Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

If your property has slopes or grade changes, a retaining wall can solve multiple problems at once. These structures hold back soil, prevent erosion, manage water runoff, and create flat, usable spaces on sloped lots. In San Clemente, where many properties include hillside terrain, retaining walls are often essential for making outdoor areas functional.

Without proper retention, slopes erode during rain, soil slides downhill, and your yard becomes difficult to use or maintain. Retaining walls turn problem slopes into terraced gardens, level patios, or stable planting areas. They also protect structures by directing water away from foundations and preventing soil movement near buildings.

We build retaining walls for residential and commercial properties. From small garden walls a few feet high to engineered walls for major grade changes, we have the experience to handle your project safely and correctly. Visit our main services page to see everything we offer.

Types of Retaining Walls

Different situations call for different wall types. The height of your wall, soil conditions, and aesthetic preferences all factor into choosing the right system. We work with several retaining wall types and help you select what works best for your property.

Here are the retaining walls we typically build:

• Concrete block walls using interlocking masonry units for strength and appearance
• Poured concrete walls for maximum strength and smooth, modern looks
• Natural stone veneer walls combining concrete structure with stone aesthetics
• Segmental retaining walls using modular blocks designed specifically for retention
• Engineered walls for challenging sites or walls over 4 feet tall

Most residential walls under 4 feet tall don't require engineering, though proper construction techniques are still critical. Taller walls or those in difficult soil conditions need professional engineering to ensure safety and meet code requirements.

What Makes a Wall Stand Up

A retaining wall fights constant pressure from the soil behind it. Water makes this pressure even greater. That's why drainage is the most important part of retaining wall construction. Every wall we build includes proper drainage systems that let water escape instead of building up behind the wall.

We install drainage pipes at the base of the wall, use gravel backfill that lets water flow freely, and include weep holes that allow water to drain through the wall face. Without these features, even a well-built wall can fail when water pressure builds up behind it. This is especially important in San Clemente, where our winter rains can saturate hillsides.

The foundation is equally critical. We excavate below grade and create a solid base, usually compacted gravel with a concrete footing for taller walls. The wall needs to lean slightly back into the slope for stability. All these details work together to create a wall that stands strong for decades. We also handle other structural concrete work like foundations and footings for buildings and additions.

Design and Aesthetic Options

Your retaining wall doesn't have to look like a plain concrete barrier. Modern block systems come in dozens of colors, textures, and styles. You can create walls that look like natural stone, aged brick, or contemporary split-face designs. Curved walls, terraced systems with multiple levels, and integrated planters add visual interest to functional structures.

For poured concrete walls, we can add decorative finishes, stains, or veneers that match your home's style. Cap stones provide a finished look on top of the wall. Lighting can be integrated into the design for both safety and aesthetics. We help you balance function, appearance, and budget to create a wall that works and looks great.

Retaining walls are permanent features of your landscape. Taking time to choose materials and designs you'll be happy with for years is worth the effort. If you're interested in other decorative concrete options, check out our stamped and decorative concrete services.

Frequently Asked Questions