Placing clean drainage stone and engineered soil in thin lifts and compacting each lift so walls and patios stay stable.
Backfill is the part of a wall nobody sees and everybody depends on. The stone and soil behind the wall carry water away and share the load, and poorly placed backfill is a common reason for settlement and leaning. Owners in Nashville benefit from crews who treat backfill as seriously as the face.
We start with a Free Estimate and discuss the materials the wall needs: clean drainage stone near the wall, suitable soil beyond it and any geogrid layers. We place material in thin lifts, compact each with appropriate equipment and check density where the design requires. We keep heavy equipment from pressing on the wall during compaction, use hand tools near the face and avoid wet, muddy fill. We grade the top to shed water. Compaction is easy to describe and hard to do well. The soil must be at the right moisture, spread in thin lifts and compacted evenly across the whole area, including the awkward spots near corners and pipes. We also protect drains from damage while stone and soil go in, and we keep fabric free of tears. By the time the final lift is placed, the backfill should feel firm, shed water and be ready to carry a lawn, a patio or a driveway.
Compacting in layers gives even strength.
Free-draining stone behind the wall lets water escape.
We keep heavy compactors from pushing on the wall face.
Wet fill is hard to compact, so we schedule around rain.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterStone and soil chosen.
Thickness set.
Material spread evenly.
Each lift compacted.
Density verified as needed.
Water shed away.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Comparison guideWall Drainage ExplainedHow drain pipe, clean stone, filter fabric and outlets work together to keep water pressure off a retaining…Learn more 
Comparison guideSoil Types and SlopesHow clay, silt, sand, rock and fill behave behind a retaining wall and why slope angle, water and…Learn more 
ResourceADSA maker of corrugated drainage pipe and stormwater products used for drains, culverts and water management.Learn more Pick a wall type, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.
You tell us what is wrong or what you want to build, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We walk the site, measure heights and lengths, look at soil and water paths and talk through what you want the space to do.
You receive a plain written scope with materials, drainage, engineering needs and the schedule before work begins.
We locate utilities, stake the wall line, excavate and build a compacted base that will carry the wall.
We build the wall course by course, add reinforcement as designed, install drains and place and compact clean backfill.
We add caps, steps and planting, clean up, restore the site and walk through the finished wall with you.
Thick lifts leave voids that settle later, which can damage walls and patios.
Clean, angular stone for drainage. We show you samples.
Sometimes, but not directly against the wall in most cases.
With small, careful equipment so the face is not pushed.
We protect the work and wait for fill to dry as needed.
Geogrid Reinforced Retaining WallsBlock or panel walls tied back into compacted soil with layers of geosynthetic reinforcement for taller and more…Explore 
Retaining Wall Drainage SystemsPerforated drain pipe, clean gravel, filter fabric and clear outlets that keep water pressure off your wall.Explore 
Grading and Site PreparationShaping the ground, setting grades and preparing sites for walls, patios, driveways and landscapes.Explore 
Patio and Outdoor Living WallsRetaining walls that create level patio pads and frame outdoor rooms with seating, steps, lighting and planting.Explore Tell us about your project and we will call you back to set up a visit.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
