Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Functional and attractive walls that hold back soil and define outdoor spaces.
Why Retaining Walls Matter
Retaining walls do important work on sloped properties. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create usable flat areas on hillsides. Without proper retaining structures, slopes can wash away during heavy rains, undermine structures, or simply make your yard unusable.
Here in Moorpark, we work with varied terrain. Some properties have gentle slopes that need minor terracing. Others have steep hillsides requiring substantial engineered walls. In all cases, proper design and construction are essential. A failing retaining wall is not just an eyesore, it is a safety hazard and expensive problem to fix.
Beyond function, retaining walls add structure and visual interest to your landscape. They define spaces, create planting beds, and can incorporate seating or other features. When you need quality concrete construction that combines engineering with aesthetics, retaining walls deliver both.
Types of Retaining Walls
We build several types of retaining walls, each suited to different situations:
- Concrete block walls: Interlocking blocks that stack without mortar, good for walls up to 3-4 feet
- Poured concrete walls: Reinforced concrete for taller or heavily loaded walls
- Concrete masonry units (CMU): Mortared concrete blocks, versatile and economical
- Boulder or stone walls: Natural materials for rustic appearance, requires skilled placement
- Timber walls: Pressure-treated lumber for smaller walls in informal settings
Wall height, soil conditions, and appearance preferences guide material selection. Short walls under three feet have more options. Taller walls require engineering and stronger construction methods. We consider drainage, seismic requirements, and local codes when designing your wall.
Building Walls That Last
The most common reason retaining walls fail is poor drainage. Water trapped behind a wall creates enormous pressure that pushes outward. Even well-built walls can fail if drainage is inadequate. Here is how we prevent that:
Every retaining wall needs drainage. We install perforated drain pipes at the base of the wall, surrounded by gravel. This collects water and channels it away rather than letting it build up. Weep holes or gaps in the wall facing allow water to escape. Backfill with gravel rather than clay soil improves drainage throughout the wall system.
Foundation work depends on wall height and soil conditions. Short walls may only need a gravel base. Taller walls require concrete footings below grade to provide stable support and prevent settling. The footing must be deep enough to get below any loose or unstable soil.
Wall construction follows specific techniques for each material. Block walls get pinned together with rebar through their cores. Poured walls need proper formwork, reinforcement, and consolidation. The wall must be slightly tilted back into the hillside, creating what we call batter. This angle improves stability. Similar to our foundation work, proper engineering and reinforcement are critical for structural integrity.
Design Considerations
Retaining walls work best when planned as part of your overall landscape design. Consider these factors:
Height and terracing: Breaking one tall wall into multiple shorter terraces is often better. Shorter walls require less engineering, cost less, and look more natural. The flat areas between tiers become usable space for planting or paths.
Curves and angles: Walls do not have to be straight. Gentle curves add visual interest and can actually strengthen the wall by providing additional resistance against soil pressure. Corners need special attention to prevent failure at these high-stress points.
Materials and finish: Your retaining wall should complement your home and landscape. We offer various block textures, colors, and cap styles. Poured walls can be smooth, textured, or covered with stone veneer. The goal is a wall that looks intentional, not like an afterthought.
Integration: Think about how the wall connects to other features. Does it need to tie into a patio or driveway? Should it include steps or ramps? Planning these connections from the start creates better results than trying to add them later.
When Engineering Is Required
Building codes require engineering for taller retaining walls, typically anything over four feet. Even shorter walls may need engineering if they support structures, have poor soil, or carry heavy loads. Here is what to expect:
A structural engineer analyzes your site conditions, including soil type, slope angle, and water conditions. They calculate the forces acting on the wall and design it to resist those forces safely. The engineer provides construction drawings showing dimensions, reinforcement, drainage, and other details.
These engineered plans are submitted with your building permit application. An inspector reviews the plans and visits during construction to verify everything is built correctly. While this adds time and cost upfront, it ensures your wall is safe and legal.
We work with engineers regularly and can coordinate this process. In many cases, we already know what the engineer will specify for typical situations. However, every site has unique factors, so professional engineering is important for larger projects.