Retaining Wall Design & Installation

When Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls do more than just look nice. They solve real problems that can damage your property if left unchecked. When your yard slopes, soil naturally wants to move downhill. Rain makes it worse by washing soil away and creating erosion channels. A properly designed retaining wall holds that soil in place and protects everything downhill from it.

Here in Simi Valley, CA, we see all kinds of situations that call for retaining walls. Homes built on hillsides where the yard needs to be leveled. Properties with drainage issues where water flows toward the house. Gardens and landscaping that need raised beds for plants. Driveways that require cut-and-fill work to create a level surface. Each situation needs a different approach.

We have been building retaining walls in Simi Valley since 2025, and we understand the local soil conditions, drainage patterns, and building codes. When you work with SV Simi Valley Masonry, you are getting expertise that comes from working in this exact area. We know what works and what does not.

Signs You Need a Retaining Wall

• •Soil erosion creating bare patches or channels in your yard
• •Water pooling near your foundation during rain
• •Sloped yard making it hard to use outdoor space
• •Existing retaining wall showing cracks, bulging, or leaning
• •Need for additional usable flat space in your yard
• •Landscaping plans requiring terraced gardens or raised beds

Designing Your Perfect Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is not something you can just throw together and hope it works. Poor design leads to failure, and a failing retaining wall can cause serious property damage. We start every project with careful planning. How high does the wall need to be? What is the soil type? Where does the water go? What loads will the wall support?

In Simi Valley, we follow specific building codes for retaining wall construction. Walls over a certain height require engineering calculations and permits. We handle all of that for you. You do not have to deal with the building department or worry about whether your wall meets code requirements. We take care of everything from design to final inspection.

Material Options for Your Wall

You have several great options for retaining wall materials. Natural stone creates a beautiful, organic look that blends with landscaping. It is durable and timeless. Concrete block systems offer clean lines and come in various colors and textures. Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for tall installations. Brick walls add traditional charm and can match your home's architecture.

We will walk you through the pros and cons of each material based on your specific situation. Budget, desired appearance, wall height, and site conditions all factor into the decision. Just like our brick repair work, we focus on using the right materials for long-lasting results.

Drainage is Critical

Here is something many people do not realize. The biggest threat to any retaining wall is water pressure building up behind it. When soil gets saturated with water, it becomes incredibly heavy. That hydrostatic pressure can push a wall over or cause it to crack and fail. This is why proper drainage is absolutely critical.

We install drainage systems with every retaining wall. This includes gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes, and weep holes that let water escape. We also make sure the top of the wall directs water away from the structure. Good drainage means your wall will stand strong for decades instead of failing in a few years.

How We Build Retaining Walls That Last

Every retaining wall we build starts with proper foundation preparation. We excavate to stable soil and create a level base using compacted gravel. This foundation is crucial because any settling or movement will cause problems later. We do not cut corners here even though it is underground and you will never see it.

For taller walls or difficult soil conditions, we may need to install additional reinforcement. This could mean tiebacks anchoring into the hillside, geogrid layers that strengthen the backfill, or steel reinforcement in concrete walls. These engineering solutions ensure your wall handles the forces acting on it. Safety always comes first.

As we build upward, we carefully backfill and compact soil in layers. Proper compaction prevents future settling. We install the drainage system as we go, making sure everything works together as a complete system. If your project includes multiple terrace levels, we coordinate the walls to work together efficiently. Similar to our masonry restoration work, attention to detail makes all the difference.

What Makes Our Walls Better

• •Engineered designs that meet or exceed local building codes
• •Proper drainage systems installed with every wall
• •Quality materials from trusted suppliers
• •Experienced masons who understand structural requirements
• •Complete permit handling and inspections
• •Careful site cleanup when the job is finished

We stand behind our work with solid warranties and responsive service if any issues arise. Our retaining walls are built to last for decades with minimal maintenance. Whether you need a small garden wall or a major hillside stabilization project, we have the expertise to do it right. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality, that is what you get with every project.

Frequently Asked Questions