Retaining Walls
Design & Installation in Calabasas & Greater Los Angeles
Retaining Walls That Elevate Your Landscape
Sloped properties are one of the defining characteristics of neighborhoods like Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and the hillside communities throughout the western San Fernando Valley. They’re also one of the most common design challenges we solve for homeowners. A wellengineered retaining wall doesn’t just hold back soil — it creates level, usable space, controls erosion, manages drainage, and adds significant structural and aesthetic value to your property.
At Marbia Landscape Design, retaining walls are a specialty. We’ve built hundreds of walls across every type of residential slope — from modest garden terraces to engineered hillside systems spanning multiple tiers.
Retaining Wall Materials We Work With
Natural Stone
Dry-stacked or mortared walls that offer the most organic look, sourced to complement SoCal's natural landscape and your existing hardscape.
Concrete Block & CMU
The industry standard for structural strength. Engineered systems like Allan Block offer design flexibility with textures that mimic natural stone.
Poured Concrete
Rebar-reinforced solutions for large structural applications. Can be finished with custom stucco, stone veneer, or left as clean, modern concrete.
Brick & Veneer
Perfect for Mediterranean architecture, delivering the look of premium masonry with the structural reliability of an engineered concrete core.
Timber & Corten Steel
Modern design accents using weathered steel and dark timber to create dramatic landscape edges and contemporary planter borders.
Engineering Comes First
A retaining wall that fails is worse than no wall at all. We approach every retaining wall project with engineering principles first — assessing soil type, slope angle, hydrostatic pressure, seismic loading, and drainage requirements before specifying materials or dimensions.
Walls over 4 feet in height typically require an engineered design and permit in LA County. We handle the documentation and permit process on your behalf.
Retaining Walls as Design Features
The best retaining wall projects we’ve completed aren’t just structural solutions — they’re landscape features. Multi-tiered terrace walls that create distinct outdoor “rooms.” Seat walls that integrate with fire features and planting beds. Corten steel planter edges that anchor a contemporary design scheme. When a wall has to be there, we make sure it earns its place in the design.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Retaining Walls
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Calabasas?
Walls under 4 feet generally do not require a permit in LA County, but regulations vary by municipality and HOA. We assess permit requirements as part of every project evaluation.
How long do retaining walls last?
A properly engineered and constructed retaining wall should last 50+ years. The most common cause of premature failure is inadequate drainage behind the wall — something we address in every installation.
What's the most important factor in retaining wall longevity?
Drainage. Hydrostatic pressure from water building up behind a wall is the primary cause of retaining wall failure. We include drainage systems — typically perforated pipe backfill or weep holes — in every retaining wall installation.
Success Stories
Real experiences from clients who trusted Marbia to transform their outdoor spaces into something extraordinary.
WHY MARBIA?
Design that Stands Out
We create visually striking and functional spaces tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Proven Experience
With over 100 transformed projects, our work speaks for itself—built on trust, skill, and consistency.
Personalized Attention
We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. We listen, adapt, and guide you every step of the way.