Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They hold back soil on sloped properties, prevent erosion, and create usable flat areas for patios, gardens, or driveways. A well-built retaining wall can transform a difficult hillside into valuable outdoor living space.

Without proper retaining walls, sloped yards are prone to soil erosion, landslides, and drainage problems. Water runoff can damage your property and your neighbor's. A retaining wall controls these issues while adding structure and beauty to your landscape. Learn more about our concrete services in Hawthorne.

Types of Retaining Walls

We build several types of retaining walls, each suited to different applications. Here are the most common:

• Concrete block walls: Modular blocks that stack and interlock. Available in many styles and colors. Great for DIY or professional installation.
• Poured concrete walls: Solid, monolithic walls built with forms and rebar. The strongest option for high walls and heavy loads.
• Concrete masonry walls: Built with concrete masonry units (CMUs). Strong, affordable, and easy to reinforce.
• Stone veneer walls: Poured concrete walls with a natural stone face. Combines strength with aesthetic appeal.
• Timber and concrete hybrid: Wooden posts set in concrete footings with horizontal timbers. Good for rustic, natural looks.

We help you choose the right type based on wall height, soil conditions, budget, and appearance. For foundation work related to retaining walls, check out our concrete foundation services.

What Makes a Strong Retaining Wall

Building a retaining wall is more than stacking blocks or pouring concrete. It requires engineering, drainage, and proper construction techniques. Here is what we focus on:

• Proper foundation: We excavate below grade and pour a solid concrete footing to support the wall.
• Drainage systems: We install gravel backfill and perforated drain pipes to prevent water buildup behind the wall.
• Reinforcement: Tall walls need rebar or geogrid reinforcement to resist soil pressure and prevent failure.
• Battered design: We angle the wall slightly back into the slope for stability and strength.
• Proper backfill: We use free-draining gravel behind the wall, not clay or soil that holds water.

These steps ensure your wall stays standing for decades. For patio and walkway work near retaining walls, see our concrete patio services.

The Construction Process

Building a retaining wall is a multi-day project that requires planning and precision. Here is what to expect:

First, we meet with you to discuss wall location, height, and design. We evaluate soil conditions and drainage needs. Then we secure any required permits and schedule inspections.

Next, we excavate the site and pour concrete footings. After the footings cure, we build the wall using your chosen materials. We install drainage systems and backfill with gravel as we go. Finally, we compact the backfill and finish the top of the wall.

Most retaining wall projects take 3 to 7 days, depending on height and complexity. Taller walls may require engineering and additional inspections. We keep you informed throughout the process and leave the site clean when we are done.

Frequently Asked Questions