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For a Quarter of a Century, Metro Atlanta's Trusted Residential & Commercial Contractors!
Retaining Wall Contractor Serving Metro Atlanta
Beautiful, Durable Retaining Walls by Expert Local Contractors
Based near Lilburn, we proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Metro Atlanta, from Atlanta to Marietta to Gainesville and surrounding areas.
For nearly a quarter of a century, we’ve been a trusted choice for professionally constructed retaining walls built to last.
Our work is backed by an A+ BBB rating, Houzz Service Awards, and—most importantly—countless retaining walls that are functional, code-compliant, and visually appealing.
We understand that retaining walls serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Properly built retaining walls manage erosion, control drainage, and stabilize landscapes—while also enhancing the overall look of your property.
That’s why our experienced retaining wall contractors take the time to ensure every project is designed and constructed to be sturdy, reliable, up to code, and attractive.
Whether you need a retaining wall for erosion control, grade correction, or to add structure and visual interest to your landscape, we can handle projects of any size or complexity—at competitive pricing.
Below, we’ll explore the most popular materials used in retaining wall construction and help you understand which options may be best for your specific situation.
Popular Retaining Wall Styles for Metro Atlanta Homes & Businesses
Railroad (RR) Tie Retaining Walls
Railroad tie retaining walls are often the most cost-effective option for many homeowners and businesses. These large wood planks—typically about 7” tall, 9” wide, and 8’ long—were originally designed to hold railroad tracks in place.
Because RR ties are treated with creosote, a powerful preservative, they can last 20–30 years when properly installed, making them an attractive budget-friendly choice for certain applications.
That said, there are important considerations. Creosote-treated railroad ties are not recommended near vegetable gardens, and over time they can attract pests, including palmetto bugs.
For these reasons, RR ties are best suited for utility-focused retaining walls rather than decorative or garden-adjacent areas.
Allan Block Retaining Walls
(Allan block systems are often referred to generically as segmental concrete retaining wall blocks.)
Allan block retaining walls offer several advantages. They’re durable, resistant to weathering and cracking, and available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and textures—making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.
They’re also relatively affordable compared to natural stone and can be installed efficiently when proper preparation and drainage are in place.
When designed correctly, Allan block retaining walls are attractive, low-maintenance, and highly functional.
However, like any retaining wall system, they must be built correctly. Without proper base preparation, soil compaction, and drainage, block walls can bow or lean over time.
In fact, our owner’s own parents in Lilburn had a beautiful two-tier Allan block retaining wall that was built years ago and had begun leaning, putting it at serious risk of failure.
We stepped in, rebuilt the wall properly, and brought it fully up to code—ensuring it will now last for many years to come.
That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced retaining wall contractor who understands soil conditions, drainage requirements, and proper reinforcement methods.
Allan block retaining walls can be an excellent choice—but only when they’re designed and installed correctly.
Wood Timber Retaining Walls
Wood timber retaining walls are still a popular option for certain applications. While treated to resist decay and insects, wood timbers will eventually deteriorate over time and require replacement.
They are also less durable than materials like concrete or stone and are especially susceptible to rot when in constant contact with soil and moisture—which, of course, retaining walls always are.
Because of these limitations, wood timbers are generally not recommended for retaining walls over four feet in height, as they lack the structural strength needed for taller or load-bearing applications.
Overall, wood timbers can be a reasonable solution for shorter retaining walls or situations where longevity isn’t the primary concern. That said, it’s important to fully understand their limitations before making a decision.
We’re happy to walk you through the pros and cons of wood timbers—and help you determine whether they’re the right choice for your property. Just contact us to discuss your options.
Masonry Retaining Walls
Masonry retaining walls have been a trusted choice for many years, (thousands actually!) and for good reason. Masonry is a durable and long-lasting material that can hold back soil and add a very attractive element to any property.
However, masonry retaining walls can be expensive and time-consuming to construct, and they require skilled retaining wall contractors.
We have extensive experience with masonry retaining walls and can provide the quality workmanship that your project deserves.
Poured Concrete Retaining Walls
Poured concrete is a popular material choice for retaining wall construction due to its strength, durability, and versatility.
It can be formed and finished in a variety of ways, allowing it to complement both modern and traditional landscapes.
When properly designed and constructed, poured concrete retaining walls are low-maintenance and can last for many years.
They are often used for taller or more demanding applications where structural strength is critical.
However, poured concrete retaining walls can be more expensive than some other options, and without proper reinforcement, drainage, and installation techniques, they may be prone to cracking over time.
That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced retaining wall contractor who understands proper design, reinforcement, and drainage requirements to ensure long-term performance.
Metro Atlanta's Trusted Choice For Retaining Wall Construction
While there are other materials that can be used to build retaining walls, the options discussed above are the most popular for good reason. No matter which material you choose, expert design and proper construction are essential to long-term performance.
Over the years, we’ve seen countless retaining walls that were improperly built—walls that bowed, failed, or completely collapsed. The cleanup and rebuild costs in those situations are often far greater than doing it right the first time.
If you’re considering a retaining wall for your home or business, why not put our hundreds of years of combined experience, A+ BBB rating, and Houzz Service Awards to work for you?
We believe in straightforward advice, quality workmanship, and building retaining walls that are safe, durable, and built to last.
Contact us today to have an intelligent conversation about your needs and arrange a fast, free consultation and estimate.
At your service,
Metro Renovations & More!
📞 770-549-5081