Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Retaining walls serve an important purpose. They hold back soil on slopes, create level areas in hilly yards, prevent erosion, and define outdoor spaces. A properly built retaining wall can last for decades while transforming unusable sloped ground into functional terraces, garden beds, or level play areas. We build retaining walls and concrete masonry in Fountain Valley using materials and techniques that ensure long-term stability and attractive appearance.

Whether you need a short garden wall or a tall engineered retaining structure, we handle the entire project from design through construction. Our team understands soil pressure, drainage requirements, and proper building techniques that prevent wall failure and settling over time.

Retaining Wall Options

Concrete block walls use interlocking masonry units designed specifically for retaining soil. These walls work well for heights up to about 4 feet and offer various face styles from smooth to textured stone patterns. Block walls are relatively affordable and straightforward to build correctly.

Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for taller installations or situations requiring engineered solutions. We build forms, place reinforcing steel, and pour concrete to create a solid monolithic wall. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or veneered with stone or brick facing for aesthetic appeal.

Concrete masonry unit walls use standard concrete blocks reinforced with steel and filled with concrete. These economical walls work well for commercial properties, industrial sites, or residential applications where appearance is less critical than function. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering and permits.

What Our Wall Construction Includes

• •Site evaluation and wall design to meet your specific needs
• •Engineering consultation for walls over 4 feet or complex conditions
• •Proper excavation and compacted base preparation
• •Drainage systems behind the wall to prevent water pressure buildup
• •Quality materials appropriate for the wall height and soil conditions
• •Proper setback and batter for long-term stability
• •Permits and inspections when required by local codes

Building a Wall That Lasts

Every retaining wall starts with understanding the soil conditions and the amount of soil the wall needs to retain. Walls holding back significant weight require careful design and proper construction techniques. We excavate to stable soil, create a level compacted base, and often pour a concrete footing to support the wall.

Drainage is critical for retaining wall success. Water saturated soil behind a wall creates enormous pressure that can cause bulging or failure. We install drainage pipe behind the wall, backfill with gravel, and ensure water can escape rather than build up pressure. This simple step prevents most retaining wall problems.

As we build the wall, we maintain proper setback or batter. This means each course leans slightly back into the soil it retains, helping the wall resist overturning forces. We also ensure vertical alignment and level courses so the finished wall looks professional and performs correctly.

Where Retaining Walls Make Sense

Sloped yards can be terraced with retaining walls to create multiple level areas for patios, gardens, or play spaces. Walls along property lines prevent soil from your yard washing onto neighboring properties. Driveway cuts into hillsides require walls to support the soil above and beside the drive.

Raised planter beds use low retaining walls to contain soil and define garden spaces. Commercial properties often need taller walls for parking lot grading or site development. We also build walls as part of foundation work and structural projects.

If you have a sloped yard, erosion problems, or want to create usable flat space, a retaining wall may be the solution. Call us to evaluate your property and discuss your options. We provide clear recommendations and accurate estimates for walls that will serve your property well for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions