Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls do more than just hold back soil. They prevent erosion, manage water drainage, create level areas for landscaping or construction, and add structure to sloped properties. If you have a yard with elevation changes, a retaining wall can turn unusable hillside into functional outdoor space. It also protects your foundation and landscape from soil movement during rain or irrigation.

Here in Cathedral City, retaining walls need to handle our unique conditions. Sandy soils, occasional heavy rains, and temperature swings all put stress on retaining structures. A poorly built retaining wall can lean, crack, or fail completely. That is why proper engineering and construction matter so much. Your retaining wall needs to resist soil pressure, allow for drainage, and remain stable over time.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We install several types of retaining walls, each suited to different applications and aesthetics:

• Concrete block walls: Engineered interlocking blocks that create strong, attractive walls
• Poured concrete walls: Solid reinforced concrete for maximum strength and durability
• Concrete masonry walls: Traditional block construction with reinforced cores
• Segmental retaining walls: Modular systems with various colors and textures
• Decorative stone veneer walls: Concrete core with natural stone facing for appearance

The right choice depends on the height of your wall, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and your aesthetic preferences. Shorter walls under 3 feet can often use simpler construction. Taller walls need engineered designs with proper footings and reinforcement. We evaluate your site and recommend the best solution for your needs and budget. Planning other concrete improvements? We also specialize in foundation work and walkways.

Building Walls That Last

Every retaining wall we build starts with proper planning. We assess soil conditions, determine the load the wall will carry, and design for adequate drainage. Poor drainage is the number one cause of retaining wall failure, so we install drainage systems behind the wall to relieve water pressure. This includes gravel backfill and drainage pipes where needed.

Construction begins with excavation and a solid footing that extends below grade. The footing provides a stable base and prevents the wall from sliding or settling. As we build the wall, we install reinforcement and ensure proper alignment and batter (backward lean). The finished wall is both structurally sound and visually appealing. SteelStack Cathedral Concrete has been building retaining walls in Cathedral City since 2024. We understand local soil conditions and building requirements. Whether you need a small garden wall or a major hillside stabilization project, we deliver retaining walls engineered to last.

Frequently Asked Questions