Engineered block walls, natural stone, and segmental retaining systems for commercial and residential grade changes across Gillette and northeast Wyoming.
G&G Landscape builds retaining walls that hold grade, manage water, and last. We construct engineered segmental block walls, natural stone walls, and gravity walls for commercial developments, municipal projects, and residential properties in Gillette, Sheridan, Buffalo, Casper, Douglas, Sundance, and Spearfish.
Retaining walls solve real problems on sloped sites: they create usable flat areas, prevent soil erosion, protect structures from lateral earth pressure, and manage stormwater flow. Every wall we build starts with an evaluation of soil conditions, surcharge loads, and drainage requirements. Walls over four feet in exposed height get engineered designs with geogrid reinforcement.
We work with segmental retaining wall (SRW) block systems from major manufacturers as well as natural stone and boulder walls. Material selection depends on the structural requirements, the site aesthetic, and the budget. Whether the wall is holding back a parking lot, terracing a hillside, or framing a building entrance, it gets the same attention to base preparation, drainage, and backfill.
Proper base preparation and drainage are what separate a wall that lasts from one that fails.
We assess the slope, soil type, groundwater conditions, and any surcharge loads (driveways, structures, or equipment above the wall). This determines wall type, height limits, and whether engineering and geogrid reinforcement are required.
Walls exceeding gravity-wall height limits require engineered drawings specifying block type, geogrid lengths, embedment depth, and drainage details. We coordinate with licensed engineers and handle permit applications where required by local jurisdiction.
The trench is excavated to the designed depth below finished grade. A compacted aggregate base is installed in lifts and leveled precisely. The base course sets the alignment and elevation for the entire wall, so this step does not get rushed.
Block or stone is placed course by course with proper setback for batter. Geogrid layers are installed at specified elevations and extended into compacted backfill. Drainage aggregate and filter fabric are placed behind the wall face to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.
The reinforced zone is backfilled in lifts with approved material and compacted to spec. Drain pipe is installed at the base and daylighted or connected to the site's storm system. Cap blocks are set, and the area behind and above the wall is graded for positive drainage away from the structure.
Segmental retaining wall (SRW) block is our most common material for commercial and residential projects. We also build with natural stone, moss rock boulders, and poured-in-place concrete when the design calls for it. Material selection depends on wall height, structural loads, aesthetics, and budget.
Gravity walls without geogrid reinforcement are typically limited to about four feet of exposed height. Engineered walls with geogrid can reach significantly greater heights, often built in tiers for walls that need to retain large grade changes. The maximum height depends on soil conditions, surcharge loads, and the engineering design.
Water is the primary cause of retaining wall failure. Without proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure builds behind the wall and pushes it outward. Every wall we build includes drainage aggregate behind the face, filter fabric to prevent soil migration, and a drain pipe at the base to carry water away from the structure.
Walls over four feet in exposed height, walls supporting surcharge loads (like a driveway or building above), and walls in poor soil conditions typically require engineered designs. Local building codes may also set thresholds. We evaluate each project and bring in engineering when the wall demands it.
Contact G&G Landscape to discuss your project. Call (307) 682-9900 or submit a request through the contact form.
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