Retaining Wall Design & Installation
Transform sloped yards into usable space with custom retaining walls that combine strength, beauty, and lasting durability.
Turn Your Sloped Yard Into Valuable Living Space
If you've got a sloped yard, you know the struggle. Mowing on an angle is dangerous, landscaping slides downhill with every rain, and you're losing out on usable outdoor space. A properly designed retaining wall solves all these problems while adding serious curb appeal and property value. But here's the thing: retaining walls are structural elements, not just decorative features. They're holding back tons of soil and water pressure, which means they need to be engineered and built correctly.
We've seen too many failed retaining walls around Fontana. Walls that lean, crack, or collapse because someone skipped the proper foundation work, ignored drainage, or just stacked blocks without understanding the forces at play. When a retaining wall fails, it can damage your property, your neighbor's property, and create serious safety hazards.
At FMA Fontana Masonry, we design and build retaining walls that last. We understand soil mechanics, drainage systems, and local building codes. Whether you need a low decorative wall for landscaping or a tall structural wall to create a level yard, we handle the entire project from design through final installation. Our walls are built to handle Southern California soil conditions and the occasional heavy rain that can destroy poorly built walls.
Why Invest in a Professional Retaining Wall
Let's talk about what a quality retaining wall actually does for your property. The benefits go way beyond just holding back dirt.
Create Usable Outdoor Living Areas
A sloped yard limits what you can do outside. With retaining walls, you can create multiple level terraces perfect for patios, gardens, play areas, or outdoor kitchens. Instead of one unusable slope, you get distinct functional spaces that make your property feel much larger. We often work with homeowners to design tiered walls that maximize usable space while creating visual interest.
Stop Erosion and Protect Your Foundation
Every time it rains, water flows downhill carrying soil with it. This erosion can undermine foundations, damage landscaping, and create muddy messes. A properly built retaining wall with correct drainage stops erosion in its tracks. We install drainage systems behind every wall to manage water flow and prevent the pressure buildup that causes walls to fail. This protects not just the wall itself, but your entire property.
Boost Property Value and Curb Appeal
A well-designed retaining wall is a major landscape feature that immediately catches the eye. Whether you choose natural stone, decorative block, or classic brick, we can create a look that complements your home's architecture. Potential buyers see terraced yards as premium features because they add functional space and show that someone invested in quality improvements.
Define Spaces and Improve Accessibility
Retaining walls create natural boundaries between different areas of your yard. You might use walls to separate a patio from a garden, create raised planting beds, or level out a walkway. This makes your entire property more accessible and easier to maintain. We can incorporate steps into the design to connect different levels smoothly and safely.
Key Features of Our Retaining Walls
- Engineered foundations that go below frost line and bear on solid soil
- Integrated drainage systems with gravel backfill and perforated pipes
- Proper batter (backward slope) for stability against soil pressure
- Quality materials chosen for your specific soil conditions and wall height
- Full compliance with local building codes and permit requirements
Our Complete Retaining Wall Process
Building a retaining wall that lasts requires careful planning and execution. Here's how we make sure your wall performs beautifully for decades.
Site Analysis and Custom Design
We start by evaluating your property in person. We look at the slope angle, soil type, drainage patterns, and any underground utilities. We measure everything carefully and discuss how you want to use the space. Then we create a design that works with your property's natural features while meeting all structural requirements. For walls over a certain height, we bring in engineering if required by local code. You'll see the design plan and understand exactly what we're building before we break ground.
Proper Excavation and Foundation Prep
Foundation work is where many amateur wall builders fail. We excavate below the surface to reach stable soil and account for frost depth requirements. The trench gets compacted gravel base that's leveled perfectly. This foundation distributes weight evenly and prevents settling. We don't cut corners here because the foundation determines whether your wall will still be standing straight in 20 years or leaning after the first heavy rain.
Professional Installation with Drainage
We build your wall course by course, checking level and alignment constantly. Each layer gets set correctly before we move to the next. Behind the wall, we install a drainage system with perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. This captures water before it builds up pressure against the wall. We also angle the wall slightly back into the slope for maximum stability. These details take extra time but they're what separates walls that last from walls that fail.
Finishing Touches and Backfill
Once the wall is complete, we carefully backfill with the right materials in layers, compacting as we go. Cap stones or coping get installed on top for a finished look and weather protection. We make sure all drainage outlets are clear and working properly. The site gets cleaned up, excess soil removed or spread evenly, and we leave you with a beautiful, functional wall that's ready for landscaping.
Timeline varies based on wall length and height, but most residential projects take one to two weeks from start to finish. We coordinate with other trades if you're adding irrigation, lighting, or landscaping. If you're interested in adding patio spaces on the new level areas, we can plan that together. We also handle all permits and inspections, so you don't have to worry about any of that paperwork.
Fontana's Retaining Wall Experts
We're FMA Fontana Masonry, and we've been building retaining walls throughout the Inland Empire for years. Our shop is at 17082 Pinedale Ct right here in Fontana, so we know the local soil conditions, building codes, and what construction techniques hold up best in our climate. We're not a landscaping company that dabbles in walls. Masonry is what we do, and we bring that expertise to every retaining wall project.
Every retaining wall we build comes with our commitment to quality craftsmanship. We use proven materials, follow engineering principles, and stand behind our work. When you're investing thousands of dollars in a retaining wall, you want it done right the first time by people who know what they're doing. That's exactly what you get when you choose us.
Ready to talk about your retaining wall project? Give us a call at (909) 587-5725. We're available Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. We'll schedule a site visit, discuss your ideas, and provide a detailed quote. Check out our homepage to see photos of completed projects and read what other Fontana homeowners have said about working with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Transform Your Sloped Yard?
Let's discuss your retaining wall project. We'll visit your property, answer your questions, and provide a detailed quote.