Austin Block Company

Retaining Walls

Central Texas retaining walls are our specialty, and we pride ourselves on being one of the most reputable companies for durable retaining wall solutions in the state.

Austin Block Company
4.4
Based on 26 reviews
powered by Google
  • I am so excited about my new terrace wall!!! Austin Block company and Joel Bebe and his team worked with me from beginning to end to understand what I... read more

    Elizabeth Martin Avatar Elizabeth Martin
    October 18, 2025

    ABC is amazing! I dealt with Cassidy on the sales end of things. After getting super high pricing, no availability and a bit of run around... read more

    Mark Neuenschwander Avatar Mark Neuenschwander
    July 31, 2024

    Incredibly honest and knowledgeable company. They came on-site to consult and advise on a future retaining wall project. I plan to work with them in the future and would absolutely... read more

    Zac Elbel Avatar Zac Elbel
    July 31, 2024
  • ABC is amazing! I dealt with Cassidy on the sales end of things. After getting super high pricing, no availability and a bit of run around... read more

    Mark Neuenschwander Avatar Mark Neuenschwander
    July 18, 2024

    Incredibly honest and knowledgeable company. They came on-site to consult and advise on a future retaining wall project. I plan to work with them in the future and would absolutely... read more

    Zac Elbel Avatar Zac Elbel
    July 16, 2024

    Austin Block did an amazing job on our crumbling retaining wall. They rebuilt the wall, redid the drainage and then faced with limestone brick. Their team was professional,... read more

    Ed Burns Avatar Ed Burns
    July 12, 2024
  • Austin Block did an amazing job on our crumbling retaining wall. They rebuilt the wall, redid the drainage and then faced with limestone brick. Their team was professional,... read more

    Ed Burns Avatar Ed Burns
    July 1, 2024

    Austin Block did an amazing job on our crumbling retaining wall. They rebuilt the wall, redid the drainage and then faced with limestone brick. Their team was professional,... read more

    Ed Burns Avatar Ed Burns
    June 27, 2024

    These guys are GREAT! Fast, no hassle, precision work, friendly, great price, exceeded expectations! I went from quote to completed job in ONE WEEK. They used the river stones... read more

    Sarah Amann Avatar Sarah Amann
    June 12, 2023

Types of Retaining Walls

For Informational Purposes Only*

Limestone Block Wall

A block wall is our most popular and recommended retaining wall. Limestone blocks, available in various sizes and colors, offer elegance and lasting protection for walls two feet or higher. For a cost-effective option, concrete blocks can be used.

home-limestone-wall

Chopped Stone Wall

Mortared high-quality limestone offers a unique aesthetic. We use chopped limestone with white or grey mortar to create a retaining wall that’s both timeless in appearance and durable in construction.

stone-home-wall

Field Stone Wall

Field stone walls are made up of natural limestone pieces. The gaps between the stone are then filled with white or grey mortar. This wall type can often be more cost effective, and creates a unique look that is sure to get your attention.

Pre-Cast Concrete

Pre-cast concrete block walls are the latest innovation in modular retaining wall design. These blocks feature a rough split-face and can be easily set in place. The set-back guide line allows for precise placement on site, while the hollow blocks are light and easy to handle.

sand-and-stone-retaining-wall

Types of Retaining Walls

For Informational Purposes Only*

A block wall is our most popular and recommended retaining wall. Limestone blocks, available in various sizes and colors, offer elegance and lasting protection for walls two feet or higher. For a cost-effective option, concrete blocks can be used.

Mortared high-quality limestone offers a unique aesthetic. We use chopped limestone with white or grey mortar to create a retaining wall that’s both timeless in appearance and durable in construction.

Field stone walls are made up of natural limestone pieces. The gaps between the stone are then filled with white or grey mortar. This wall type can often be more cost effective, and creates a unique look that is sure to get your attention.

Pre-cast concrete block walls are the latest innovation in modular retaining wall design. These blocks feature a rough split-face and can be easily set in place. The set-back guide line allows for precise placement on site, while the hollow blocks are light and easy to handle.

Austin Block Company

What Sets Our Retaining Walls Apart

Custom retaining wall with an integrated staircase and gate, built with stone blocks by Austin Block Company.
A custom retaining wall with an integrated staircase and gate, blending functionality with design.
Want To Know More?

Installation Options

For Informational Purposes Only*

Concrete Footing

Concrete footing would usually be used where soil conditions are poor or when exceeding the maximum unreinforced wall heights with an engineered design. First, we excavate a 6″- 8″ deep trench to lay the foundation in. Once the soil has been cleared out, we install the stakes and planks to pour the concrete, as well as the rebar to support our footing. Lastly, we pour the concrete, allow it to dry, and begin constructing the wall.

Earth-in Footing

All unusable spoils should be removed. Once all of the unsuitable materials have been removed, the bottom of the footing should be sufficiently compacted. Once the footing subgrade has been compacted, a select fill should be installed between 6″- 8″ lifts. The depth of your base layer is influenced by the soil type and application. The base layer should be leveled and compacted firmly. This should help safeguard against shifting and/or settling.

wall-and-excavator

Block Pinning

Our Block Pinning option, gives your retaining wall extra durability and stability. Rebar pins are installed, linking the blocks together vertically. This helps to prevent shifting, sliding, and/or settling.

Mortar

Mortar can be used to secure stone to help prevent shifting, settling, or sliding over time. We use a white or grey masonry mortar to fill the gaps between the stones, because of this, it is important to add a drain pipe behind the wall to allow for water passage.

Dry Stack

A dry stack wall is a type of retaining wall that does not require mortar, geogrid, pinning or reinforcement. Instead, the stones are placed onto one another directly. Gravel and smaller rocks are used to fill in gaps between the stones, but excess space that is left allows for water to drain out the face of the wall naturally.

Geo-Grid Textile

Geo-Grid material is added between each layer to anchor the blocks laterally to the fill material. The geo-grid is typically secured using mortar or pinning in order to insure proper placement of the geogrid lasts and can withstand any shifting that would otherwise cause wall failure. 

Drain Outlets

A dry stack wall is a type of retaining wall that does not require mortar, geogrid, pinning or reinforcement. Instead, the stones are placed onto one another directly. Gravel and smaller rocks are used to fill in gaps between the stones, but excess space that is left allows for water to drain out the face of the wall naturally.

drain-outlets

Drainage Rock & Fabric

To help protect against drainage issues, we suggest using washed gravel behind our block walls. Once the gravel has been installed, we will install our heavy-duty Geo-fabric to help keep fill material separate from the gravel.

drainage-retaining-wall
Want To Know More?

Installation Options

For Informational Purposes Only*

Concrete footing would usually be used where soil conditions are poor or when exceeding the maximum unreinforced wall heights with an engineered design. First, we excavate a 6″- 8″ deep trench to lay the foundation in. Once the soil has been cleared out, we install the stakes and planks to pour the concrete, as well as the rebar to support our footing. Lastly, we pour the concrete, allow it to dry, and begin constructing the wall.

butterstick-wall

All unusable spoils should be removed. Once all of the unsuitable materials have been removed, the bottom of the footing should be sufficiently compacted. Once the footing subgrade has been compacted, a select fill should be installed between 6″- 8″ lifts. The depth of your base layer is influenced by the soil type and application. The base layer should be leveled and compacted firmly. This should help safeguard against shifting and/or settling.

thin-brulee-wall

Our Block Pinning option, gives your retaining wall extra durability and stability. Rebar pins are installed, linking the blocks together vertically. This helps to prevent shifting, sliding, and/or settling.

cave-select-block

Mortar can be used to secure stone to help prevent shifting, settling, or sliding over time. We use a white or grey masonry mortar to fill the gaps between the stones, because of this, it is important to add a drain pipe behind the wall to allow for water passage.

A dry stack wall is a type of retaining wall that does not require mortar, geogrid, pinning or reinforcement. Instead, the stones are placed onto one another directly. Gravel and smaller rocks are used to fill in gaps between the stones, but excess space that is left allows for water to drain out the face of the wall naturally.

home-stonewall

A dry stack wall is a type of retaining wall that does not require mortar, geogrid, pinning or reinforcement. Instead, the stones are placed onto one another directly. Gravel and smaller rocks are used to fill in gaps between the stones, but excess space that is left allows for water to drain out the face of the wall naturally.

To help protect against drainage issues, we suggest using washed gravel behind our block walls. Once the gravel has been installed, we will install our heavy-duty Geo-fabric to help keep fill material separate from the gravel.

Service Area

We build retaining walls all over Central Texas.

Primary service area: Austin & Central Texas
Extended service area available for select commercial and material supply projects.

The Process

Engineering

Wall Design

We analyze your site’s specific topography and project requirements to develop a custom wall design that balances structural integrity with your aesthetic vision—all while remaining engineered for cost-efficiency.

Preview. Refine. Build with Confidence.

Experience Your Wall Before It’s Built

Our 3D renderings let you rotate, zoom, and explore your design from every angle. Adjust materials, heights, and layouts in real time—making approvals easier and construction more predictable.

Close-up of a stone retaining wall installed by Austin Block Company, highlighting the texture and durability of the blocks.
Austin Block Company

Let’s Work Together To Bring Your Vision To Life

Enhance your landscape with a custom retaining wall that combines style and function. Book a free consultation—by phone or on-site—to explore how Austin Block Company’s quality craftsmanship and durable retaining wall solutions can bring your vision to life, creating a beautiful outdoor space.

  • Quality & Durability
  • Expert Craftsmanship
  • Competitive Pricing

A Collection of Some Frequently Asked Questions

A collection of a few of our most frequently asked questions.

In Texas, retaining walls typically require a permit, especially if the wall exceeds a certain height (usually 4 feet) or has structural components like a footing. Some cities, like Coppell, require permits regardless of wall height​.

Proper drainage is critical for retaining walls, especially in Texas, where intense rainstorms can lead to soil saturation. Most retaining walls require a drainage system, such as gravel backfill, weep holes, or perforated pipes, to prevent water buildup behind the wall. This helps avoid pressure that could destabilize the wall over time​.

Natural stone, concrete, and interlocking blocks are common choices due to their durability and resistance to the Texas climate. Each material offers a different aesthetic, so the selection depends on both practical needs and style​.

Costs vary widely based on material, height, and length. On average, expect to pay between $20 to $50 per square foot, though this can go higher for custom designs or high-quality materials​.

With proper construction and maintenance, a well-built retaining wall can last 50-100 years, making durable retaining wall solutions essential for longevity, although some materials like wood may have a shorter lifespan. The quality of materials and drainage are key factors in ensuring durability.

Regular inspection for drainage issues, soil erosion, and structural integrity is essential. Texas’s wet and dry cycles can stress walls, so maintaining proper drainage is critical​.

Retaining walls stabilize slopes and help prevent soil erosion, providing durable retaining wall solutions that are particularly valuable in Texas, where flash floods are common.

While railroad ties used to be a popular and cost effective material for retaining wall construction, these days they are typically not recommended. Due to poor durability, and negative environmental effects, railroad tie retaining walls have largely been done away with. Some Texas areas have restrictions on using railroad ties due to environmental concerns. Alternatives like treated lumber or stone are recommended​.