Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls serve critical functions on properties with slopes or elevation changes. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, create usable flat areas, and add structure to your landscape. A well-built retaining wall can transform unusable hillside into functional outdoor space while protecting your property from soil movement and water damage.

Here in Downey, CA, we work with various terrain challenges. Some properties have natural slopes. Others need walls to create terraced gardens or level areas for patios and outdoor living spaces. Whether you need a small garden wall or a tall structural wall, proper design and construction are essential for safety and longevity.

Retaining walls also add significant aesthetic value. They define spaces, create visual interest, and can be designed to complement your home and landscape. From simple concrete block walls to decorative stone masonry, the options let you combine function with beauty.

Retaining Wall Options

Different retaining wall systems work better for different applications. The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, drainage needs, and your budget and aesthetic preferences.

Retaining Wall Systems We Build

• Concrete block walls for strength and versatility with various finishes
• Poured concrete walls for maximum strength and modern clean lines
• Natural stone masonry for timeless beauty and character
• Segmental retaining wall blocks that interlock for easy installation
• Brick masonry for traditional elegance and curb appeal
• Veneer stone over concrete for the look of stone at lower cost

Each system has specific engineering requirements for height limits, drainage, and reinforcement. Walls under 4 feet are usually straightforward. Taller walls may need engineering stamps and building permits. We handle all the technical details and permitting so your wall is both safe and legal. Our masonry expertise extends to all types of foundation and structural concrete work.

How We Build Retaining Walls Right

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage system. Many failed walls were built on inadequate footings or lack proper drainage. Water pressure builds up behind the wall, soil gets saturated, and eventually the wall fails. We prevent these problems through proper construction from the ground up.

Every retaining wall starts with a solid footing below the frost line. The footing must be level and properly sized for the wall height and soil type. For taller walls, we may need to step the footing to follow slopes while maintaining adequate depth.

Drainage is critical. We install drainage pipes behind walls to collect and redirect water. Gravel backfill allows water to flow freely to the drain pipes instead of building pressure against the wall. Weep holes let water escape at regular intervals. These drainage features are not optional. They are essential for wall survival.

As the wall goes up, we ensure proper backfill compaction, correct batter or setback for stability, and adequate reinforcement where needed. For tall walls, we may add geogrid reinforcement that extends into the soil behind the wall. Every detail matters when building structures that hold back tons of soil.

Common Uses and Benefits

Retaining walls solve practical problems while enhancing your property. They create level areas for lawns, gardens, or outdoor patios on sloped lots. They prevent soil erosion that can undermine structures or wash away landscaping. They define property boundaries and separate different landscape zones.

Many homeowners use retaining walls to create terraced gardens with multiple planting levels. This not only looks beautiful but also improves drainage and makes gardening easier on slopes. Retaining walls can also support raised planters, water features, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits.

From a property value perspective, well-built retaining walls are a smart investment. They prevent expensive erosion damage, add usable square footage to your yard, and significantly improve curb appeal. Quality masonry work can increase your home value by thousands of dollars while making your outdoor space more enjoyable.