A masonry wall can hold back soil, define a garden, add privacy or simply finish a yard. The ones that last on Long Island have a solid base, a way for water to drain out from behind them and a cap that sheds rain.
Structural and decorative at the same time
A retaining wall turns a slope into usable, level yard space. A garden wall or seat wall frames a patio or planting bed. A privacy wall screens a pool or patio from the street. The best walls do both jobs: they solve a real problem and they look like they belong with the house.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls hold back soil, and soil gets very heavy when it is wet. Drainage stone and a way for water to escape behind the wall are just as important as the blocks you see. Without them, water pressure and freeze-thaw cycles push the wall forward over time.
Garden walls and privacy walls
Garden walls are usually lower, freestanding walls around beds, patios and property lines. Privacy walls are taller and need a stronger footing. Both benefit from a cap that overhangs slightly so water drips clear of the face.
Choosing a material
Brick walls give a traditional look. Block walls are strong and can be faced with stucco, brick or stone. Natural and cultured stone walls add texture. Segmental paver walls, from manufacturers like Nicolock and Cambridge, match paver patios and walkways.
Compare materials in our brick, block and stone masonry guide, and see pavers and hardscapes if you want the wall to match a patio.
Wall repairs
Loose caps, failing mortar joints and a few cracked units can usually be repaired. A wall that is leaning, bulging or separating at the base often needs to be taken down and rebuilt with proper drainage. Our masonry repairs service covers both.
Maintenance
Keep downspouts aimed away from walls, keep weep holes and drainage clear and reset loose caps before water gets underneath. Vines and plants that trap moisture against masonry should be trimmed back.
Talk to Andrew about your project
If you are planning a retaining, garden or privacy wall anywhere in Suffolk or Nassau County, call Andrew at (631) 974-5285 or email fortebrickandconcrete@hotmail.com. Forte Brick and Concrete is family owned, every job is handled start to finish, and Andrew is on every job. Ask about the Senior Citizen Discount, or request a free quote online.
Frequently asked questions
Why do retaining walls lean?
Usually water pressure behind the wall and inadequate drainage or base. Freeze-thaw cycles make it worse each winter.
Can a leaning wall be repaired?
Minor issues can be repaired, but a wall that has moved significantly is usually rebuilt with proper drainage.
What is the best material for a garden wall?
It depends on the look of the house and yard. Brick, block, stone and segmental paver walls can all work well.
Do garden walls need footings?
Masonry walls need a solid base below them. Taller and mortared walls need a proper footing.