Gravity Retaining Walls
MASS CONCRETE & STONE GRAVITY RETAINING WALLS
Gravity retaining walls use their own mass to resist lateral earth pressure from retained soil. We pour mass concrete gravity walls and build natural stone gravity walls for residential and commercial grade changes up to 4 feet. Construction includes footing installation, proper drainage behind the wall (gravel backfill and weep holes or drain pipe), and batter (lean-back angle) for stability. No reinforcing steel is required in most gravity wall designs.
Starting at $25 per face sq ft
Key Highlights
No reinforcing steel needed
wall mass alone resists soil pressure for heights up to 4 feet.
Natural stone or formed concrete
choose between natural stone aesthetics or smooth formed concrete.
Proper drainage
gravel backfill and weep holes prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Why Choose Our Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity retaining walls use their own weight to hold back soil — simple, time-proven, and effective for grade changes up to about 4 feet. We build gravity walls in poured mass concrete, natural stone, or dry-stacked stone with proper footings, drainage behind the wall, and correct batter (lean-back angle) for long-term stability.
Signs You Need Gravity Retaining Walls
1. Grade change up to 4 feet
You need to retain a moderate elevation change in your yard, driveway, or landscape area.
Our Process
Step 1 — Footing
Excavate and pour a footing wider than the wall base on undisturbed soil.
Step 2 — Wall construction
Build wall with proper batter angle, width, and drainage provisions.
Step 3 — Backfill
Install drainage gravel behind the wall and backfill in compacted lifts.
Brands & Materials
- Cemstone Ready Mix
- local quarry stone suppliers
FAQs About Gravity Retaining Walls
How high can a gravity retaining wall be?
Gravity walls are practical up to about 4 feet. Beyond that, the required wall thickness becomes impractical and a cantilevered or segmental wall design is more efficient. Local building codes may require engineering for walls over 4 feet regardless of type.
Pricing
$25 - $50
per face sq ft
*Varies by project scope and site conditions.
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When you choose Legacy General Services for your concrete project in the NW Metro, you're choosing a partner committed to quality that lasts.
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MN-registered contractor since 2023. Insured and trusted by homeowners across the NW Metro.
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Quality
Air-entrained, freeze-thaw resistant concrete built for Minnesota winters. Every pour meets or exceeds code.