Phoenix Retaining Walls
Retaining Walls in Phoenix, AZ
Block retaining walls that hold soil back and let water out, for slopes, terraces and raised beds.
Phoenix Retaining Walls
Block retaining walls that hold soil back and let water out, for slopes, terraces and raised beds.
Desert Block Wall Phoenix has retaining wall crews that build and repair block retaining walls across Phoenix. A retaining wall in Phoenix has two jobs: hold the soil and drain the water that collects behind it during monsoon season.
Most retaining walls that fail weren't built to drain. Water builds pressure behind the wall until it bows, cracks or tips. Ours get drain rock, weep holes and a wider footing sized for the soil they hold.
The City of Phoenix requires a permit for retaining walls over 3 feet. On a lot that slopes more than 10%, the City's fences and walls guide says not to build any wall without a permit, even a short one. Hillside walls get extra review because a failure sends soil and water downhill.
Clean drain rock and a perforated pipe so water leaves instead of pushing.
Two or three shorter walls stepping down a slope instead of one tall one.
A footing with a heel under the soil side that uses the soil's weight to hold the wall.
Low walls holding planters or a raised deck beside the pool.
| Freestanding block wall | Retaining wall | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Privacy, security, boundary | Holds back soil |
| Load | Wind and its own weight | Soil and water pressure, all the time |
| Footing | Sized for height | Wider, with steel toward the soil side |
| Drainage | Weep holes at the base | Drain rock, pipe and weep holes |
| Phoenix permit | Over 3 feet | Over 3 feet, or any height on a hillside lot |
A bowing or cracked retaining wall needs drainage fixed before the block. We dig behind it, add drain rock and outlets, and rebuild the failed section on a footing sized for the load.
Arizona law requires a call to Arizona 811 before digging a footing. Locators get two full working days to mark the lines, and we don't trench until every utility on the ticket has answered.
Over 3 feet high. On a lot sloping more than 10%, the City advises a permit for any wall. We handle both.
Taller retaining walls and walls holding up a driveway or structure often need engineered drawings for the permit. We tell you during the estimate if yours does.
Yes, with planning. The wall above the retained soil counts toward the height limit, and the footing has to carry both.
Usually water pressure behind it with no drainage, or a footing too small for the soil. We check both before recommending a fix.
Tell us about the slope and what you want to do with the space. We'll measure and check drainage.
Free estimate, no obligation