Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Your Property Needs a Properly Engineered Retaining Wall

Retaining walls do much more than create level spaces in sloped yards. They prevent soil erosion, manage water runoff, protect foundations, and add usable outdoor living area to your property. When designed and built correctly, a retaining wall becomes a permanent solution that increases your home's value and functionality.

At ACH Antioch Masonry, we approach every retaining wall project as both an engineering challenge and a design opportunity. Antioch's soil conditions and occasional heavy rains require walls that can handle significant lateral pressure while lasting for decades. We have built walls throughout the area and understand what works in our local environment.

Many homeowners do not realize that retaining walls over a certain height require engineering and permits. We handle all the technical requirements while working with you to create walls that complement your landscape vision. Whether you need to stop a hillside from sliding, create terraced garden beds, or expand your patio space, we design walls that solve problems beautifully.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Retaining Wall

Material Options That Balance Function and Beauty

The material you choose affects how your retaining wall looks, how long it lasts, and what maintenance it needs. We help you select the best option based on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the engineering requirements of your specific site.

• •Natural stone offers timeless beauty and extreme durability with a premium appearance
• •Concrete blocks provide excellent strength and come in numerous colors and textures
• •Brick creates classic elegance and works well for shorter decorative walls
• •Poured concrete handles heavy loads and can be finished to match your design
• •Stacked stone gives a natural, organic look that blends with landscaping

Each material has specific installation requirements and engineering considerations. Stone walls need proper foundations and careful fitting. Concrete block systems rely on interlocking design and correct base preparation. We explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation. Many clients who build retaining walls with us also add our custom paver patios to create complete outdoor living spaces.

Our Retaining Wall Design and Installation Process

From Concept to Completion

Building retaining walls correctly requires careful planning, proper site preparation, and expert construction techniques. We have refined our process over years of building walls that stand the test of time.

Site Assessment and Design: We start by evaluating your soil type, slope angle, drainage patterns, and the height of wall needed. This determines the foundation requirements and whether engineering is required. We measure precisely, discuss your aesthetic preferences, and create a design that works technically and looks great. You will see exactly what your wall will look like before we break ground.

Permits and Engineering: Walls over four feet typically require permits and engineering stamps in Antioch. We handle all the paperwork and work with structural engineers when needed. This protects you legally and ensures your wall meets building codes. Many homeowners try to skip this step and end up with failed walls or code violations.

Foundation and Drainage: We excavate below the frost line and create a compacted gravel base that will not settle. Proper drainage behind the wall is critical. We install drainage pipes and gravel backfill that channel water away instead of letting it build pressure. This is where many DIY and cheap installations fail.

Wall Construction: Each course is leveled carefully and set with the proper backward lean (batter) that adds stability. We include deadman anchors or geogrid reinforcement for taller walls. The finished wall is backfilled properly and tied into your landscaping. When you need complementary hardscape work, our paver walkway services create cohesive outdoor designs.

Frequently Asked Questions