Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Solving Slope and Soil Challenges

Sloped properties present both challenges and opportunities. A well-designed retaining wall turns unusable hillside into functional terraced spaces. It prevents soil erosion, protects foundations from water damage, and creates definition in your landscape. But retaining walls are not simple projects. They must resist tremendous soil pressure while providing proper drainage.

Here in Hayward, many properties have slopes that need management. Whether you are dealing with a steep backyard, creating a level patio area, or protecting your home from sliding soil, the solution often involves a retaining wall. When designed and built correctly, retaining walls last for decades with minimal maintenance.

NextPhase Hayward Concrete has been building retaining walls and concrete masonry structures throughout the Bay Area since 2024. We understand soil mechanics, drainage requirements, and local building codes. From small garden walls to large structural installations, we have the experience to create retaining walls that perform as well as they look.

Retaining Wall Options

We build several types of retaining walls, each suited to different situations:

• Poured concrete walls: The strongest and most versatile option. We form and pour reinforced concrete walls that handle significant soil pressure. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or faced with stone or brick.
• Concrete block walls: Built with reinforced concrete masonry units. These modular walls install faster than poured walls and offer various facing options from standard gray to decorative split-face blocks.
• Segmental retaining walls: Interlocking concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining applications. Available in many colors and textures, these walls combine structural strength with attractive appearance.
• Cantilever walls: Engineered concrete walls with a base that extends under the soil being retained. This design uses the weight of soil to help resist tipping and works well for taller walls.
• Gravity walls: Thick, heavy walls that resist soil pressure through mass and weight. Suitable for shorter walls where appearance and simplicity matter.

The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, budget, and appearance preferences. We evaluate your site and recommend the most appropriate solution.

Why Engineering Matters for Retaining Walls

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering. But even shorter walls benefit from proper design. Here is what goes into a well-engineered retaining wall:

Structural design: Engineers calculate soil pressure, wall thickness, reinforcement requirements, and foundation depth. These calculations ensure the wall will not tip, slide, or fail under load.

Drainage design: Water behind a retaining wall multiplies soil pressure dramatically. Proper drainage removes this water before it builds up. We install drainage systems including weep holes, perforated pipes, and gravel backfill.

Foundation requirements: Retaining walls need properly sized footings below frost depth and on undisturbed soil. The footing distributes loads and prevents settling.

Reinforcement placement: Rebar or post-tensioning provides tensile strength concrete lacks. Proper reinforcement location and sizing prevents cracking and structural failure.

We work with structural engineers when required and ensure all walls meet local building codes. This includes obtaining necessary permits and scheduling inspections.

Our Retaining Wall Installation Process

Building a retaining wall follows a systematic approach:

We start with site evaluation. Understanding what we are working with determines the design. We assess slope angle, soil type, drainage patterns, and access for equipment. We also identify property lines and any underground utilities.

Next comes excavation for the footing. This must reach undisturbed soil at proper depth. We create level trenches with compacted bottoms. The footing size and depth come from engineering specifications.

We pour the footing with proper reinforcement. Once cured, we begin wall construction. For poured walls, this means forming, reinforcing, and pouring in lifts. For block walls, we lay courses with proper reinforcement in cells that are then filled with concrete.

Throughout construction, we install drainage systems. Perforated drain pipe at the base collects water. Gravel backfill provides drainage paths. Weep holes allow water to escape. These drainage features are essential for long-term performance.

Finally, we backfill carefully with appropriate materials. Compaction must be gradual to avoid overloading the wall before concrete reaches full strength. Surface finishing and any decorative elements complete the project.

Complementary Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we provide various concrete masonry services:

Decorative walls: Low walls that define spaces without retaining soil. These can be curved, angled, or straight to match your landscape design.

Seat walls and planters: Built-in seating and raised planters add function and beauty to patios and outdoor living areas.

Columns and pillars: Entrance columns, mailbox supports, and decorative pillars create architectural interest and improve curb appeal.

Garden bed borders: Low concrete or block borders contain mulch and soil while creating clean lines in your landscape.

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces: We build masonry structures for outdoor heating and entertainment, complete with proper footings and fire-safe construction.

Need to manage a slope, create level areas, or add masonry elements to your property? We provide free consultations and can recommend solutions that fit your needs and budget. Our estimates include engineering costs when required so you know the complete project price upfront.

Retaining Wall Questions