Our Work
A look at walls we have built across San Diego County and Riverside County — from tight-access residential lots to multi-tier hillside systems.
Keystone / MSE BlockSan Diego, CA
Two-tier engineered block wall on a steep coastal hillside. Geogrid reinforcement every other course, drain rock and perforated pipe behind the full run to keep hydrostatic pressure off the face.
MSE Block WallEl Cajon, CA
Reclaimed nearly 900 sq ft of usable yard by cutting into decomposed granite and rebuilding the grade with a compacted, fully reinforced block wall and level pad above.
Wood Retaining WallPoway, CA
Pressure-treated timber terracing for a sloped rear yard, stepped to follow the natural grade with deadman tiebacks and gravel backfill for drainage.
Keystone / MSE BlockTemecula, CA
Plate-compacted lifts over geogrid on a large new-build lot. Commercial-level installation methods applied to a private residential project from base prep to cap.
MSE Block WallSan Diego County, CA
Long straight-run wall built tight to a property line with limited equipment access — hand-set block, staged material delivery and daily compaction testing.
Keystone / MSE BlockTemecula, CA
Base course set on compacted gravel along a long hillside cut, with drain rock and filter fabric installed as the wall stepped up the slope.
MSE Block WallSan Diego, CA
Curved multi-tier block wall wrapping a rear yard, creating level planting terraces and a finished patio area above the natural slope.
Keystone / MSE BlockTemecula, CA
Perimeter block wall holding back a steep canyon slope to create a fully usable pool deck, lawn and putting green above.
MSE Block WallEl Cajon, CA
Block wall built tight along a concrete driveway edge with waterproofing membrane and drainage behind the full run.
Send over a few photos of your slope and we will tell you straight what your site needs — and what it will take to build it right.
Recent Builds
San Diego, CA
Homeowner FAQ
Straight answers about wall systems, permits, drainage and project timing.
MSE walls use interlocking block, compacted backfill and geogrid reinforcement to create a durable system for larger grades and longer service life. Wood walls are a practical choice for smaller terraces, planters and modest slope corrections.
Permit requirements depend on the wall height, site conditions, location and local jurisdiction. We can help identify the requirements for your property and coordinate the right next steps before construction begins.
Many residential walls take several days to a few weeks, depending on the size, access, excavation, drainage, reinforcement and inspection requirements. We provide a project-specific timeline after reviewing your site.
Proper drainage is part of the system, not an afterthought. Depending on the project, that can include drain rock, perforated pipe, filter fabric and carefully compacted backfill to manage water and pressure behind the wall.
Past Homeowners
A few words from homeowners who trusted Retainers with their property.
“Pablo was clear, careful, and on top of every detail. Our wall looks great and feels built to last.”
“From the first estimate to the final cap, the team communicated well and kept our project moving.”
“Professional work, solid craftsmanship, and a finished wall that completely changed our backyard.”
