Types of Retaining Wall Blocks (and Which Is Best for Your Southern California Yard)

An Expert Guide for Riverside & Southern California Homeowners

When homeowners in Riverside and Southern California begin planning a retaining wall, one of the first questions they face is: Which retaining wall blocks should I choose? With the region’s intense summer heat, clay-heavy soils, sloped yards, and occasional heavy winter rains, selecting the right block isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly affects the wall’s strength, longevity, and overall safety.

At Deloya Masonry, we work with a wide range of block materials, styles, and manufacturers to build walls that stabilize soil, prevent erosion, expand usable space, and elevate your home’s curb appeal. This guide breaks down the most common types of retaining wall blocks, how they perform in Southern California’s climate, and how to choose the right type for your property.

Whether you’re looking to terrace a hillside, support a driveway, frame a garden, or secure soil on a slope, understanding the differences between retaining wall blocks will help you make a confident, informed decision.

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What Makes Retaining Wall Blocks Different from Regular Blocks?

Retaining wall blocks are specifically engineered for lateral strength, meaning they are designed to hold back thousands of pounds of soil pressure. Unlike typical concrete blocks, retaining wall blocks feature characteristics such as:

• Heavier density

• Interlocking lips, pins, or keys

• Built-in setback angles

• Increased compressive strength

• Weather- and erosion-resistant surfaces

• Design profiles that distribute weight safely

  
  

These engineered features make retaining wall blocks capable of supporting large loads and extreme soil pressure, especially important in Riverside and the Southern California region, where slopes and soil expansion are common.

For more background on how retaining walls work, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) offers a clear overview:https://www.nachi.org/retaining-walls.htm

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The 5 Main Types of Retaining Wall Blocks

Below are the most common types of retaining wall blocks used in Southern California construction projects. Each has unique benefits depending on your property’s design, soil type, slope, and drainage needs.

1. Interlocking Concrete Blocks (Segmental Retaining Wall Blocks)

Best for: Most residential retaining walls, sloped yards, garden walls, multi-level terraces, and long-lasting structural walls.

Interlocking concrete blocks—also known as segmental retaining wall (SRW) blocks—are the industry standard for most residential and commercial retaining walls.

Why They’re Ideal for Southern California

Southern California’s climate brings intense summer heat, expansive soils, and occasional heavy rain. Interlocking blocks handle these challenges better than most materials because:

• They move slightly with soil shifts instead of cracking

• They allow water to drain effectively through gravel backfill

• They resist UV exposure and heat-related wear

• They maintain structural integrity over decades

These blocks are typically manufactured by companies like Belgard and Angelus Block—both known for providing products specifically formulated for the Southern California climate.Belgard retaining wall systems: https://www.belgard.com/products/retaining-walls/

Key Benefits

• High structural integrity

• Long lifespan

• Limitless design options

• Ideal for both small and large walls

• Interlocking design adds strength and stability

  
  

When to Choose This Type

If your wall needs to retain soil, prevent erosion, terrace a hillside, or support a driveway, interlocking concrete blocks are one of the safest and most reliable options.

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2. Standard Concrete Block (CMU) Walls

Best for: Walls that require reinforcement, tall retaining walls, or walls supporting heavy loads.

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs), often called “cinder blocks,” are a staple in structural construction and can be used for retaining walls when reinforced with steel rebar and concrete grout.

Why They Work in Southern California

• Offer maximum strength for tall or load-bearing walls

• Ideal for steep slopes where soil pressure is high

• With proper drainage, they perform exceptionally under environmental stress

  
  

Key Benefits

• Extremely strong when reinforced

• Highly customizable with stucco, stone veneer, or paint

• Suitable for engineered walls

  
  

Important Consideration

CMU retaining walls must be engineered and built to code. They also require proper drainage systems, as improper installation may cause cracking or leaning.

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3. Natural Stone Retaining Wall Blocks

Best for: High-end aesthetics, luxury landscapes, rustic or modern finishes, and premium outdoor environments.

Natural stone retaining walls are considered the most visually stunning option and are commonly used in upscale properties in Southern California, including hillside homes and luxury outdoor living spaces.

Why They’re Popular

• Timeless appearance

• High-end material

• Excellent durability

• Blends seamlessly with surrounding landscape

  
  

Types of Stone Commonly Used

• Limestone

• Sandstone

• Quartzite

• Granite

• Moss rock

  
  

Performance in Southern California

Natural stone withstands heat exceptionally well and typically lasts decades with minimal wear. However, because stacking stone requires skill and often involves higher material and labor costs, it is typically chosen for aesthetic value rather than structural necessity.

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4. Large Precast Concrete Blocks (Gravity Wall Blocks)

Best for: Commercial or large residential projects, walls over 4 feet, steep slopes, and areas needing heavy soil retention.

These oversized blocks—sometimes weighing hundreds of pounds—are designed to stabilize massive amounts of soil with gravity alone.

Why They Are Effective in Southern California

• Ideal for large hillside stabilization

• Perform well under extreme heat

• Require less maintenance than smaller blocks

  
  

Key Benefits

• Massive weight provides natural strength

• Excellent for large-scale retaining wall projects

• Faster installation for long walls

  
  

These are commonly used in freeway retaining walls and large developments, but they can also be used in residential settings where soil pressure is high.

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5. Decorative Garden Wall Blocks

Best for: Small walls, planter beds, edging, and nonstructural landscaping elements.

These lighter, smaller blocks are designed for aesthetic garden features, not for supporting soil heavy loads. They are ideal for:

• Raised flower beds

• Garden edging

• Decorative borders

• Low retaining walls (under 2 feet)

  
  

When to Choose These Blocks

If your project is purely decorative and does not require structural support, decorative garden blocks offer a quick and affordable option.

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How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall Blocks for Your Southern California Property

Selecting the right block type depends on several factors, especially given the environmental conditions of Riverside and surrounding Southern California regions.

Here’s what homeowners should consider:

1. Soil Type and Movement

Southern California soils—especially in Riverside—often contain expansive clay. This means soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry.

What this means for retaining walls:

• Interlocking concrete blocks are ideal because they flex slightly

• CMU walls must have reinforced footings and drainage

• Natural stone must be installed with expert craftsmanship

A soil test can help determine which block type will perform best.

2. Wall Height and Pressure Load

The taller the wall, the more lateral pressure it must withstand.

• Under 3 feet: Interlocking blocks or garden wall blocks

• 3–6 feet: Interlocking blocks with proper reinforcement

• Over 6 feet: Engineered CMU wall or large precast blocks

Walls over 3–4 feet often require permits in California. You can review California retaining wall code guidance here:https://www.calgold.ca.gov/

3. Aesthetics and Architectural Style

Southern California homes often feature contemporary, Mediterranean, Spanish, or rustic architectural styles. Retaining wall blocks come in countless textures and colors to match your home’s design, including:

• Split-face textures

• Tumbled stone finishes

• Smooth modern blocks

• Earth-tone colors

• Natural stone veneer
  

4. Drainage Requirements

Proper drainage is essential in Southern California due to heavy winter storms and long dry seasons.

A well-built retaining wall includes:

• Perforated drainage pipe

• Washed gravel backfill

• Waterproofing membrane (for CMU walls)

• Weep holes (for tall engineered walls)

Poor drainage is the number one cause of retaining wall failure.

5. Budget and Long-Term Value

Different block types vary significantly in price due to materials and labor:

Retaining Wall Block Type	Typical Cost Range Installed (Per Sq. Ft.)	Lifespan
Interlocking Concrete Blocks	$28–$55	30+ years
CMU Block Wall (Reinforced)	$45–$80	50+ years
Natural Stone	$60–$120	50–100 years
Large Precast Blocks	Varies widely	40+ years
Decorative Garden Blocks	$18–$30	10–20 years

Prices may vary depending on project and location**

Interlocking blocks offer the best balance of cost, aesthetics, and long-term durability for most Southern California homes.

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Which Retaining Wall Block Is Best for Southern California?

For homeowners in Riverside, Orange County, and the broader Southern California region, the best overall choice is typically:

Interlocking Concrete Block (Segmental Retaining Wall Block)

Here’s why:

• Engineered for shifting and expanding soils

• Stand up to intense heat and UV exposure

• Allow proper drainage during winter storms

• Require minimal maintenance

• Offer excellent structural integrity

• Provide the widest range of colors and textures

  
  

For luxury landscapes, many homeowners combine interlocking blocks with natural stone veneer for a premium aesthetic.

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Why Professional Installation Matters—Especially in Southern California

Even the strongest retaining wall blocks can fail if not installed correctly. Southern California’s soil and climate conditions mean retaining walls must be built with:

• Correct base preparation

• Proper compaction

• Accurate block alignment and setback

• Adequate drainage systems

• Quality backfill

• Engineering for tall or load-bearing walls

  
  

At Deloya Masonry, we specialize in retaining wall construction that meets California building codes, withstands extreme temperatures, and blends seamlessly with your landscape design.

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Transform Your Yard with Expertly Built Retaining Walls

Contact Deloya Masonry

A retaining wall is more than a structural feature—it’s a long-term investment in your home’s safety, stability, and beauty. Whether you need a small garden wall, a hillside stabilization system, or a multi-tier landscape design, Deloya Masonry brings years of expertise to every project.

We serve Riverside and all surrounding Southern California communities with:

• Precision craftsmanship

• High-quality materials

• Code-compliant construction

• Custom design solutions

• Long-lasting performance

  
  

📞 Ready to build a retaining wall that lasts?Reach out to Deloya Masonry today to schedule a consultation and receive a custom quote.