Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Control erosion, create usable space, and add structure to your property with professionally built retaining walls.
Why Your Property Might Need a Retaining Wall
If your property has any kind of slope, you have probably thought about how to make better use of that space. Slopes can be challenging. They erode over time, they are hard to landscape, and they limit what you can do with your yard. A well-built retaining wall solves all of these problems.
Retaining walls hold back soil and create level areas where slopes used to be. This lets you add usable space for patios, gardens, play areas, or parking. They also prevent erosion that can damage your landscaping and even threaten structures. In El Dorado Hills and the surrounding foothill communities, where sloped properties are common, retaining walls are often essential for making the most of your land.
We have built retaining walls throughout the area for more than a decade. We understand the engineering principles that make walls stable and long-lasting. We know local soil conditions and how to handle challenging terrain. And we have the equipment and expertise to build walls that perform well and look great.
Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural wall to support a driveway or building pad, we bring the same level of care and professionalism to every project. Your retaining wall needs to do its job for decades, and we make sure it does.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different types of retaining walls. The right choice depends on the height of the wall, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and your budget. We work with several types of retaining wall systems to match the right solution to your needs.
Here are the most common retaining wall options:
- Concrete block walls: These segmental walls use interlocking concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining wall applications. They are strong, versatile, and come in various colors and textures.
- Poured concrete walls: For taller walls or heavy-duty applications, poured concrete provides maximum strength. These walls are built with forms and reinforced with steel.
- Concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls: Standard concrete blocks with steel reinforcement and filled cells create durable walls suitable for many applications.
- Stone veneer walls: We can add natural stone facing to concrete walls for an upscale, natural appearance that blends with the landscape.
During your consultation, we will assess your site, discuss your goals, and recommend the best type of wall for your situation. We consider factors like wall height, load requirements, aesthetics, and budget to help you make an informed decision.
The Engineering Behind a Strong Retaining Wall
A retaining wall is not just a stack of blocks or a concrete barrier. It is an engineered structure that must withstand tremendous pressure from the soil behind it. Poor design or construction can lead to failure, which is expensive and potentially dangerous.
Every retaining wall needs a proper foundation. We excavate below the frost line and create a level, compacted base. For taller walls, we pour a concrete footing that provides a stable platform. The foundation is critical because any settling or movement will affect the entire wall.
Drainage is just as important as the wall itself. Water buildup behind a retaining wall creates pressure that can cause failure. We install drainage systems including gravel backfill, drainage pipes, and weep holes to manage water properly. This keeps pressure off the wall and prevents saturation of the soil.
For walls over a certain height, engineering plans are required by code. We work with structural engineers who design walls to meet all safety and building code requirements. We then build exactly to those specifications, including proper reinforcement and anchoring.
The result is a retaining wall that stands up to pressure, weather, and time. We have walls we built years ago that still look and perform like new because we did not cut corners on the engineering and construction.
Installation Process and Timeline
Building a retaining wall is a multi-step process that takes time to do correctly. We start with careful planning and site assessment. We mark out the wall location, check for underground utilities, and plan access for equipment.
Excavation comes next. We dig for the foundation and create a level base. This phase often takes longer than people expect because the site work needs to be done right. In rocky soil common to our area, excavation can be challenging and may require specialized equipment.
Then we build the foundation, install drainage systems, and begin constructing the wall itself. Each course must be level and properly set. For engineered walls, we follow the specifications exactly and coordinate inspections as required.
Timeline varies based on wall size and complexity. A simple garden wall might take a few days. A large structural wall can take several weeks. We will provide a realistic timeline during your estimate and keep you informed throughout the process.
Local Experience in El Dorado Hills and Surrounding Areas
The El Dorado Hills area presents unique challenges for retaining wall construction. Our foothill terrain means steep slopes are common. The soil can be rocky and difficult to excavate. And we need to account for seasonal rainfall and drainage patterns.
We have built retaining walls throughout El Dorado County, from residential properties in El Dorado Hills to rural land in the surrounding communities. We know how to handle difficult site conditions. We understand local building requirements and work well with county inspectors. And we have relationships with qualified engineers when structural design is needed.
Our equipment includes excavators, compactors, and specialized tools needed for retaining wall work. We can access tight spaces and work on challenging terrain. We also take care to protect your existing landscaping and property during construction.
When you work with us, you get a team with proven local experience and a track record of successful projects. We stand behind our work and build relationships with our clients. Need to discuss a retaining wall project? Contact us for a site evaluation and let's talk about your options.