At WestBlock Systems, we’re always focused on growth, strong foundations, and well-planned expansion. As such, we’re proud to announce one of our most exciting additions yet: the WBS family is officially expanding with the onboarding of a new Hammer. Courtney Skelly Hammer . After an extensive review process, strong long-term projections, and unanimous executive approval, Courtney will be joining the family through a merger event also known as Eric and Courtney’s wedding . A

The North East Hardscape Expo in Uncasville, Connecticut continues to be one of the most valuable shows in the hardscape industry, and this year was no exception. It is one of those events that always leaves you with a better sense of where the industry and market is headed, what people are excited about, and what kinds of products are really connecting with contractors, dealers, and producers. For us at WestBlock, this year’s show was especially meaningful because we were th

Retaining Wall Design Software: Why It Matters for Wall Engineering Retaining wall design has evolved far beyond simple sliding and overturning checks. Modern projects with demanding site conditions require engineers to evaluate soil-structure interaction, reinforcement behavior, global stability, drainage conditions, and long-term performance. Whether designing a typical geogrid-reinforced MSE wall, or a Large gravity structure the methodology matters — and so does the softw

GravityStone’s material cost came in at approximately $20 per square foot. Compared to the $40 per square foot sheet wall alternative, Tacoma saved more than $80,000 in material costs alone.

When applied intentionally, hybrid systems reduce unnecessary excavation, improve constructability, and align structural behavior with site realities.

For many designers and contractors, large cut retaining walls  immediately trigger one assumed solution: big block or precast modular block (PMB) systems . These systems are often selected by default for taller gravity applications due to their size, weight, and perceived structural capacity. However, while PMBs are one valid approach, they are not the only — or always the most efficient — solution for large cut wall conditions. Multi-depth segmental retaining wall (SRW) grav

A Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall is a reinforced soil system that uses layers of tensile reinforcement — typically geogrid — to improve the strength and stability of the retained soil mass.

segmental retaining walls are more than just functional structures - they are design elements that can transform your outdoor space in a wide variety of ways.

By starting with a simple question — is this a cut wall or a fill wall? — project teams can reduce unnecessary cost and complexity, lower risk, and select systems that align with real site conditions rather than assumptions.