Retaining Wall Installation

Holding ground on Altadena’s hillsides

Altadena sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains — which means slopes that erode, shift, and creep toward your foundation. A retaining wall holds the earth, creates flat usable space, and manages drainage. It’s only as good as what’s behind and beneath it, and that’s where most contractors cut corners. Ryan doesn’t.

Retaining wall types we build

Concrete block (CMU)

The workhorse — strong and cost-effective at any height, with rebar, concrete-filled cores, and proper footings. Finish with stucco, stone veneer, or a clean block face.

Natural stone

Locally sourced, dry-stacked or mortared, aging into the native San Gabriel Valley hillside look.

Interlocking block

Segmental systems (Allan Block, Keystone) that stack without mortar — efficient, good for curves, up to 4–6 ft without engineering.

Timber and railroad tie walls

For short, rustic walls under 3 ft. For structural walls, Ryan steers you to block or stone for longevity.

What makes a retaining wall last

Every wall fails for one of three reasons, and Ryan eliminates all three: drainage (gravel backfill and perforated pipe behind every wall — skipping it is a $500 saving that becomes a $10,000 problem), footings (excavated to undisturbed soil, engineered for walls over 4 ft), and backfill (clean gravel compacted in lifts, never dirt or debris).

Common retaining wall projects in Altadena

Carving flat yard space out of a slope; erosion control after fire or heavy rain (often the first thing fire-damaged properties need); terraced multi-wall systems for steep grades; and structural walls along driveways and foundations.

Permits and engineering

LA County requires a permit for walls over 4 ft, and walls holding a surcharge may need engineering even shorter. Ryan handles the permit process and works with licensed structural engineers when required.

Built for the long haul

A well-built retaining wall lasts 50+ years. Ryan builds to that standard — commercial-grade materials, engineering specs followed to the letter, and no shortcuts on the footing, drainage, or backfill you’ll never see.