Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Matter

If your property has slopes or elevation changes, retaining walls solve multiple problems at once. They prevent soil erosion, control water runoff, create level areas for patios or gardens, and protect your home's foundation from hillside pressure.

Without proper retaining structures, sloped yards erode over time. Soil washes away during rain, creating unstable conditions and potentially damaging structures downhill. Plant roots can't establish properly on steep slopes, leading to bare spots and more erosion. Water flows unpredictably, sometimes toward your foundation instead of away from it.

We build retaining walls throughout Alhambra that handle these challenges effectively. Whether you need a small decorative wall for a garden bed or a major structural wall to terrace a hillside, we have the expertise to design and build walls that are both functional and attractive. Many homeowners combine retaining walls with new patios or walkways to create beautiful, usable outdoor living spaces from previously unusable slopes.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different wall types. The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, desired appearance, and budget.

Retaining Wall Options:

• •Poured concrete walls for maximum strength and height capacity
• •Concrete block (CMU) walls with various finish options
• •Decorative masonry walls with stone veneer or stucco finish
• •Segmental retaining wall systems with interlocking blocks
• •Cantilever walls for taller applications
• •Gravity walls for smaller height differences
• •Tiered wall systems for major slope control

Poured concrete walls offer the most strength and work well for tall walls or challenging conditions. Block walls are cost-effective and versatile. Segmental systems provide attractive patterns and textures with good structural performance. We help you choose the right system for your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

Walls taller than 4 feet typically require engineering and permits. We work with structural engineers when needed and handle all permit requirements. Whether you're planning a simple garden wall or a major foundation retaining system, we manage the entire process from design through final inspection.

Proper Design and Drainage

The most common cause of retaining wall failure is poor drainage. Water builds up behind the wall, creating pressure that eventually pushes the wall forward or causes it to crack and fail. Proper drainage design is absolutely critical for long-term performance.

We install drainage systems behind every retaining wall we build. This typically includes gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes, and weep holes or drain outlets. The goal is to prevent water from accumulating behind the wall where it creates destructive pressure.

Foundation design also matters. Retaining walls need solid footings below the frost line and extending below any unstable soil. The footing size and reinforcement depend on wall height and the load it must support. We follow engineering specifications exactly to ensure your wall performs as intended. If you're building retaining walls as part of a larger project including patios or outdoor living areas, we coordinate the design for a cohesive, functional result.

Decorative Options and Finishes

Retaining walls don't have to look industrial. We offer numerous finish options to match your home's style and create attractive focal points in your landscape.

Stone veneers provide a natural appearance that blends beautifully with plants and outdoor living spaces. Stucco finishes can be colored and textured to complement your home's exterior. Split-face blocks offer dimensional texture without the cost of natural stone. Smooth finishes work well for modern, clean-lined designs. We can also cap walls with decorative caps, add lighting, or incorporate planters and seating areas. Your retaining wall can be purely functional or become a beautiful landscape feature that adds value and appeal to your property.

Frequently Asked Questions