Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Retaining walls do more than just look good. They're structural systems that prevent soil erosion, manage water drainage, and create usable space on sloped properties. When designed and built correctly, a retaining wall can last 50 years or more. When built poorly, it can fail within a few years, causing expensive damage to your property and neighboring areas.

Here in Salinas, CA, we work with properties that have everything from gentle slopes to steep hillsides. Each situation requires a different approach to retaining wall design. Soil composition, drainage patterns, wall height, and load-bearing requirements all factor into how we engineer and build your wall.

At SLM Salinas Masonry, we've designed and installed retaining walls for hundreds of residential and commercial properties. We understand local soil conditions, building codes, and permit requirements. More importantly, we know how to build walls that combine structural integrity with attractive design.

Different retaining wall systems work better for different situations. We'll help you choose the right option based on your property's needs, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences.

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stone creates beautiful, durable retaining walls that complement traditional and contemporary landscapes. Stone walls can be dry-stacked for shorter walls or mortared for taller structures. The natural variation in stone color and texture gives each wall unique character. This option works especially well for properties with existing stone features or historic homes.

Brick Retaining Walls

Brick retaining walls offer a classic look and exceptional durability. We can match brick to your home's exterior or choose complementary colors. Brick walls require proper foundation preparation and drainage systems to prevent failure. These walls work well for formal gardens and traditional architecture.

Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Interlocking concrete blocks provide strength and versatility. These systems come in various colors, textures, and styles to match different design preferences. They're engineered for stability and can handle significant height and load requirements. Concrete block walls typically cost less than natural stone while still delivering excellent performance.

What We Consider in Every Design

Our retaining wall planning includes:

• Soil analysis and load-bearing capacity assessment
• Proper drainage system design to prevent water buildup
• Foundation depth and preparation requirements
• Local building code compliance and permit acquisition
• Material selection for durability and appearance
• Long-term maintenance considerations

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage system. We don't cut corners on the elements you can't see because those hidden components determine whether your wall succeeds or fails.

Every project starts with excavation and site preparation. We dig down to stable soil and create a level, compacted base. For taller walls or challenging soil conditions, we may pour a concrete footing. This foundation work prevents settling and ensures your wall remains level and stable for decades.

Drainage is critical. Water pressure building up behind a retaining wall is the number one cause of failure. We install drainage pipes, gravel backfill, and filter fabric to channel water away from the wall. This system prevents hydrostatic pressure that would otherwise push the wall outward and cause collapse.

For walls over four feet tall, we work with structural engineers to ensure proper design. Salinas building codes require permits and inspections for taller retaining walls. We handle all permit applications and coordinate inspections so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself. Our experience with local building departments speeds up the approval process.

If your property has failing retaining walls or related structural concerns, we also offer foundation repair services to address underlying problems before building new walls.