Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

If your property has slopes, uneven terrain, or drainage issues, a retaining wall can solve those problems. Retaining walls are used to level yards, create terraced gardens, prevent hillside erosion, support driveways on slopes, and manage water flow during rainstorms.

In Pomona, many properties have natural slopes or hillside lots. Without proper retaining structures, soil can wash away during heavy rain, undermining foundations, driveways, and landscaping. A retaining wall holds the soil in place and channels water safely away from structures.

Retaining walls also add usable space. If your backyard slopes down, a retaining wall lets you create a level patio or play area. If your driveway sits below grade, a retaining wall can support the cut and prevent cave-ins. The right retaining wall turns difficult terrain into functional outdoor space.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

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

• •Poured concrete walls: Solid, reinforced concrete walls built on deep footings. Strong, durable, and suitable for tall walls or heavy loads. Can be finished smooth or textured.
• •Concrete block walls (CMU): Walls built from concrete masonry units stacked and reinforced with rebar and grout. Versatile, cost-effective, and faster to build than poured walls.
• •Segmental retaining walls: Interlocking concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining applications. These walls have a natural stone look and don't require mortar. Good for shorter walls and curved designs.
• •Cantilever walls: Engineered concrete walls with a base slab that extends back under the soil for extra stability. Used for taller walls where more strength is needed.

The best type depends on the wall height, the soil behind it, and what you're retaining. Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering and permits. We can design and build retaining walls of any height and handle all the permitting and inspections. We also work closely with structural engineers when required.

How We Build Retaining Walls

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires careful planning and solid construction. Here's our process:

First, we assess the site and determine the wall height, length, and soil conditions. For walls over 4 feet, we'll work with a structural engineer to design the wall and ensure it meets local codes. We also plan for drainage, which is critical for any retaining wall.

Next, we excavate the area and pour concrete footings below the frost line. The footings need to be wide and deep enough to support the wall and resist the pressure from the soil behind it. We place rebar in the footings and tie it into the wall for added strength.

We build the wall using poured concrete, concrete blocks, or segmental units depending on the design. For concrete block walls, we stack the blocks, insert rebar vertically through the cores, and fill them with grout. For poured walls, we build forms, place rebar, and pour the concrete all at once.

Drainage is installed behind the wall. We typically use perforated drain pipe at the base with gravel backfill to allow water to escape. Without proper drainage, water pressure builds up behind the wall and can cause it to crack, lean, or fail. Weep holes or drainage outlets at the base let water flow through.

Finally, we backfill behind the wall with gravel and soil, compact it in layers, and finish the top of the wall. Depending on your preference, we can cap the wall with flat stones, add a finished edge, or leave it with a simple troweled top.

Why Drainage and Engineering Matter

Retaining walls fail when water pressure builds up behind them. Even a small amount of trapped water adds significant force over time. That's why every retaining wall needs a drainage system. We install gravel backfill, perforated pipe, and weep holes to channel water away.

For taller walls, engineering is required by code and for good reason. An engineer calculates the loads, designs the footing size and reinforcement, and ensures the wall can handle the soil pressure and any additional loads like driveways or buildings above.

We've seen too many DIY retaining walls that lean, crack, or collapse because they weren't built right. Retaining walls are structural projects that need professional design and construction. Cutting corners leads to expensive failures down the road. We do it right the first time so you never have to worry about it.

Other Concrete Masonry Services

In addition to retaining walls, we handle all types of concrete masonry work:

Block walls for property lines, privacy, or security. Columns and pillars for gates, pergolas, or decorative features. Planters and raised beds built from concrete block or poured concrete. Steps and entry walls that tie into your walkways and patios.

Whatever your masonry needs, we bring the same attention to detail and quality construction. We work with your landscape design, match existing finishes, and build structures that last.