Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls solve multiple problems on sloped properties. They hold back soil to create level terraces for patios, lawns, or gardens. They prevent erosion and soil movement during heavy rain. They protect structures and hardscaping from settling or sliding. And they add functional outdoor living space where slopes previously made the area unusable.

Here in Encinitas, many properties have challenging topography. Whether you are dealing with a steep hillside lot, a sloped backyard, or a drainage problem near your foundation, a properly engineered retaining wall can transform the space and protect your investment.

Types of Retaining Walls

We install several types of retaining walls depending on the height, soil conditions, and aesthetic preferences:

• •Poured concrete retaining walls: Solid, durable walls that can handle significant soil pressure and create clean vertical surfaces.
• •Concrete block (CMU) walls: Cost-effective and versatile, these walls use concrete masonry units with steel reinforcement and grout-filled cores.
• •Segmental retaining wall blocks: Interlocking blocks that create terraced walls with a decorative appearance.
• •Brick and stone masonry walls: Traditional materials that offer timeless beauty and can match your home exterior.
• •Combination walls: Concrete foundations with decorative stone or brick veneer for strength and appearance.

Each system has advantages depending on your budget, the height and length of the wall, and the look you want. We work with engineers when required and ensure all walls meet local building codes and structural requirements.

What Makes a Strong Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage. We start with proper excavation and a compacted gravel base that provides stability and drainage. For walls over 4 feet tall, we work from engineered plans that specify footing size, reinforcement, and backfill requirements.

Drainage is critical. We install perforated drain pipes behind the wall to channel water away and prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up. We backfill with free-draining gravel instead of clay soil. And we ensure the wall has a slight backward lean (batter) to counteract soil pressure.

For taller walls or walls supporting structures, we add steel reinforcement, tie-backs, or deadman anchors as specified by the engineer. These details make the difference between a wall that lasts 50 years and one that fails within 5.

More Than Just Retaining Walls

We also install concrete masonry for other applications: garden walls, seat walls, planters, outdoor fireplaces, and privacy screens. We build patio walls with integrated seating or fire pit surrounds. We construct commercial masonry walls for parking lots, commercial landscaping, and perimeter screening.

Whatever your masonry project involves, we bring craftsmanship and attention to detail. We make sure walls are plumb, courses are level, and joints are consistent. The result is masonry work that looks professional and performs reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions