DiBara Masonry

Cinder Block Retaining Wall Installation
Los Angeles

Expert cinder block retaining wall installation in Los Angeles. We build reinforced CMU walls with proper rebar, grout cells, drainage, and waterproofing to secure your property.

How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall for Your Property

4350+

Projects completed

4.9

300+ reviews

Our work

More than 100 years building on Quality

With more than 4.300 projects completed we are sharing here some of our completed retaining wall projects. 

Each wall is built with care, precision, and durability in mind

Honored Nationally, Trusted Locally, Los Angeles’ Best Masonry Team

Recognised by the U.S. Congress and Named Best Masonry Company in Los Angeles 2025 for Unmatched Quality & Craftsmanship

congress award for quality and craftmanship

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what our clients are saying

“They restored our historic building better than we imagined – true craftsmen!”

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Residential Services

Expert CMU Retaining Walls for LA Homes

While we also build solid poured concrete retaining walls, reinforced CMU delivers incredible strength, value, and clean lines. As expert CMU retaining wall contractors, our crews install block walls with correct footings, rebar cages, grout-filled cells, and bond beams precisely as engineered. We seamlessly integrate proper drainage and waterproofing to control hydrostatic pressure, ensuring your wall stands the test of time. Finishes include smooth, split-face, or stone veneer. Every build strictly follows city inspections and seismic detailing to keep your property safe and code-compliant.

When Block Walls Are the Right Choice

Choose reinforced CMU when you need:

  • A reliable structure for low to medium hillside heights.

  • Straight, clean runs along property lines or driveways.

  • Faster production timelines using modular block units.

  • A wide variety of finish options, including split-face block textures or custom veneers.

How We Build Strong CMU Walls

Footing, rebar, and grout cells

We excavate to the exact engineered depth and width required for your soil type. Heavy-duty rebar dowels anchor the stem to the base. We then construct a robust cage using vertical bars and horizontal steel. Finally, we grout the internal cells per the engineering plan to create a solid, monolithic structure capable of holding back immense earth loads.

Waterproofing and backfill

Water is a retaining wall’s biggest enemy. We apply premium waterproof membranes directly on the soil side of the blocks. Next, we place commercial-grade filter fabric and washed gravel. A perforated drain pipe sits safely at the footing elevation with a clear, positive outlet. We also ensure correct surface grading to move stormwater runoff away from your structures. For complex basement or below-grade projects, we also provide comprehensive foundation waterproofing services.

Caps and finishes

We set pre-cast or custom caps to give your wall a clean, sealed top that protects the internal structure from rain. Your aesthetic options include split-face block, smooth stucco, or elegant stone veneer. We guarantee that all joints align perfectly, faces stay true, and corners remain absolutely plumb.

Repair and Reinforcement for Failing Block Walls

Common retaining wall failures trace back to inadequate footings, missing internal grout, absent drainage systems, or severe rebar corrosion. When you need block wall repair Los Angeles homeowners trust, we deliver lasting solutions. Our fixes range from partial rebuilds with correct steel reinforcement to advanced tieback systems based on newly engineered designs. We replace cracked units, re-establish plumb lines, and add proper drainage to relieve the destructive soil pressure behind the blocks.

Other Services

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Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls in Los Angeles

How tall can a CMU retaining wall be without engineering?

Height limits vary by jurisdiction and surcharge loads (like a driveway above the wall). Most structural CMU walls need professional engineering. Always check local rules before beginning the design phase.

How is vertical reinforcement handled in block walls?

Vertical steel bars extend up from the poured concrete footing directly into the block stem. The hollow block cells around these bars then receive liquid grout to form a solid, unbreakable core.

Do block walls need drainage?

Yes. Washed gravel, filter fabric, and a perforated drain pipe are essential to remove hydrostatic water pressure. Many structural failures trace back directly to missing or clogged drainage.

What finishes work well on CMU?

Popular choices include split-face block, smooth stucco, or natural stone veneer. Solid caps provide a clean, sealed top to prevent top-down water intrusion.

How long does installation take?

The duration depends heavily on wall length, height, site access, and city inspections. We share a realistic target schedule in your written proposal.

Are permits required for CMU retaining walls?

Most structural CMU walls require official permits and staged inspections. You must verify current steps with LADBS or your local city building department.

Do you repair older block walls?

Yes. We thoroughly assess the existing footing, rebar, grout, and drainage conditions. We then propose structural reinforcement or a partial rebuild for a safe, code-ready result.

How do you prevent rebar corrosion?

Correct concrete cover, solid waterproofing, and excellent drainage greatly reduce moisture exposure inside the wall. We also quickly address surface cracks that allow water entry.

Looking For A Masonry & Concrete Company That Can Be Trusted?

Meet DiBara Masonry, the 4th generation masonry and concrete experts that have been restoring brick, stone, & concrete structures for over 100 years!