Crumbling Block and Timber Wall Replaced with Redi-Rock in Iowa Backyard

The Challenge: Replace Failing Walls with a Lifetime Solution

When the retaining walls in this Gilbertville, Iowa, backyard began to fail, the signs weren’t subtle. Weathered timber railroad ties and dry cast segmental retaining wall (SRW) blocks had deteriorated so significantly that block face textures were falling off—posing an eyesore and a serious safety risk. Knowing they needed a long-term, engineered solution that combined structural integrity with natural aesthetics, the homeowners chose the Redi-Rock retaining wall system to overhaul and future-proof their outdoor space.

The work area was tight, and contractor Schares Landscaping had to put the existing wall back together and build their way out, all while protecting mature trees and minimizing site disruption. The video above shows how they accomplished this feat and why Schares will choose Redi-Rock for future installs.

Why Redi-Rock? Massive Backyard Makeover, Made Simple.

This backyard transformation was no small feat. Two tiers of Redi-Rock gravity walls total over 400 ft (121m) in length. The lower tier spans 252 ft (76.8 m), while the upper tier measures 155 ft (47.2 m). Redi-Rock producer Midland Concrete delivered more than 15 semi-loads of block to bring this vision to life, resulting in a grand total of 3,090 sq ft (287 sq m) of Redi-Rock wall installed.

This project marked Schares Landscaping’s first Redi-Rock installation and set the bar high. By selecting Redi-Rock, the project gained:

• Efficient Installation: Using 28 in (457 mm) blocks allowed the crew to work quickly with heavy machinery and a smaller team on site, saving on labor costs.
• Natural Aesthetics: The homeowner preferred the look of natural stone over dry-cast concrete or timber walls, and Redi-Rock’s Ledgestone texture delivered.
• Curved Wall Capability: Redi-Rock made it simple to create smooth, sweeping contours with various curved wall resources.
• Smarter Planning Tools: The Redi-Rock Wall+ software helped the team know exactly which blocks to place where, further streamlining the installation process.
• Preserved Plant Life: Choosing a gravity wall solution allowed the contractors to avoid excavation near property lines and save mature border trees—an important request from the homeowner.
• Weather Resilience: Built with wet cast concrete and engineered for proper drainage, Redi-Rock walls perform reliably in wet conditions, giving homeowners peace of mind that their walls will stand strong through storms, runoff, and seasonal changes.

Redi-Rock isn’t just for large-scale commercial jobs; its residential wall capabilities are demonstrated to be tough and long-lasting. For this Iowa homeowner, their new Redi-Rock walls will last a lifetime, upgrading the look of their home and preserving their investment.