Retaining wall contractor inspecting a newly constructed stone retaining wall in Walnut Creek, CA.

Retaining Wall Construction And Repair Walnut Creek, CA

We build custom retaining walls for homeowners and businesses in Walnut Creek. With over 20 years of experience serving the local community, we deliver proven construction methods at fair prices. When you hire us, you’ll get a crew that shows up on time, keeps the job site clean, communicates clearly throughout the project, and follows through on the work just as we promised.

When you call, you’ll speak directly with me, James. I’ll schedule a visit to your property, go over some options, and prepare a clear estimate for your retaining wall project.

📞925.466.4600 Schedule Site Evaluation →

⭐ Testimonials From Satisfied Customers ⭐

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what Walnut Creek homeowners say about our retaining wall construction services.

★★★★★

"It was a pleasure working with Quality Retaining Walls. James, the retaining wall designer and engineer was great to work with, and the crew that installed the wall did a fantastic job. They were able to complete the construction process quickly and on time. I would highly recommend this company to anyone in Walnut Creek. Their work is impressive and well worth the price."

- Ramona Harris

Constructed a 100-foot wood retaining wall.

★★★★★

"My wife and I are incredibly pleased with the work Quality Retaining walls did for us. We had a clear vision of what we wanted, and James listened to everything we said before bringing our ideas to life. Not only was the final product exactly what we wanted, but it was also more affordable than we had initially thought it would be. Because of their fantastic work, we could fully enjoy our backyard for the rest of the season without any worries. We couldn't be happier recommending them to anyone needing retaining wall services."

- Jack Clark

Built a tiered natural stone retaining wall.

★★★★★

"Quality Retaining Walls exceeded all expectations for our retaining wall replacement! James provided a very reasonable estimate and also created a detailed timeline showing exactly how the work would be completed. James and his crew were incredibly professional and communicative throughout the project. The workers were friendly, skilled, and left our property spotless after each day. Everything was completed on schedule with excellent results. I'm extremely pleased with both their service and the final work product. Would definitely recommend them and hire again!"

- Stacy Wiggins

Retaining Wall Construction With Drainage

Retaining Wall Projects in Walnut Creek

From natural stone to timber to concrete block, here are retaining walls we've built throughout Walnut Creek neighborhoods.

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Finished boulder retaining wall built for hillside support in Northgate/Walnut Acres area, Walnut Creek, CA

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Boulder retaining walls are a popular choice for Walnut Creek customers because they complement the hillside landscape while providing structural support. We built this natural stone wall for a customer in the Northgate/Walnut Acres area whose sloped backyard was unusable due to erosion and safety concerns.

Project details:

Location: Northgate/Walnut Acres area, Walnut Creek
Challenge: Steep slope causing soil erosion into neighbor's yard
Solution: Engineered boulder wall with integrated drainage
Materials: Local fieldstone selected to match existing landscape
Timeline: 8 days from permit approval to completion

Our customers pick stone walls because they look natural with Walnut Creek’s hills and add more value to your home than concrete walls. We dig below the frost line and put in a gravel base with French drains behind every stone wall. Most stone walls fail in 5–10 years when contractors skip this step to keep their price low.

Why customers choose stone walls:

Looks natural with Walnut Creek’s hills
Adds more value to your home than concrete
Doesn’t need much maintenance when done right
You can add plants and lights

This job needed permits from Contra Costa County and soil reports. When the wall is over 4 feet high, there are extra rules you have to follow.

Stone walls cost more than block walls up front but they last longer and look better. The main thing is getting the foundation right and making sure water drains away from the wall.

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Completed wood retaining wall providing slope stability in Rancho San Miguel/Brooktree North area, Walnut Creek, CA

Wood Retaining Walls

When a timber retaining wall fails, it usually happens fast—posts rot at ground level, the wall leans forward, and soil starts pushing through. This wood wall replacement in the Rancho San Miguel/Brooktree North area shows what happens when an old wall wasn't built with proper drainage or deep enough posts to handle our wet winters.

Project details:

Location: Rancho San Miguel/Brooktree North area, Walnut Creek
Challenge: Steep slope limiting yard use and causing erosion
Solution: Pressure-treated timber wall with deadman anchors
Materials: 2×8 pressure-treated timbers with galvanized hardware
Timeline: 2 days for installation after excavation

Most customers choose timber walls because the cost is roughly 40–50% less than stone while providing the same structural support. We use ground-contact-rated pressure-treated lumber and install proper drainage behind every wood wall to prevent premature rot and failure.

Why customers choose wood walls:

Most affordable retaining wall material
Natural appearance that complements landscaping
Can be stained to match existing deck or fence colors
Easy to modify or extend in the future

This project required excavation with a French drain and engineered gravel backfill to manage water correctly.

We used steel I-beam posts set deep in the ground for this installation, then attached pressure-treated timbers with galvanized hardware. The steel posts won't rot like wood posts, which is why we use them on taller walls. With the proper drainage system we installed behind it, this wall should last 20-30 years in Walnut Creek's climate—ideal when you need immediate erosion control at a reasonable cost.

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New concrete block retaining wall built to stabilize hillside in Rancho Paraiso area, Walnut Creek, CA

Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Concrete block walls are a simple solution when you need engineered strength at a reasonable price. We built this system for a customer in the Rancho Paraiso area whose sloped backyard was losing soil and creating an unstable area that couldn't be used safely.

Project details:

Location: Rancho Paraiso area, Walnut Creek
Challenge: Soil movement threatening hardscape and drainage
Solution: Reinforced segmental block wall with geogrid layers
Materials: Interlocking concrete blocks with gravel backfill & French drain
Timeline: 3–5 days including excavation and inspections

For this installation, we excavated to stable soil and built a compacted base rock foundation. We installed drainage behind the wall with perforated pipe and gravel backfill to handle water runoff during winter rains. The wall is about 3 feet tall, so we didn't need geogrid reinforcement—just proper base preparation and drainage to keep it stable for decades.

Why customers choose concrete walls:

Modern, uniform look with many block styles
Engineered strength for taller applications
Lower maintenance than wood
Good value compared to natural stone

Concrete block walls strike a balance: more durable than timber and usually more cost-effective than natural stone, especially for taller walls that require reinforcement and permits.

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Completed custom retaining wall system with tiered design in Walnut Heights area, Walnut Creek, CA

Custom Designed Retaining Walls

Some backyards need more than a single wall—they need a complete transformation. This Walnut Heights project turned unusable slope into a multi-level outdoor space with integrated steps, tiered walls, and functional terraces that work with the natural contours of the property.

Project details:

Location: Walnut Heights area, Walnut Creek
Challenge: Unstable slope with drainage and design requirements
Solution: Custom engineered wall with integrated drainage and decorative finish
Materials: Mix of stone veneer, reinforced concrete, and lighting features
Timeline: Varies depending on engineering and finishes

Custom walls are engineered for stability first, then finished with materials that enhance curb appeal. They often require coordination with landscape design, lighting, or outdoor living features.

Why customers choose custom walls:

Blend structural strength with design flexibility
Match architecture and landscape style
Include features like planters, seating, or lighting
Increase both property value and usability

Custom designed retaining walls are the best choice when you need both performance and style. They cost more than standard options but can completely transform a yard into a functional outdoor living space.

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Retaining Wall Repair in Walnut Creek

Not every failing wall needs complete replacement. When caught early enough, targeted repairs can restore structural integrity and extend the life of your retaining wall by years. This Acalanes Ridge project shows a wood wall that was leaning dangerously after several wet winters—we rebuilt the compromised sections while preserving the sound portions of the structure. We completed this project in partnership with Retaining Wall Experts, a contractor based in Walnut Creek.

Project details:

Location: Acalanes Ridge neighborhood, Walnut Creek
Issue: Leaning/block displacement after heavy winter rains
Solution: Partial rebuild with new base, drainage fabric, and gravel backfill
Upgrades: French drain and cleanouts to relieve hydrostatic pressure
Timeline: 1–3 days depending on access and scope

Our repair approach starts with drainage. We correct grading, add perforated drain pipe with gravel, and rebuild compromised sections on a compacted base. When walls have lost structural integrity (severe lean or widespread rot), we’ll recommend replacement instead of spot fixes.

Common repair benefits:

Stops further movement and soil loss
Improves drainage to prevent repeat failures
Preserves landscaping and hardscape
Often faster and less costly than full replacement

If your wall is tilting more than a few inches, has deep cracks, or lacks drainage, we’ll evaluate whether a targeted repair is safe or if replacement is the better long-term solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

We always come out to your property for a free estimate. We'll walk the site with you, look at the slope and access, take measurements, and give you a detailed quote. Most times we can get out there within a few days of your call. Just text some photos to 925-812-4771 along with your name and address, and we'll set up a time that works.

Most of the time it's 2-4 weeks out, depending on what time of year it is and how complicated your project is. If your wall is actively failing, we can sometimes accommodate you by moving you up in the schedule. However, if your wall is leaning but still holding, you're better off waiting for us to schedule an appointment than rushing it—because rushed jobs mean we skip critical steps like proper drainage and compaction, which can cost you more money down the road when things fail.

If the wall is over four feet then you're going to need a permit. Walnut Creek follows Contra Costa County rules, which means you'll need to get engineered drawings and soil reports. The permit process costs approximately $5,000-$8,000 and takes 4-6 weeks before you can even start building. Walls under 4 feet usually don't need permits, which is why a lot of people go with terraced walls—build multiple shorter walls instead of one tall one. We can handle the permit requirements if you need them, or design around the 4-foot limit to skip permits entirely.

If you share a property line with a neighbor, the wall will affect both of you. Finding the best approach depends on your specific situation, for example, how you get along with your neighbors, who benefits most from the wall, and whether there's existing damage that needs addressing. When we come to provide the estimate, we'll walk you through your options and determine what makes sense for your property.