Reinforced grouted concrete block walls with steel and a poured footing, finished with stucco, stone or paint.
Concrete masonry units, or CMU, are the familiar gray hollow blocks used in many foundations. Built with steel reinforcement and grout, they make strong retaining walls that can be finished in many ways. Property owners in Nashville choose reinforced block for medium to tall walls where mortared construction and a stucco or stone face suit the design.
We start with a Free Estimate and review the site and any engineering requirements. We build a reinforced footing, lay block in courses with vertical steel and grout, add horizontal reinforcement as designed, then install drainage and waterproofing before backfill. We finish the face with stucco, stone veneer, paint or a split-face look and cap the top for a clean edge. Reinforced masonry rewards careful sequencing. Vertical bars have to line up with the cores, grout must be placed in lifts so it consolidates properly and the wall needs time to gain strength before backfill is placed against it. We follow the drawings and keep the process orderly so every step is ready for inspection. When the finish is stucco or stone, we coordinate the facing work so the wall looks like it was designed as one piece with your home and landscape.
Steel inside the cores and grout turn simple block into a structural wall.
The flat face accepts stucco, veneer and paint for many styles.
A proper footing below frost depth and on firm soil carries the wall.
Water pressure is the main enemy, so drains and gravel are essential.
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BeforeAfterEngineering confirmed.
Reinforced footing built.
Courses laid and cores filled.
Installed on the back face.
Placed in lifts.
Finish applied.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Comparison guideCaps and Finishes ComparedCap stones, manufactured caps, concrete tops, stucco and veneer compared by look, comfort, durability and care.Learn more 
ResourceAllan BlockA maker of segmental retaining wall block systems with design tools and installation resources.Learn more ResourceVersa-LokA maker of segmental retaining wall systems with block styles, design information and installation guides.Learn more Answer five questions about your site, goals and timing to see which services to start with.
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.
CMU is mortared and grouted into a rigid wall. Segmental units interlock dry and flex slightly.
Yes. Veneer and stucco are common finishes for CMU walls.
With engineered design, yes. Reinforced masonry is used for many tall walls.
Check drains and sealed joints periodically. We provide care notes.
It depends on height, finish and site. We compare options for your project.
Poured Concrete Retaining WallsReinforced cast-in-place concrete walls for tall, heavily loaded or very clean-lined applications, with forms and finishes you choose.Explore 
Stucco and Stone Veneer for WallsStucco, stone and thin brick finishes that match walls to the house for a unified look.Explore 
Waterproofing Behind WallsMembranes, drainage boards and sealants that keep moisture out of concrete walls and basement spaces.Explore 
Engineered Wall Design CoordinationWorking with civil and geotechnical engineers so taller, loaded and complex walls are designed and built to stamped…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.
