Owner of Quality Retaining Walls at a Concord, CA job site with new wall under construction

About Quality Retaining Walls

James Easterly • Owner & Lead Contractor • 20 Years Experience

We build retaining walls. Hi, I'm James. I've been doing this since 2005 in the East Bay. Started as just me, now we're a crew that knows how to build structurally sound walls as a team.

Why most walls fail. Most walls fail because of bad drainage, cheap materials, and contractors who skip the foundation work you can't see. We've fixed a lot of walls that other contractors screwed up the first time.

What we do different. We handle the jobs other contractors won't touch - steep slopes, bad soil, walls that need engineering. We know how to dig proper foundations, install drainage systems that work, and use materials that last. To get a better idea of the different types of materials we use, see before and after examples of our work in Walnut Creek and San Ramon.

How We Work

Retaining wall construction in Walnut Creek, CA with steel posts and wood lagging panels

The jobs we handle

Hillside walls that need engineering. Walls for steep driveways. Garden walls. Emergency repairs when your wall is falling over.

We work with all materials and - concrete block, natural stone, wood. If it holds back dirt, we build it.

Worker installing a French drain beside a retaining wall trench in Danville, CA

Why drainage matters

Most contractors think a retaining wall just holds back dirt. Wrong. It holds back dirt AND water.

When water builds up behind your wall with nowhere to go, that's when walls fail. We install proper drainage every time - gravel, drain pipes, French drains, the whole system.

Engineer inspecting retaining wall plans and measurements at a Lafayette, CA job site

Permits and engineering

Need a permit? We handle that. Need an engineer? We have in-house engineers and work with outside structural engineers who specialize in retaining walls. We can pull our own permits, manage the engineering, and take full responsibility for the entire project.

You deal with one contractor from start to finish.

Retaining wall contractor in Pleasanton, CA reviewing retaining wall plans with a homeowner

What to expect

We start with a free, detailed estimate that explains exactly what needs to be done and why. We show up when we say we will. We give you a price that won't change unless you change the scope.

We explain our work as we go and clean up when we're done.

Professional Licenses & Certifications

We have multiple California contractor licenses. We can handle every aspect of your retaining wall project from excavation to completion.

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Landscaping Contractor

Most contractors who build retaining walls will leave your landscaping a mess after the wall is completed. Thats because they don't have landscaping licenses, and can't legally restore the landscaping that might get damaged during construction. We have the proper licensing and experience to restore your landscaping, replant damaged areas, and repair existing irrigation systems. When we finish your wall project, your property will be restored to its natural beauty.

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Earthwork and Paving

Big retaining wall jobs require major excavation - sometimes hundreds of yards of soil need to be moved. Most contractors rent equipment or hire earthwork subcontractors, which means delays, extra costs, and coordination headaches. We own our own bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks. We handle large-scale excavation, grading, and paving work with our own crews and equipment. No waiting, no subcontractors.

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Building Moving/Demolition

Your old retaining wall is crumbling and needs to be removed, but it's only three feet from your house. Most contractors can't legally perform demolition work, as they don't have a license to do so. We can safely tear out failed walls in tight spaces without damaging your foundation, utilities, or neighboring structures. While also handling the permits, debris removal, and hazmat disposal, if we find contaminated materials.

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Concrete Related Services

Retaining walls need concrete work - footings, block walls, poured concrete walls, decorative caps. Most contractors have to wait for concrete subcontractors who show up when they feel like it. We do all concrete work in-house with our own crews. Poured walls, block construction, decorative finishes, repairs to existing concrete. Your project stays on schedule because we control every part of it.

General Building Contractor

When your retaining wall needs engineering and city permits, most contractors can't be the prime contractor - they have to work under someone else's license. We can pull our own permits, work directly with structural engineers, and take full responsibility for the entire project. You deal with one contractor from start to finish instead of managing multiple trades and subcontractors.

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Pile Driving & Foundation

Some retaining walls need deep foundations because the soil is unstable or the wall has to resist massive pressure. Most contractors walk away from jobs that need helical piers, tiebacks, or piles driven 20 feet deep. We have the specialized equipment and licensing to install deep foundation systems.

Additional Certifications

HAZ

Hazardous Substances Removal

When we excavate your old wall, we sometimes find asbestos, lead paint, or contaminated soil. Most contractors have to stop work and call in hazmat specialists, delaying your project for weeks. We're certified to safely remove and dispose of hazardous materials ourselves. We handle EPA and Cal/OSHA compliance so your job gets done on time.

Ready to get started?

20 years in business. Licensed, insured, and we guarantee our work. We've built walls all over Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Counties.

Call James: (925) 466-4600 Or Send a Message