Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Functional and attractive retaining walls that solve drainage and grading challenges.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls hold back soil on sloped properties. They create level areas for yards, patios, and driveways. They prevent erosion and soil movement. And they manage water drainage to protect your property from damage. A well-built retaining wall is both functional and attractive.
Many Simi Valley properties have slopes and elevation changes. Without proper retaining walls, soil can wash away during rain, landscaping becomes difficult, and you lose usable yard space. Retaining walls turn problem slopes into functional outdoor areas. They can also create terraced gardens, raised planting beds, and defined property boundaries.
Retaining Wall Options
Concrete Block Walls
Concrete block retaining walls use interlocking concrete units designed specifically for wall construction. These blocks come in various colors, textures, and sizes. They install relatively quickly and work well for walls up to 4 feet tall. The blocks stack and lock together, creating a strong wall that resists the pressure of soil behind it.
Poured Concrete Walls
Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for taller walls or heavy soil loads. We build forms, install rebar reinforcement, and pour concrete to create a solid wall. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or veneered with stone or brick. Poured walls work well when you need structural strength and durability.
Natural Stone Walls
Natural stone retaining walls combine concrete foundations with stacked stone facing. This creates a wall with the strength of concrete and the beauty of natural stone. We build a concrete base and backing wall, then add stone veneer to the visible face. This approach works well for shorter decorative walls and landscaping features.
Proper Wall Design and Installation
Retaining walls are engineered structures. They must resist the lateral pressure of soil trying to push them over. Poor design or installation leads to leaning, cracking, or complete failure. We build walls that last by following proper engineering principles and construction techniques.
Every retaining wall project starts with assessment. We evaluate the soil, measure the height and length needed, and determine the load the wall must support. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering and permits. We work with structural engineers when needed and handle all permit requirements.
Here is what goes into a properly built retaining wall:
- Excavation and grading to proper depth and angle
- Compacted gravel base for stability and drainage
- Concrete footings below frost line for taller walls
- Proper backfill material (not native soil)
- Drainage systems to prevent water buildup behind the wall
- Reinforcement (rebar or geogrid) as needed
- Cap stones or finishing for weather protection
The Critical Role of Drainage
Water is the enemy of retaining walls. When water builds up behind a wall, it adds tremendous pressure and can cause failure. Proper drainage is not optional. It is essential for long-term performance.
We install drainage systems in every retaining wall. This typically includes gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes at the base, and weep holes or gaps to let water escape. The drainage system directs water away from the wall instead of letting it accumulate. This simple step prevents most retaining wall problems.
We also make sure water from your property drains properly around and away from the wall. Sometimes this means adding surface drains, adjusting grading, or connecting to existing drainage systems. Good drainage planning during construction saves expensive repairs later.
Common Uses for Retaining Walls
We build retaining walls for many purposes. They create level areas for patios and outdoor living spaces. They support driveways on sloped properties. They prevent erosion along hillsides and property lines. They create raised planter beds and terraced gardens. They define spaces and add visual interest to landscaping.
If your property has slopes, drainage issues, or areas where you want to create more usable space, a retaining wall might be the solution. We assess your site and help you determine if a retaining wall will solve your problem. We also design walls that fit your property's style and your budget.
Our retaining wall services cover all of Simi Valley and nearby areas. We understand local soil conditions, building codes, and permit requirements. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural wall to support a driveway, we have the experience and equipment to build it right.
Retaining Wall Questions
Need a Retaining Wall?
We provide free site assessments and estimates for retaining walls throughout Simi Valley.
Call (805) 285-4986