Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

What Retaining Walls Do

Retaining walls hold back soil and create level areas on sloped properties. They prevent erosion, control drainage, and turn unusable slopes into functional space. If your yard slopes significantly, a retaining wall might be the solution to creating a level patio, driveway, or garden area.

But retaining walls are more than just stacked blocks or poured concrete. They're engineered structures that need to withstand significant forces from the soil and water behind them. A poorly designed or built retaining wall will lean, crack, or fail completely. We build walls that are both functional and built to last.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Concrete Block Walls

Concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls use reinforced concrete blocks. We build them on concrete footings, reinforce with rebar and grout, and finish with stucco or leave them natural. CMU walls are strong, economical, and work well for walls up to 6 or 8 feet tall. They can be painted or finished to match your home's exterior.

Poured Concrete Walls

For taller walls or areas with significant loads, poured concrete provides maximum strength. We build forms, install heavy reinforcement, and pour solid concrete walls that can handle extreme conditions. These walls require more planning and preparation but offer unmatched durability.

Decorative Masonry

Retaining walls don't have to look industrial. We can build decorative stone or block walls that serve a structural purpose while enhancing your landscape. Whether you prefer a rustic stacked stone look or clean modern blocks, we can create walls that fit your aesthetic. For complete outdoor living solutions, we also handle patio installation that complements your masonry work.

What Goes Into a Good Retaining Wall

• Proper foundation: Retaining walls need solid footings below the frost line (or below soft soil in our climate) to prevent settlement.
• Adequate drainage: Water buildup behind the wall creates pressure that causes failure. We install drainage systems to relieve this pressure.
• Correct reinforcement: Steel reinforcement ties the wall together and gives it strength to resist the forces pushing against it.
• Proper backfill: The soil behind the wall needs to be properly compacted and graded to prevent settlement and direct water to drains.
• Engineering when needed: Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineered plans. We work with structural engineers to design walls that meet code.
• Quality materials: We use materials specified for retaining wall applications, not just standard blocks or concrete.

Our Installation Process

Every retaining wall starts with understanding the site conditions. How much height do we need to retain? What's the soil like? Where will water go? Are there utilities we need to work around? These factors determine the type of wall and construction method.

We excavate for footings and install a concrete base for the wall. For block walls, we set the first course in mortar on the footing, then build up the wall with reinforcing steel placed vertically in the cores. We fill the cores with grout as we go. Behind the wall, we install drainage pipe and gravel to channel water away.

For poured walls, we build forms on both sides of the wall location, install rebar cages, and pour concrete in lifts. After the concrete cures and we strip the forms, we install drainage behind the wall and carefully backfill. The backfill needs to be placed and compacted in layers to avoid putting excessive pressure on the new wall. If your wall project requires foundation work, we also provide foundation and footing services for complete structural solutions.

Retaining Walls in Carson

While Carson is relatively flat, we do work on properties with slopes or elevation changes. Building codes may require permits and engineering for retaining walls, especially those over 4 feet tall or located near property lines. We handle the permit process and coordinate with engineers when needed.

Our area's clay soils can create lateral pressure on retaining walls, especially when they get saturated. That's why drainage is so critical in our retaining wall designs. We make sure water can't build up behind your wall and cause problems. Ready to discuss your retaining wall project? Contact us for a consultation and estimate.