generally do not take on small garden borders or short decorative edges unless they are part of a larger project. That lets us keep our focus on structures that truly need planning, equipment, and engineering to perform the way they should.
Most of the retaining walls we install are engineered. That means there is a clear design behind the height, layout, and reinforcement instead of guessing in the field. Engineering gives us a plan to follow and helps the wall stay stable over time.
Key Takeaway: Our focus is on engineered, medium to large walls that manage real grade changes, not light-duty garden borders.
How We Design Engineered Retaining Walls
Scanning Your Yard with a LAR scanner
For larger projects, our process starts with accurate measurement. We come out with a LAR scanner, especially when you need a larger wall. The scanner reads your yard and measures grade and elevations using photogrammetry, which lets us build a detailed picture of the site.
Instead of relying on rough tape measurements or eyeballing slopes, we capture the way the ground actually falls and rises. That gives us a strong base for everything that follows in the design.
Turning Scan Data Into a Buildable Plan
After the scan, we use a product called Pix4D. Pix4D reads the scan, measures elevations and slope, and helps us model the yard. Whether we are cutting into a hillside or building up a wall and backfilling to make an area level, we can use that model to create a true plane surface.
From there, we can:
- Calculate how much filler we will need.
- Determine how tall the wall will be at different points.
- Follow and mimic how the grades move across the backyard.
When we give you a proposal, it is based on that scan and model. We are not guessing that the wall is 1,000 feet and then later coming back to say it grew by another 250 feet and needs a change order.
Pro Tip: A wall design built from a full yard scan and Pix4D modeling is far more likely to match what is actually in the ground, which protects you from surprise changes in scope.
Need expert help with retaining walls on your property? Contact Hinkle for a free consultation.
Materials And Installation Approach
Larger Block Systems and Machine Placement
We like using larger block systems for our projects. Bigger units give us more stability during installation and work very well with the equipment we own. We have a large excavator that sets those blocks into place, so the machine does the heavy lifting and the crew can focus on alignment and detail.
For long runs and higher walls, this approach improves both safety and speed. It also helps us keep lines straight and courses consistent from one end to the other.
Natural Stone and Limestone Look Alternatives
You have options when it comes to the face of the wall. We can use natural stone, and we like using it when the overall design calls for that look. It gives a classic, durable appearance that matches many homes and outdoor spaces.
We also have a manufactured block that looks like limestone. The manufacturer has done a nice job making it resemble real stone. It is a strong alternative when you want that limestone look without cutting and setting individual pieces of stone. The right choice comes down to the style you want and how it ties into the rest of the project.
Key Takeaway: Larger machine set blocks paired with either natural stone or limestone look units let us balance structure, efficiency, and the finished style you prefer.
Plan Your Wall With A Measured, Proven Process
When we take on a project, we do not guess on height, length, or material. We scan the yard, build a model, and then design the wall so grades, fill, and structure all work together. Our experience with retaining walls and our tools help us give proposals that match the real site instead of shifting halfway through.
If you are planning a pool, patio, or major grade change, we would be glad to look at your property and show you what is possible. Contact Hinkle today to schedule a consultation, review scan-based options, and let our team design and build retaining walls that fit your yard, your budget, and the way you want to use your outdoor space.
