Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

More Than Just Looks

Retaining walls serve a critical structural purpose: they hold back soil and prevent erosion on sloped properties. But a well-designed retaining wall also creates usable flat areas from otherwise unusable slopes, defines landscape spaces, and adds visual interest to your property.

At KeenCraft Corona Concrete, we've been building retaining walls in Corona since 2024. We understand the engineering requirements for walls that will last, proper drainage design to prevent failure, and how to create walls that look great while performing their structural function. Retaining wall work isn't just stacking blocks, it requires knowledge of soil mechanics, drainage principles, and local building codes.

Retaining Wall Options

Concrete Block Walls

Interlocking concrete blocks are popular for residential retaining walls up to 4 feet high. These systems are engineered to work together, creating strong walls without mortar. They come in various colors and textures, from smooth face to natural stone appearance. Installation is faster than poured concrete and the blocks handle minor ground movement well.

Poured Concrete Walls

For taller walls (over 4 feet) or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete is the answer. We install concrete footings below frost depth, set forms, place steel reinforcement, and pour the wall. The result is a monolithic structure that can handle significant loads. We can finish the exposed face in various textures or apply veneers for aesthetic appeal.

Masonry Block Walls

Traditional concrete masonry units (CMUs) mortared together create strong, durable walls. We install a concrete footing, build the wall with proper reinforcement and grouting, and can apply stucco, stone veneer, or other finishes. These walls work well for both retaining walls and freestanding garden walls.

Why Retaining Walls Fail and How We Prevent It

Most retaining wall failures come down to three issues: inadequate drainage, insufficient foundation, or improper design for the wall height. Here's how we address each:

• •Drainage: Water buildup behind a retaining wall creates immense pressure. We install drainage systems including perforated pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to relieve this pressure. Proper drainage is not optional.
• •Foundation: Every retaining wall needs a solid base. We excavate to undisturbed soil and install either a compacted gravel base (for block walls) or a poured concrete footing (for taller walls). The foundation must be below frost line and on stable soil.
• •Proper design: Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering calculations to ensure adequate strength. We work with structural engineers when needed to design walls that meet building codes and will perform reliably.

Building Retaining Walls in Corona

Corona's hilly terrain means many properties need retaining walls to create level areas. Local soil conditions include expansive clays in some areas that put extra stress on retaining structures. We design walls to handle these conditions, sometimes using special backfill materials that don't expand with moisture.

Building codes in Corona require permits for most retaining walls, especially those over 4 feet or supporting surcharges (like driveways or buildings). We handle the permit process and ensure all work meets code requirements. Inspectors check foundation excavation, reinforcement placement, and drainage installation before we proceed.

We often integrate retaining walls with other concrete work. A wall might connect to a patio or driveway, creating a cohesive hardscape design. Planning these elements together ensures everything works structurally and looks integrated.