Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Structural walls that manage slopes, prevent erosion, and create usable space.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
If your property has slopes, uneven terrain, or soil that's washing away, a retaining wall solves the problem. Retaining walls hold back soil, prevent erosion, manage water drainage, and create level areas you can actually use. Without proper retaining structures, sloped properties lose soil every time it rains, creating unsafe conditions and wasting usable space.
In La Habra, we see plenty of properties with elevation changes that need retaining walls. Whether you're creating a level backyard, protecting a hillside, building a raised garden bed, or preventing soil from sliding onto your driveway, a properly built retaining wall handles the pressure and lasts for decades.
At ChoiceHelp La Habra Concrete, we build retaining walls using concrete block, poured concrete, and other masonry materials. We assess your site conditions, determine what height and type of wall you need, and build it to handle the soil pressure and drainage requirements. This is structural work that needs to be engineered and built correctly.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
The right type of retaining wall depends on the height you need, soil conditions, appearance preferences, and budget. Here are the main options:
Concrete Block Walls
Interlocking concrete blocks stack together to create strong, modular walls. They're cost-effective, come in various colors and textures, and work well for walls up to about 4 feet tall. Block walls are relatively quick to install and provide good drainage when built with proper backfill.
Poured Concrete Walls
For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete with steel reinforcement is the way to go. These walls require concrete footings, formwork, and proper engineering, but they provide unmatched strength and longevity. Poured walls can be finished with various textures or faced with stone for appearance.
Concrete Masonry Walls
Standard concrete masonry units (CMUs or cinder blocks) reinforced with steel and concrete fill create strong, economical retaining walls. These are common for commercial applications and taller residential walls. They can be stuccoed, painted, or faced with stone veneer to improve appearance.
- •Site evaluation to determine wall height, base width, and reinforcement needs
- •Proper drainage system behind the wall to prevent water pressure buildup
- •Compacted base or poured footing to prevent settling
- •Wall construction with appropriate batter (backward lean) for stability
- •Backfill with proper drainage material and compaction
- •Top finishing and grading to direct water away from the wall
Engineering and Building Code Requirements
Retaining walls over a certain height (typically 4 feet) require engineering and building permits in most areas. Even shorter walls might need permits depending on the load they're retaining and where they're located on your property. This isn't red tape for the sake of it; it's because retaining walls are structural elements that can fail catastrophically if built incorrectly.
We work with structural engineers to design retaining walls that meet code requirements for your specific site. This includes soil testing, load calculations, drainage design, and seismic considerations. We pull the necessary permits and schedule inspections so everything is legal and safe.
Drainage is one of the most critical parts of retaining wall construction. Water pressure building up behind a wall is the number one cause of failure. We install proper drainage systems with weep holes, drain rock, and sometimes perforated pipes to manage water and prevent pressure buildup. This keeps your wall stable year after year.
Common Questions About Retaining Walls
Need a Retaining Wall for Your Property?
Let's evaluate your site and discuss options. We'll determine what type and size of wall you need and handle all the details.