What shapes the investment
- Step or wall material chosen
- Height and length of retaining walls
- Drainage and structural engineering needs
- Integration with existing patio or fire feature
- Site access and slope difficulty
Masonry
Masonry Contractor for Southern California Hills and Slopes
Steps, seating walls, and retaining walls are often used to account for hills and slopes on Southern California properties. A sloped backyard or a steep front yard walkway is a daunting task to some contractors, but not to us.
- 25+years of experience
- 10,000+projects completed
- In-housedesign-build crews
- LIC #715731licensed & insured
- 5-star
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What you're looking for
The right approach follows how you want to use the space. Pick what you're actually after below, and the materials and layout mostly follow from it. Every project shown was built here in Southern California, so the choices are suited to this climate.
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01 A safe transition on a slope Steps comfortably transition between walkways and patios wherever hills and slopes present a challenge. See masonry steps -
02 A built-in gathering spot Built-in seating walls elevate a simple fire pit or patio into a real gathering place for family and guests. See seating walls -
03 Structural support for a hillside Retaining walls prevent soil erosion, create usable terraces, and add a stylish focal point on hillside properties. See retaining walls -
04 A finish that matches the property Steps and walls come in a variety of colors, shapes, and materials suited to the rest of the hardscape. See finish options
Service options
Bull-Nosed Paver Steps
Best for Anyone who wants a smooth, rounded edge that also works well for pool decking.
- Rounded edge faces the front of the step
- Commonly used for pool deck edges since they have smooth edges
- Matches paver patios in color and pattern
On your property Best suited to properties already using paving stones elsewhere, so materials read as one system.
- Pool decks
- Paver patios
- Driveways
Pre-Cast Concrete Steps
Best for Anyone who wants steps that come in consistent, ready-made lengths.
- Comes in various lengths that adapt to fit the design
- Consistent, uniform appearance
- Straightforward installation on graded slopes
On your property Works best where the rise and run of the slope matches standard precast lengths.
- Concrete patios
- Walkways
- Utility access paths
Large Paver Treads
Best for Anyone who wants a paver patio and steps to read as one continuous surface.
- Larger sizes suitable for stair treads
- Best varied in material or color from the rest of the patio, so the eye catches the change in elevation
- Reduces the risk of trips or falls by marking each step clearly
On your property Requires careful color or material contrast planning during design, not left to chance on site.
- Paver patios
- Garden walkways
- Terraced yards
Retaining Wall Cap Stone Treads
Best for Anyone who wants steps to match an existing or planned retaining wall.
- Thin enough to use as step treads
- Textured front face, unlike most pavers, since they are designed for the tops of walls
- Ties steps and retaining walls into one material palette
On your property Best planned alongside any retaining wall work on the property, not as a separate material decision.
- Retaining walls
- Terraced gardens
- Hillside landscaping
How we work
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Before Site assessment and grading
We assess the slope, drainage, and soil conditions before designing any steps or retaining wall.
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Selection Material and design selection
Bull-nosed pavers, pre-cast concrete, large pavers, or cap stones are chosen to match the rest of the hardscape.
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Base plan Footing and base preparation
A proper footing and compacted base are critical for a retaining wall or a run of steps to hold up over time.
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Construction Wall and step construction
Crews build the wall or steps to plan, with proper drainage behind any retaining structure to prevent long-term issues.
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Finished Finishing and integration
Cap stones, seating, and surrounding planting complete the feature and tie it into the rest of the yard.
Key decisions
Things worth knowing before a first consultation.
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Step material
Bull-nosed pavers, pre-cast concrete, large pavers, and retaining wall cap stones each look and perform differently. Material should match the rest of the hardscape.
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Drainage behind retaining walls
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent long-term issues. This is not optional on a hillside property.
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Color and material contrast on steps
Varying the color or material of steps from the surrounding patio helps the eye see the change in elevation and reduces trip risk.
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Seating wall integration
Seating walls are often built to match a paving stone patio, fire feature, or pool and spa rather than as a standalone element.
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Slope and hillside challenges
Hills and slopes present frequent challenges for Southern California homeowners, and steps or retaining walls are usually the answer.
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Structural versus decorative walls
A retaining wall provides essential structural support, while a seating wall is primarily about use and gathering. Some walls do both.
Investment and timeline
No quote written off a photograph can account for what your property is like.
What shapes the schedule
- Material selection and lead times
- Engineering and permitting for taller retaining walls
- Excavation and footing work
- Surrounding hardscape and planting
Why masonry seating wall was drawn together with the rest of the property
Decking, drainage, utilities, planting, shade and lighting all bear on where a feature goes and how it gets built. Settling them on one set of drawings is what keeps conduit out of the wrong trench and stops paving being cut to fit afterward.
- Slope and grading Steps and walls are designed around the actual grade of the property, not a flat assumption.
- Drainage behind walls Proper drainage prevents the long-term issues that undersized systems cause.
- Material consistency Step and wall materials matched to the surrounding patio, driveway, or fire feature.
- Seating and gathering Seating walls turn a fire feature or patio into a real gathering place.
- Planting integration Planting softens masonry walls and ties them into the rest of the landscape.
Access, engineering, permits, finishes and scope vary a lot from one property to the next, so the investment and the schedule for your project are set once we have seen the site and the design is settled.
Tell us about the property and what you want the space to do. We will walk through the design, site and permitting factors likely to shape it.
What customers say
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Everyone involved from the demolition to repairs to stone installation was outstanding, professional, and moved with real urgency.
Dan Jessee Google review · 2 years ago Masonry and hardscape project -
I've done several projects with Pacific Outdoor Living and they are always so easy to work with. Their project managers are knowledgeable and in constant communication throughout the project.
Chris Sosa Google review · 1 year ago Masonry and hardscape project
Frequently asked questions
Can you build steps and walls on a steep slope?
Yes. Steps and retaining walls are the usual answer to the frequent challenges hills and slopes present on Southern California properties. A steep front yard walkway is a daunting task to some contractors, but not to us.
Why does drainage matter so much for retaining walls?
Proper drainage behind a retaining wall is crucial to prevent long-term issues like soil pressure buildup and wall failure. It should always be planned into the design, not added afterward.
What step material should I choose?
Bull-nosed pavers work well near pools, pre-cast concrete offers consistent lengths, large pavers can match a paver patio, and retaining wall cap stones tie into an existing wall. A designer can match the choice to your property.
Do I have to get my own permits for a retaining wall?
You can, but we typically pull all permits needed for your job through our own in-house permitting department, including engineering for taller walls.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation with one of our designers to discuss your project goals and explore what's possible on your property.
What happens next: we set up a visit, measure the property and talk through what you want the space to do. Then you get a design to look at before you commit to anything.