Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Engineered walls that control erosion, create usable space, and add beauty to your landscape.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls serve an important function. They hold back soil on sloped properties, prevent erosion, and create level areas where you can build or plant. Without a retaining wall, soil can wash away during heavy rain, damage your landscaping, or even threaten your home's foundation.
We have been building retaining walls and concrete masonry in Davis, CA since 2024. Whether you need a small garden wall or a tall engineered structure to support a hillside, we design and build walls that are both functional and attractive.
Types of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls come in several styles and materials. The right choice depends on the height of the wall, soil conditions, and the look you want. Here are the most common types we build:
- Poured concrete walls: Solid, durable walls for heavy loads and tall structures
- Concrete block (CMU) walls: Versatile and cost-effective, great for a variety of heights
- Segmental retaining walls: Interlocking blocks in various colors and textures
- Gravity walls: Low walls that rely on their own weight to hold back soil
- Cantilever walls: Engineered walls with deep footings for taller applications
For walls over 4 feet tall, we work with structural engineers to ensure the design meets safety standards and local building codes.
Engineering and Drainage
A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage system. Water pressure is the number one cause of retaining wall failure. If water builds up behind the wall, it adds extra weight and pressure that can cause the wall to crack, lean, or collapse.
We always include proper drainage in our retaining wall designs. This means installing gravel backfill behind the wall, weep holes or drainage pipes to let water escape, and sometimes a French drain system to redirect water away from the wall. We also build strong concrete footings below the frost line to anchor the wall and prevent settling. These steps take extra time and materials, but they are essential for a wall that lasts.
Aesthetic Options and Landscaping
Retaining walls do not have to be plain gray concrete. We offer various finishes, colors, and textures to match your landscape design. Segmental block walls come in natural stone colors and split-face textures that blend well with plants and outdoor features. Poured concrete walls can be finished smooth, stamped with patterns, or faced with stone veneer for a custom look.
Many homeowners use retaining walls to create terraced garden beds, raised planters, or seating areas. You can integrate lighting, cap stones, or decorative columns to enhance the design. We also work closely with landscapers if you want to coordinate your retaining wall with other outdoor projects like patios or walkways.