Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Sloped yards present challenges and opportunities. The challenge is managing erosion and creating usable space. The opportunity is transforming that slope into beautiful, functional terraced areas. Retaining walls make this transformation possible by holding back soil, preventing erosion, and creating level areas for patios, gardens, and walkways.

At CDM Concord Masonry, we design and build retaining walls that solve practical problems while enhancing your property's appearance. We understand the engineering principles that keep walls stable for decades. We also understand aesthetics and how different materials and designs complement your home's architecture.

Many homeowners underestimate what goes into a successful retaining wall. Height, soil type, drainage, and loading all affect design requirements. A wall holding back three feet of soil needs different construction than one managing six feet of elevation change. Clay soils create more pressure than sandy soils. Walls supporting driveways or other structures need extra reinforcement. We factor all these variables into your design to ensure your wall performs properly.

Choosing the right materials for your retaining wall affects both its appearance and longevity. Here are the most popular options we install:

Natural Stone Walls

Nothing beats the timeless beauty of natural stone. We use locally sourced stone that weathers gracefully and blends with Concord's landscape. Natural stone walls work beautifully for garden terraces and traditional homes. They require skilled craftsmanship to build properly but reward you with unique character that manufactured products cannot match.

Concrete Block Walls

Modern concrete retaining wall blocks offer versatility and strength. These engineered blocks come in numerous colors and textures that mimic natural stone. They install faster than natural stone and cost less while still providing excellent durability. Many homeowners choose these blocks for larger walls where cost efficiency matters.

• Brick walls offering classic appeal for formal gardens
• Boulder walls creating rustic, natural-looking terraces
• Stacked stone walls with clean, contemporary lines
• Poured concrete walls for heavy-duty applications
• Timber walls for temporary or budget-friendly solutions

The most common cause of retaining wall failure is poor drainage. Water builds up behind the wall, creating hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall forward. Eventually, this pressure causes bulging, cracking, or complete collapse. Proper drainage eliminates this pressure and ensures your wall lasts for generations.

We install drainage systems behind every retaining wall we build. This typically includes gravel backfill that allows water to flow freely downward. We install perforated drain pipes at the wall base to collect and channel water away. We space weep holes throughout the wall face to release any water that does accumulate. These elements work together to keep hydrostatic pressure from building up.

Foundation and Base Preparation

A stable foundation is just as critical as good drainage. We excavate below frost line and create a level, compacted base using crushed stone. This foundation distributes the wall's weight evenly and prevents settling. For taller walls, we pour concrete footings that provide even more stability.

Building Code Compliance

Concord, CA has specific requirements for retaining walls, especially those over four feet tall. These regulations exist to ensure safety and proper construction. We pull necessary permits and ensure your wall meets all local codes. We can also coordinate with structural engineers when projects require engineered plans. Our experience with local regulations means your project proceeds smoothly without delays or compliance issues.

Beyond basic construction, we consider how your retaining wall integrates with the rest of your landscape. We can combine wall installation with custom stone patio construction to create cohesive outdoor spaces. We coordinate with landscapers when needed to ensure plantings complement your new hardscape features.