CONCRETE RETAINING WALL CONTRACTOR IN ESCONDIDO, CA

Poured concrete retaining walls for hillside yards, driveways and patios in Escondido, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe and across North County and coastal San Diego.

40+

Years in Business

1000+

Happy Customers

5.0 ★

Google Rating

$0

Free No-Obligation Estimates

Veteran-Owned Business

40+

Years in Business

Mendenhall Concrete

Professional Retaining Wall Contractor

Many North County homes sit on sloped lots, and a steep yard can leave much of a property hard to use. A well-built retaining wall holds the soil in place, protects driveways and structures below the slope, and turns unusable ground into level space.

Mendenhall Concrete is a retaining wall contractor in Escondido, CA serving homeowners throughout North County and coastal San Diego. We handle concrete retaining wall installation for hillside yards, driveway cuts and new patio areas, and we replace older walls that have started to lean or crack. A new wall is often the first step before a concrete patio or a set of concrete steps that connects the levels of your yard.

Each project begins with a site visit. We look at the height of the slope, the soil, the drainage and what sits above and below the wall. You then receive a written estimate that sets out the layout, the scope of work and the schedule before excavation begins.

MAKE ROOM FOR MORE

Benefits of a Concrete Retaining Wall

A retaining wall does more than hold back soil. Planned well, it changes how much of your property you can use and how the yard looks from the house.

MORE LEVEL SPACE

Cutting into a slope and holding it with a wall creates room for a patio, lawn, play area or garden.

EROSION CONTROL

A wall keeps soil from washing down the hillside during winter storms and protects the areas below it.

PROTECTION FOR WHAT SITS BELOW

Driveways, walkways and structures at the bottom of a slope stay clear of falling soil and runoff.

CONNECTED YARD LEVELS

Walls can be planned with steps and walkways so each level of the property is easy to reach.

A CLEAN, FINISHED LOOK

Concrete walls give a hillside a crisp edge that suits modern and traditional homes alike.

PLAN THE DETAILS

What Goes Into a Well-Planned Retaining Wall

A hillside retaining wall carries the weight of the soil behind it every day. These details decide how the wall is built and what it needs to stay upright for the long term.

The Details That Shape Your Project:

Height and Layout: The total height and the shape of the wall decide whether one wall or a series of terraced walls is the better fit.
Soil and Slope Conditions: The type of soil and the angle of the slope affect the size of the footing and the reinforcement inside the wall.
Loads Above the Wall: A driveway, structure or steep slope above the wall adds weight, which often calls for an engineered design.
Setbacks and Property Lines: Walls near property lines, easements or existing structures may need a survey, HOA approval or neighbor coordination.
Site Access: How equipment and concrete reach the work area shapes the excavation plan and the schedule.

Our Work

Project Gallery

Our Promise

“If it’s not right, we’ll make it right. Every time, without question.”

— Mike Stratton, Owner

Why Mendenhall

Built on Reputation.

Veteran-Owned & Operated

Owner Mike Stratton brings his experience in the Armed Forces to every retaining wall we build. Our crews arrive on schedule, keep the site organized and follow the approved plans at each stage of the work.

Local Since 1982

Since 1982, Mendenhall Concrete has worked on hillside properties across North County San Diego. We understand the local soil, winter runoff and what the cities we serve expect from a retaining wall project.

Written Estimates

Every estimate is provided in writing and covers the layout, scope of work and schedule, so you know exactly what is included before work begins.

REVIEWS

What Our Customers Say

    
 
 
         
   Don Robinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mendenhall Concrete did an excellent job on my driveway. They arrived right on time and got started right away. I watched the whole process and I even made videos of each step. Mike’s team was very professional and obviously focused on doing the best possible job. Not only was the work exemplary but dealing with Mike, the company owner, was easy and friendly. His bid was very thorough in his description of what would be done to accomplish my project. I got several bids and Mendenhal’s bid was the most detailed in the description of the labor needed and obviously showing his knowledge of city coding in laying concrete that other bids I got didn’t. There was absolutely nothing in my experience with Mendenhall Concrete that I didn’t like.
  
 
        
   Kelley R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love these guys! Wonderful company that worked with my ideas and designs to make them work for me. They poured a spa slab in the back and two patio slabs with spaces to backfill with soil and pebble, as well as framed an existing sidewalk with pavers. The pavers bring life to an old sidewalk and it looks like they were always there. They were wonderful, detailed, timely and stayed on budget. Their employees are extremely hard working and cleaned as they went. The owner was out here often to check on progress. We only ran into a couple simple obstacles and they were able to suggest some fixes or work around them. They are have reasonable pricing and found the pavers I wanted. I would highly recommend them! Added some before and after pictures.
  
 
        
   marc n/a 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just completed a large project with Mendenhall.  Mike and his team delivered a high quality project, on time, and on budget with a level of professionalism that most other SD contractors should take note of.  They clearly take pride in the work that they do, and it shows.  We couldn't be more pleased with the end result, and while the project had a few bumps along the way, communication was prompt and clear.
  
 
        
   Randy Reiner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We came to Mendenhall Concrete for a huge project for our front, sides and backyard. Not only did Mike and his team deliver such a good product. They did it in a timely manner and with such detail and professionalism. We love the outcome! Would totally use them again and again!!!!
  
 
        
   Pete Jenkins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Mendenhall Concrete for my entire home renovation. Mike and his crew do phenomenal work. Not only do they perform quality work they do honest work. My project required framing and pouring a new foundation, color matching existing concrete and a new entryway. I couldn’t imagine where I would be without him. I would recommend them for any project big or small.
  
 
        
   will thurmond 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hired Mendenhall for our retail construction project. On time every time. Glad we hired them.
  
 
        
   Jon Flemmer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast completion of concrete. Great quality work. Looking at future projects with Mendenhall Concrete.
  
 
        
   KC GEM 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mendenhall Concrete is simply the best! We have used them to install concrete stairs to our apartment buildings, and installl concrete for walk ways. Mike and his team are very professional, timely and their work is Top-Notch! Highly recommand this company! Kathy C.
  
 
        
   Gary Jones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to work with. Highest possible quality.
  
 
        
   Blake Canedy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My service business worked at a home where concrete was recently poured by Mendenhall Concrete.  I was absolutely blown away by how charming this home became via a this concrete.  Beautiful flower beds, small walls, walk ways and some steps. It took a “so-so” looking home and it turned into a beautiful and charming home.
  
 
  
  
 
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on Mendenhall Concrete's Google Business Profile. Learn more

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT TYPES OF RETAINING WALLS DO YOU BUILD?

We build poured concrete retaining walls for hillside yards, driveway cuts, terraced gardens and level patio areas. We also replace older walls that have failed. During the site visit we recommend the wall type and layout that suit your slope and the space you want to create.

DO I NEED A PERMIT FOR A RETAINING WALL?

Many retaining walls need a building permit, especially taller walls and walls that hold up a slope, driveway or structure. Short garden walls often do not. In Escondido, permits are handled by the City of Escondido Building Division. We confirm the requirements for your city before work begins.

DOES MY RETAINING WALL NEED AN ENGINEER?

Taller walls and walls that carry extra weight from above usually need plans from a licensed engineer. The plans set the footing, reinforcement and drainage requirements. If your project needs them, we explain what is involved so they are in place before the estimate is finalized.

WHY IS DRAINAGE BEHIND A RETAINING WALL IMPORTANT?

Water that builds up behind a wall adds pressure and is a leading cause of leaning and cracking. A properly built wall includes gravel backfill, a drain line and a way for water to exit. Planning where that water goes keeps it away from your foundation and your neighbor’s yard.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A RETAINING WALL?

A small garden wall may take a few days of on-site work. Longer or taller walls take longer because of excavation, forming, inspections and backfill. The forms stay in place while the concrete gains strength, and your estimate includes a realistic schedule.

CAN YOU REPLACE A LEANING OR CRACKED RETAINING WALL?

Yes. A wall that leans, bulges or has water seeping through cracks has usually lost the support behind it. We remove the failed section, correct the drainage and build a new wall that is designed for the slope. Replacing a wall early often costs less than repairing the damage after it fails.

CAN A RETAINING WALL CREATE ROOM FOR A PATIO?

Yes. Cutting into a slope and holding the soil with a wall is a common way to gain level space for outdoor living. We can plan the wall and the patio together so the finished heights, drainage and steps all line up.

WHAT FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL?

Poured walls can be left with a clean smooth finish or given a texture that suits your home. A cap along the top gives the wall a finished edge. We review finish options during the estimate so the wall matches your house and landscaping.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY YARD NEEDS A RETAINING WALL?

Soil washing onto walkways, a slope that keeps eroding or a yard with little usable flat space are common signs. A wall may also be needed when a driveway, patio or addition cuts into a hillside. We walk the property with you and explain the options before you decide.

Still have questions?

Call us at (858) 630-4649. We are happy to answer questions about your retaining wall before you commit to anything.

Locations

Areas We Serve

We build retaining walls throughout North County and coastal San Diego, from Escondido and Poway to Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas and Carlsbad. If you don’t see your city listed, give us a call and we’ll let you know.

Poway
Escondido
Rancho Santa Fe
Del Mar
Solana Beach
Encinitas
Carlsbad
San Marcos
Vista

Oceanside
Bonsall
Fallbrook
Valley Center
Ramona
Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Peñasquitos
Mira Mesa
La Jolla

Serving North County and coastal San Diego. Call us to confirm service at your address.