Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Retaining Walls Matter for Your Property

Retaining walls do more than just look nice. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, manage water drainage, and create usable flat spaces on sloped properties. A well-designed retaining wall can transform an unusable hillside into valuable outdoor living area. A poorly built wall becomes a liability that fails when you need it most.

In Ontario, CA, many properties sit on sloped lots. Without proper retaining structures, soil washes away during rain. Slopes become unstable. Water flows toward foundations and causes damage. Retaining walls solve these problems by controlling both soil and water movement. They protect your property investment and expand your usable outdoor space.

At OT Ontario Masonry, we design and build retaining walls that last. We understand soil mechanics, drainage requirements, and local building codes. Every wall we build is engineered for stability and designed for beauty. Whether you need a small garden wall or a major structural retaining system, we have the expertise to do it right.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different retaining wall solutions. Here are the types we specialize in:

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stone creates stunning, timeless retaining walls. We work with flagstone, fieldstone, limestone, and other natural materials to build walls that look like they have always been part of the landscape. Stone walls require skilled craftsmanship because every piece is unique. The result is a one-of-a-kind structure that adds character and value to your property.

Brick and Block Retaining Walls

Brick and concrete block walls offer clean lines and structural strength. These walls work well for taller retaining applications where you need maximum stability. We can build them to match your home's existing masonry or create a complementary design. Proper reinforcement and drainage make these walls incredibly durable.

Segmental Retaining Walls

Modern segmental block systems combine engineering and aesthetics. These interlocking blocks come in various colors and textures. They install faster than traditional stone but still provide excellent strength and appearance. Segmental walls work great for larger projects where budget and timeline matter.

Terraced Retaining Systems

For steep slopes, multiple shorter walls often work better than one tall wall. Terracing creates planting areas and reduces the pressure on each individual wall. This approach also adds visual interest and makes hillsides more functional. We design terraced systems that manage water properly and look beautiful.

Our Retaining Wall Design and Installation Process

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires careful planning and skilled execution. We follow a proven process for every project:

• Site evaluation including soil analysis and slope measurement
• Drainage assessment to identify water flow patterns
• Custom design that meets your needs and local codes
• Engineering calculations for walls over four feet tall
• Proper excavation and base preparation
• Installation of drainage systems behind the wall
• Precise construction using level and proper techniques
• Backfilling with appropriate materials for long-term stability
• Final grading and landscaping integration

Foundation is everything with retaining walls. We excavate below the frost line and create a compacted base that will not settle. The base width depends on wall height and soil conditions. Shortcuts here lead to failed walls, so we do it right from the start.

Drainage might be the most important part of retaining wall design. Water pressure behind a wall can cause failure even if the wall is built perfectly. We install drainage pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to keep water moving away from the wall. Proper drainage means your wall will still be standing strong decades from now.

For walls over a certain height, local codes require engineering. We work with licensed engineers to ensure your wall meets all structural requirements. We also handle permits and inspections so you do not have to worry about compliance. Our goal is to make the process easy while delivering a wall that exceeds expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions