Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need Retaining Walls

Redlands sits in an area with varied terrain. Many properties have slopes that create challenges for landscaping, drainage, and usable space. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas. They prevent erosion on slopes, protect structures from soil movement, and can transform unusable hillsides into functional terraces for patios, gardens, or play areas.

A well-designed retaining wall does more than just hold dirt. It manages water drainage, prevents foundation problems, and adds aesthetic appeal to your property. Whether you need a small garden wall or a major structural retaining system, proper engineering and construction ensure your wall performs reliably for decades. Poorly built walls can fail catastrophically, causing property damage and safety hazards. That's why working with experienced professionals matters.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different retaining wall systems. We install several types depending on height requirements, soil conditions, and your aesthetic preferences.

• •Poured concrete walls: Reinforced concrete structures for maximum strength and longevity
• •Concrete block walls: Interlocking masonry units that provide strength with design flexibility
• •Segmental retaining walls: Modular concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining soil
• •Decorative stone veneer walls: Structural concrete or block with natural stone facing for appearance
• •Tiered wall systems: Multiple shorter walls creating terraced levels on steep slopes

Each wall type has advantages. Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength for tall walls or heavy loads. Segmental retaining walls install faster and offer attractive finishes without forms or curing time. We'll recommend the best system based on your site conditions, height requirements, and budget. OneCall Redlands Concrete has experience with all retaining wall types and can handle everything from simple garden borders to complex structural systems.

Engineering and Drainage Considerations

Retaining walls must be properly engineered, especially as they get taller. In California, walls over 4 feet typically require engineered plans and building permits. Even shorter walls benefit from engineering when dealing with poor soil, heavy surcharges, or important structures nearby. The engineering accounts for soil pressure, water forces, seismic loads, and other factors that affect wall stability.

Drainage is critical for retaining wall longevity. Water building up behind a wall creates tremendous pressure that can cause failure. We install proper drainage systems including gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes, and weep holes that prevent water accumulation. These drainage features must work in coordination with your property's overall drainage plan to direct water away from structures and prevent erosion.

For walls that will support additional loads like driveways, patios, or structures, additional engineering ensures adequate strength. We work with structural engineers when needed and coordinate foundation work to create integrated systems that perform reliably.

Making Retaining Walls Attractive

Retaining walls are functional structures, but they're also prominent features in your landscape. Modern retaining wall systems offer numerous aesthetic options. Segmental blocks come in various colors, textures, and sizes that can complement your home's style. You can create curves, corners, and columns for visual interest. Steps can be integrated into walls to connect different levels naturally.

For poured concrete walls, surface treatments transform plain gray concrete into attractive features. We can apply decorative finishes, add stone veneer facing, or create board-formed textures. Cap stones provide finished tops that look polished while protecting the wall. Proper lighting design can make retaining walls dramatic focal points in your evening landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls