Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Matter

Retaining walls serve both practical and aesthetic purposes on your property. They hold back soil on sloped lots, prevent erosion, create level areas for patios or lawns, and add visual interest to your landscape. A properly built retaining wall can last for decades and dramatically increase your usable outdoor space.

We build retaining walls throughout Jurupa Valley, CA using various materials and methods. The right design depends on the height of the wall, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and your aesthetic preferences. Retaining walls over a certain height require engineering to ensure they can handle the lateral pressure from the soil behind them.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different wall types. We build whatever works best for your project:

• Concrete block walls: Interlocking masonry units that stack without mortar, ideal for curved designs
• Poured concrete walls: Formed and reinforced concrete for maximum strength and height capability
• Masonry walls: Traditional brick or concrete block with mortar joints for a classic look
• Boulder walls: Natural stone walls for a rustic appearance on lower heights
• Tiered walls: Multiple shorter walls that step down a slope instead of one tall wall

The material and design affect both cost and durability. We help you choose what works for your budget while meeting structural requirements. Walls under 3 feet high typically do not need engineering, but taller walls do.

Critical Factors in Wall Construction

The most important part of any retaining wall is what you cannot see. The foundation must be solid and deep enough to prevent the wall from sliding or tipping. We excavate below the frost line and create a compacted base of gravel for drainage and stability.

Drainage is critical for retaining wall success. Water buildup behind the wall creates tremendous pressure that can cause failure. We install drainage pipes and gravel backfill to direct water away from behind the wall. Weep holes or drainage outlets allow water to escape at controlled points.

For taller walls or poor soil conditions, we install tiebacks or geogrids that anchor into the hillside behind the wall. These reinforcements distribute lateral loads and prevent the wall from bowing or toppling. The engineering calculations tell us exactly where and how to install these critical components.

Retaining walls often connect to foundation work when they support structures or create level building pads. We coordinate all aspects to ensure proper integration between the wall and other concrete elements.

Design Options and Aesthetics

Retaining walls do not have to look industrial. Modern concrete blocks come in many textures and colors that mimic natural stone. Split-face blocks create a rough stone appearance. Smooth-faced units give a contemporary look. Some systems allow you to cap the wall with decorative stones or integrate planters into the design.

Poured concrete walls can include decorative finishes like stamped patterns or staining. Boulder walls provide natural beauty but limit height and require more space. We show you samples and photos of previous projects to help you visualize options.

Curved walls add visual interest and work well in landscape designs. Block systems make curves easy to build. Straight walls are simpler and often more cost-effective for long runs. We design walls that balance structural requirements with aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions