We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"He was the first to contact me. The estimate was done the same day and the work completed the next morning as promised. The price was fair,"
Deborah T on April 2022
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"He was the first to contact me. The estimate was done the same day and the work completed the next morning as promised. The price was fair,"
Deborah T on April 2022
Established in 1992, Foundation Recovery Systems stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With offices spanning across Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, and St Louis, Des Moines, Peoria, Decatur & Moberly, we bring our expertise closer to you. FRS proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Foundation Recovery Systems, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!
"Had a great inspection. Shaq was the fireman and fixed our concrete and looks great!"
Keri B on October 2024
Established in 1992, Foundation Recovery Systems stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With offices spanning across Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, and St Louis, Des Moines, Peoria, Decatur & Moberly, we bring our expertise closer to you. FRS proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At Foundation Recovery Systems, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!
"Had a great inspection. Shaq was the fireman and fixed our concrete and looks great!"
Keri B on October 2024
A1 Concrete Leveling in Des Moines specializes in concrete leveling. With a team of 3 dedicated employees, we offer top-notch service with no service fees. Contact us today via email for all your concrete leveling needs.
"Fast, efficient, and through."
Tony A on September 2024
A1 Concrete Leveling in Des Moines specializes in concrete leveling. With a team of 3 dedicated employees, we offer top-notch service with no service fees. Contact us today via email for all your concrete leveling needs.
"Fast, efficient, and through."
Tony A on September 2024
Concrete business locally owned and operated we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. Call or message us to schedule an estimate today!
"Very knowledgeable about concrete, and provides good value and quality in a reasonable amount of time."
Brad A on November 2024
Concrete business locally owned and operated we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. Call or message us to schedule an estimate today!
"Very knowledgeable about concrete, and provides good value and quality in a reasonable amount of time."
Brad A on November 2024
Stapes Grading offer a wide variety of service for you. From getting a new drive way to pouring a new slab for your hot tub. Stapes Grading also has services in dirt work from grading the yard of your house to digging the foundation to your new home
"Excellent!!"
Ronald C on May 2024
Stapes Grading offer a wide variety of service for you. From getting a new drive way to pouring a new slab for your hot tub. Stapes Grading also has services in dirt work from grading the yard of your house to digging the foundation to your new home
"Excellent!!"
Ronald C on May 2024
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in landscaping services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!
"Great company from start to finish. Respectful, prompt, and did fantastic work. Would absolutely work with them again."
Keri H on April 2024
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in landscaping services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!
"Great company from start to finish. Respectful, prompt, and did fantastic work. Would absolutely work with them again."
Keri H on April 2024
Spring is approaching! Make sure you contact us for any of your concrete projects, we provide free estimates and will make sure we satisfy all of your needs. Give us a call now!
Spring is approaching! Make sure you contact us for any of your concrete projects, we provide free estimates and will make sure we satisfy all of your needs. Give us a call now!
At Earthworks Unlimited Landscaping we do it all! With a professional grading team, A1 excavator operators, creative landscape designers and expert sod fitters! Give us a call or click for a quick estimate today!
"They did a fantastic job, worked very hard even on the weekends to finish the job. They were trustworthy and extremely professional and very nice. I would recommend this Company to anyone who needs work done."
Annette L on April 2024
At Earthworks Unlimited Landscaping we do it all! With a professional grading team, A1 excavator operators, creative landscape designers and expert sod fitters! Give us a call or click for a quick estimate today!
"They did a fantastic job, worked very hard even on the weekends to finish the job. They were trustworthy and extremely professional and very nice. I would recommend this Company to anyone who needs work done."
Annette L on April 2024
Locally owned and operated company right here in the state of Iowa. We do take care of any excavation or grading needs a homeowner might need. With 20 years of experience in the industry, we offer a fair and competitive price and we are always available to answer any questions.
"Billy did a great job on our project! He informed me every step of the way and responded to my questions in less than a day. And in most cases he responded in less than an hour. He was also very patient as we had to delay a few weeks due to my scheduling conflicts. He was very careful around my house while moving all the dirt and rock. I’ll definitely hire him again for other projects!"
Moira L on May 2025
Locally owned and operated company right here in the state of Iowa. We do take care of any excavation or grading needs a homeowner might need. With 20 years of experience in the industry, we offer a fair and competitive price and we are always available to answer any questions.
"Billy did a great job on our project! He informed me every step of the way and responded to my questions in less than a day. And in most cases he responded in less than an hour. He was also very patient as we had to delay a few weeks due to my scheduling conflicts. He was very careful around my house while moving all the dirt and rock. I’ll definitely hire him again for other projects!"
Moira L on May 2025
Affordable Construction "The Garage Guys" build custom garages to compliment your home. We do not prefabricate our garages. We build on site right before your eyes so you can see the pride and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one of our garages. We use only quality building materials that meet or exceed all current building codes. We have our own concrete company-Custom Concrete for all your concrete needs. We have a licensed electrical contractor who can take care of wiring your new garage. We have over 30 years of custom building experience. We are licensed, bonded and insured. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
"The gentleman showed up the next day & gave me a quote on 5/10/20. Told me 3 weeks, its 9/7/20 and he still has not completed the work. Meanwhile I have more water damage & turned other contractors away to take his bid! Why is this company allowed reccomend on this site?"
Mark F on September 2020
Affordable Construction "The Garage Guys" build custom garages to compliment your home. We do not prefabricate our garages. We build on site right before your eyes so you can see the pride and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one of our garages. We use only quality building materials that meet or exceed all current building codes. We have our own concrete company-Custom Concrete for all your concrete needs. We have a licensed electrical contractor who can take care of wiring your new garage. We have over 30 years of custom building experience. We are licensed, bonded and insured. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
"The gentleman showed up the next day & gave me a quote on 5/10/20. Told me 3 weeks, its 9/7/20 and he still has not completed the work. Meanwhile I have more water damage & turned other contractors away to take his bid! Why is this company allowed reccomend on this site?"
Mark F on September 2020
Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it's repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. The creosote treatment in traditional railroad ties helps resist rot and insects, but proper drainage is essential for maximizing longevity. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor issues can help extend your wall's useful life.
Creosote-treated railroad ties can pose health risks if used near edible plants or children's play areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that creosote may be harmful to humans and wildlife. Many localities restrict or prohibit creosote-treated wood in residential settings. For garden applications, consider alternative materials like recycled plastic composite ties or lumber treated with more garden-friendly preservatives.
The ideal drainage solution depends on your specific site conditions and wall height. For most residential applications, a combination of gravel backfill and perforated drain pipe works effectively.
A complete drainage system costs between $2,100 and $6,500, though basic solutions start at $500. Proper drainage prevents water pressure buildup behind your wall, significantly reducing the risk of failure and extending its useful life.
For walls under four feet tall on relatively flat terrain, you can proceed without engineering services. However, walls exceeding four feet, those on steep slopes, or projects with unusual soil conditions require professional engineering input.
A structural engineer can design appropriate footings and reinforcement to ensure your wall safely handles the lateral soil pressure it will face.
Railroad tie retaining walls start at $15 to $25 per square foot, with most projects averaging $25 to $30 per square foot, depending on complexity and site prep. This makes them more affordable than natural stone or concrete block walls initially.
While vinyl options may cost less upfront ($10 to $15 per square foot), railroad ties offer superior aesthetics and strength. Though they require more maintenance than masonry options, their lower initial cost makes them attractive for many homeowners.