Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Build functional, attractive retaining walls and masonry structures that control erosion, create usable space, and enhance your property.
Solving Slope and Drainage Problems
Retaining walls serve important functions on properties with slopes, elevation changes, or drainage issues. They hold back soil to create level areas, prevent erosion, manage water flow, and turn unusable hillsides into functional outdoor spaces. A well-designed retaining wall can transform your property while solving problems that would otherwise limit how you use your land.
We build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures throughout Lathrop and San Joaquin County for residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a small garden wall or a major slope stabilization project, we design and construct walls that are both structurally sound and visually appealing.
The key to successful retaining wall projects is proper engineering and installation. A retaining wall holds back tons of soil and water pressure. If it's not designed correctly or built with adequate strength and drainage, it will fail. We don't cut corners on the critical elements that make retaining walls last decades instead of years.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different wall types. The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, appearance preferences, and budget.
Retaining Wall Options
- Concrete block walls using interlocking masonry blocks in various styles
- Poured concrete walls for maximum strength and custom designs
- Concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls for commercial and industrial applications
- Decorative stone-faced walls combining structural concrete with natural stone veneer
- Tiered wall systems for managing larger elevation changes
- Garden and landscape walls for planter beds and terracing
Segmental retaining wall blocks are popular for residential projects because they come in attractive styles, install relatively quickly, and work well for walls up to about 4 feet high. For taller walls or situations with challenging soil conditions, poured concrete provides superior strength and stability.
We'll evaluate your site, discuss your goals, and recommend the wall type that best fits your situation. Factors like wall height, property access for equipment, desired appearance, and long-term durability all influence which approach makes the most sense.
Essential Elements of Proper Wall Construction
Retaining walls require careful attention to structural details that aren't obvious from the outside. The work you don't see determines whether a wall stands for 50 years or starts failing in 5.
Critical Components
Foundation: Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation below the frost line. We excavate a trench, install compacted gravel base, and pour a concrete footing or set the first course of blocks in proper base material. The foundation must be level and adequately sized to support the wall and soil load.
Drainage: Water buildup behind a retaining wall creates pressure that can cause failure. We install drainage systems including perforated pipe, gravel backfill, and weep holes to direct water away from the wall. Proper drainage is not optional on retaining walls.
Reinforcement: Walls over certain heights require reinforcement with steel rebar or geogrid systems that tie back into the soil. We follow engineering specifications and building codes to ensure walls have adequate strength for the loads they'll carry.
Backfill: The material behind the wall matters. We use proper drainage gravel near the wall and carefully compact backfill in layers to prevent settlement. Poor backfill technique causes walls to lean or fail even when everything else is done correctly.
Building codes typically require engineering for walls over 4 feet tall. We work with structural engineers when needed and handle permit requirements so your wall meets all regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls
How tall can you build a retaining wall?
We can build retaining walls of virtually any height, though requirements and costs increase significantly for taller walls. Walls up to 4 feet are relatively straightforward and often don't require engineering. Walls from 4 to 8 feet typically need engineering calculations and permits. Walls over 8 feet require professional engineering, permits, inspections, and more substantial construction with steel reinforcement and deeper foundations. For very large elevation changes, we sometimes recommend tiered walls with level areas between tiers instead of one tall wall, which reduces cost and looks more natural.
How long does it take to build a retaining wall?
Timeline depends on wall size, type, and site conditions. A simple 50-foot long, 3-foot high block wall might take 3 to 5 days including excavation, base prep, wall installation, and backfill. Larger projects or poured concrete walls take longer. Complex sites with access challenges or significant excavation needs add time. If engineering and permits are required, plan for additional weeks before construction can start. Weather also affects timelines since we can't work effectively in rain or when ground conditions are too wet. We'll give you a realistic schedule estimate when we quote your project.
Can you repair an existing retaining wall that's failing?
It depends on why the wall is failing and how far the failure has progressed. Minor issues like a few loose blocks or small cracks can often be repaired. If a wall is leaning significantly, bulging, or has widespread structural problems, repair usually isn't practical or safe. The underlying issue that caused the failure needs to be addressed, which typically means rebuilding. We can evaluate your existing wall and give you honest advice about whether repair is viable or if replacement is the safer, more cost-effective option. A failing retaining wall is a safety hazard and should be addressed promptly before it gets worse.
Transform Your Property With Professional Masonry
From residential garden walls to commercial retaining structures, we build masonry that lasts. We handle everything from initial site evaluation and engineering to final construction and landscaping restoration.
Looking for other ways to improve your property? We also install patios, driveways, and flatwork throughout the Lathrop area.