Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Solving Slope Problems With Retaining Walls

Sloped yards create challenges for landscaping, drainage, and usable space. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas where you can install patios, gardens, or lawns. Without retaining walls, sloped soil erodes over time, especially during heavy rain. This erosion damages landscaping, creates drainage problems, and can even threaten structures if soil washes away from foundations or undermines other features.

Here in La Mirada, many properties have some slope that limits how you can use your outdoor space. A retaining wall lets you terrace a hillside into multiple level areas, each with its own purpose. The upper tier might hold a lawn while the lower level provides space for a patio. Walls also define property boundaries, create raised planting beds, and add architectural interest to flat yards. Whether you need a small decorative wall for landscaping or a tall structural wall to create usable space, we design and build walls that serve your needs and last for decades.

Retaining Wall and Masonry Options

We build several types of retaining walls depending on height, soil conditions, and your aesthetic preferences. Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength and are ideal for tall walls or situations with significant soil pressure. We form and pour these walls on site with appropriate reinforcement, then finish them smooth or apply texture. Concrete masonry walls use concrete blocks stacked and mortared together, with steel reinforcement in the cores for strength. These walls accept various finishes from natural block appearance to stucco coatings.

Interlocking block systems provide another option. These manufactured blocks stack without mortar and rely on their design and weight for stability. They work well for shorter walls and offer many color and texture choices. For taller walls or difficult soil conditions, we may recommend a concrete wall with decorative facing. This combines structural strength with attractive appearance. Whatever system we use, proper engineering and drainage are critical. Walls must be designed to handle the soil pressure behind them, and drainage systems prevent water buildup that could cause wall failure.

Wall Types and Applications

• Poured concrete walls for maximum strength and tall applications
• Concrete masonry block walls in various finishes
• Interlocking block systems for decorative applications
• Terracing walls creating multiple level areas
• Property boundary walls for definition and security
• Raised planter walls for landscaping
• Seat walls combining function and seating
• Freestanding walls for privacy or decoration

Building Walls That Last

Retaining walls are structural elements that must be engineered properly. The taller the wall and the more soil it retains, the more critical engineering becomes. Walls over four feet tall typically require engineer approval and building permits. Even shorter walls benefit from proper design to ensure they can handle soil pressure, water drainage, and seismic forces. We work with structural engineers when required and follow their specifications exactly.

Installation starts with excavation and foundation preparation. The wall needs a solid, level base to prevent settling. We excavate behind the wall to install drainage systems. Gravel backfill and drainage pipes collect water and channel it away rather than letting it build up pressure behind the wall. For taller walls, we install tiebacks or deadman anchors that extend into the retained soil for added stability. As we build the wall, we add reinforcement and ensure everything stays level and plumb. The finished wall should stand for decades without movement or failure if built correctly from the start.

Additional Concrete Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we handle various other concrete masonry projects. Block walls for property boundaries, trash enclosures, or equipment screening serve practical purposes while enhancing appearance. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits create gathering spaces for entertaining. Built-in barbecue islands with concrete masonry construction provide permanent outdoor cooking facilities. Decorative columns and pillars add architectural interest at entries or along walkways.

Seat walls around patios provide both seating and definition to outdoor spaces. Raised planter beds let you create terraced gardens or raised bed vegetable gardens with better drainage and accessibility. Privacy walls screen unsightly views or create secluded areas in your yard. Whatever masonry structure you need, we design it to coordinate with your existing concrete work and overall property aesthetic. Masonry structures are permanent and substantial, so getting the design and location right matters. We help you plan these features so they enhance your property function and value.

Frequently Asked Questions