Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall

If your yard has slopes, uneven ground, or erosion problems, a retaining wall solves these issues while adding usable space to your property. In Rialto, where properties often have elevation changes and soil movement is common, retaining walls aren't just decorative. They're essential for controlling erosion, managing water drainage, and creating level areas where you can actually use your yard.

We've built retaining walls across the Rialto area since 2024, and we understand the specific challenges our local soil and climate create. From residential properties in Rialto to commercial sites, we build walls that handle the lateral pressure from soil, resist water damage, and look great for decades.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different properties need different types of walls. Here are the retaining wall and masonry options we offer:

• •Concrete Block Walls: These are the most common retaining walls because they're strong, affordable, and versatile. We use interlocking concrete blocks that create a solid structure without needing mortar. They work for walls up to 6 feet tall and can be faced with decorative finishes.
• •Poured Concrete Walls: For taller walls or heavy-duty applications, poured concrete provides maximum strength. We build forms, add steel reinforcement, and pour concrete to create walls that can handle serious soil pressure and last for generations.
• •Decorative Masonry Walls: If you want your wall to be a design feature, we offer decorative options. Stone veneer, textured blocks, colored concrete, and custom cap stones turn functional retaining walls into attractive landscape elements.
• •Garden and Terracing Walls: Low walls that create multiple level areas in sloped yards. These shorter walls (usually under 3 feet) are perfect for creating garden beds, seating areas, or terraced lawns.
• •Commercial Retaining Walls: Larger walls for commercial properties, parking lots, and development projects. These engineered walls handle heavy loads and meet all building codes and engineering requirements.

Our Wall Construction Process

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires proper engineering and construction. Here's how we make sure your wall performs correctly from day one:

Step 1: Site Evaluation and Design

Before we dig a single shovel, we evaluate your site. We look at soil type, slope angle, water drainage patterns, and the wall's purpose. For taller walls or challenging sites, we work with engineers to create designs that handle the specific loads your wall will face. This planning stage is what separates walls that last from walls that fail.

Step 2: Excavation and Base Preparation

The foundation is everything. We excavate to the right depth, compact the soil, and create a level gravel base. This base must be solid because it's supporting tons of soil pressure. We take our time here because rushing the foundation guarantees problems later. Many failed retaining walls trace back to poor base preparation.

Step 3: Wall Construction

Whether we're stacking blocks, building forms for poured concrete, or laying masonry units, we follow engineering specifications exactly. We install proper footings and foundations, add reinforcement where needed, and ensure each course is level and properly aligned. Quality at this stage means your wall stays straight and stable for decades.

Step 4: Drainage Installation

Water is the enemy of retaining walls. We install drainage systems behind every wall we build. Perforated drain pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes allow water to escape instead of building up pressure behind the wall. Without proper drainage, even the strongest wall will eventually fail. This step is non-negotiable for us.

Step 5: Backfill and Finishing

After the wall is built and drainage is in place, we carefully backfill with the right materials and compact it properly. Then we add cap stones or finishing touches that protect the top of the wall and complete the look. The result is a retaining wall that's both functional and attractive.

How to Maintain Your Retaining Wall

A well-built retaining wall needs very little maintenance, but a few simple steps keep it in top condition:

• •Check drainage regularly: Make sure weep holes aren't clogged and water is draining properly, especially after heavy rain.
• •Clear vegetation: Don't let plants and tree roots grow against the wall. Their roots can damage blocks and mortar over time.
• •Seal concrete walls: Apply concrete sealer every few years to protect against water damage and staining.
• •Watch for problems: If you notice bulging, leaning, or cracks, call us right away. Early repairs prevent bigger problems.
• •Maintain landscaping: Make sure irrigation systems aren't adding extra water behind the wall, and grade soil properly to direct water away.

Most retaining walls need minimal attention for many years if they're built correctly from the start. That's why choosing experienced concrete contractors matters so much. The money you save on maintenance and repairs over the wall's lifetime pays for quality construction many times over.