Seat / Retaining Walls

When it comes to transforming the layout and function of your outdoor space, few features offer the same combination of structure and style as seat walls and retaining walls. At Modern Yardz, we design and build custom retaining walls in San Diego that not only support your landscape—but enhance it. Whether you're addressing a slope, looking to add dimension to your yard, or creating permanent seating around a fire pit or patio, our expert team handles everything from design to build with precision and care.

We specialize in full-service outdoor construction across San Diego County, and retaining and seat walls are essential components in many of the yards we transform. From Chula Vista to Rancho Santa Fe, we’ve helped homeowners stabilize their land, elevate curb appeal, and create custom gathering spaces that make outdoor living more enjoyable. With over 40 years of hands-on experience and deep knowledge of local soil and climate conditions, we know how to build walls that are as functional as they are beautiful.

What Is a Retaining Wall?
‍A retaining wall is a rigid structure designed to hold back soil and manage changes in elevation on a property. In many parts of San Diego, sloped or uneven terrain is common—and retaining walls help prevent erosion, direct drainage, and create usable flat spaces where there once were hills.
These walls are more than just practical—they’re also highly customizable. Retaining walls can be built from a variety of materials including concrete block (CMU), poured concrete, natural stone, or modular systems like Belgard or Keystone blocks. Depending on your property and preferences, we’ll recommend the best structural approach and finish materials to blend seamlessly with the rest of your landscape design.

Why Do San Diego Homes Need Retaining Walls?
‍If you live in San Diego, especially in areas like Mission Hills, La Jolla, or East County where hillside homes are common, retaining walls are often a necessity.
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Here's why:
‍Prevent Erosion: San Diego’s soil is prone to shifting, especially after heavy rain. A properly engineered retaining wall protects your yard from runoff and erosion.
‍Add Usable Space: By cutting into or leveling out slopes, retaining walls can help you create patios, gardens, or flat lawn areas in previously unusable spots.
‍Direct Drainage: Retaining walls often include drainage solutions like French drains or weep holes to help redirect water away from your home or foundation.
‍Support Structures: Walls can provide structural support for driveways, walkways, or staircases built into a slope.Our team ensures every wall is built with drainage, grading, and engineering best practices in mind—so it not only looks good, but performs reliably for years.

What Are Seat Walls?
A seat wall is a low, built-in wall that doubles as seating. These are typically installed around patios, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or garden beds, offering extra space to relax or entertain without cluttering your yard with loose furniture.
‍Seat walls in San Diego are especially popular in compact yards, where maximizing space and utility is key. They’re also great additions to larger projects when you want to add visual interest and create intentional gathering zones. We can design your seat wall to match existing hardscape elements using the same stone, pavers, or concrete finishes for a cohesive look.
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Materials We Use
We only use premium, long-lasting materials sourced from trusted brands like Belgard, Orco, Angelus, and more. Depending on your goals and budget, your retaining or seat wall can be built with:
‍CMU Block (Concrete Masonry Units): Strong, versatile, and perfect for structural applications.
‍Mortared Natural Stone: For a timeless, organic look that adds elegance to any landscape.
‍Segmental Retaining Wall Systems: Pre-engineered modular block walls that lock into place, offering speed and durability without sacrificing looks.
‍Poured Concrete: Clean and modern; great for minimal, sleek wall designs.Our team will walk you through finish options—whether you want a smooth stucco look, exposed aggregate, stone veneer, or textured block.Fully Custom Design & BuildAt Modern Yardz, we handle the entire process in-house. That means no juggling outside designers, engineers, or subcontractors—we take care of it all.

‍Here’s how it works:Free Design Consultation:
We’ll visit your property, discuss your needs, and assess grading, drainage, and soil conditions.
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‍2D + 3D Design: You’ll receive a custom design with a clear layout and photo-realistic 3D renderings so you can visualize the final space.
‍Engineering (if needed): For larger walls or hillside projects, we’ll provide any necessary plans for permitting and structural requirements.
‍Detailed Quote: Transparent, itemized, and easy to understand.
‍Build: Our experienced crews will handle excavation, installation, backfill, and finish work—all with minimal disruption to your home.

From retaining walls that carve out flat yard space to fire pit seat walls that invite your guests to stay awhile, our work is built to look great and last.

Serving All of San Diego
We build retaining and seat walls throughout San Diego County, including:
Chula Vista
North Park
Clairemont
La Jolla
Mission Hills
Poway
Rancho Santa Fe
Del Mar
Oceanside
El Cajon
And more…
No matter your neighborhood, our team knows the soil conditions, permit requirements, and design styles that work best.
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Why Choose Modern Yardz?
‍We’re not just landscape contractors—we’re a full-stack design + build team with decades of experience in San Diego outdoor construction. When it comes to walls, grading, and structural design, it’s critical to work with a team that understands more than just surface-level landscaping. Our team is hands-on, locally rooted, and committed to quality at every phase of the job.
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Over 40 years of experience
Local expertise in San Diego terrain
Premium materials & craftsmanship
Licensed, insured, and in-house crews
Personalized service from start to finish
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Retaining Wall + Landscape Integration
We don’t just build a wall and leave. Because we’re a full-service company, we’ll design your retaining wall in the context of your entire yard.
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That means:
Grading and drainage that supports your whole yard
Integrated lighting or seat wall caps
Matching your hardscape materials (pavers, patio, kitchen)
Adding steps, stairs, or landings
Planting beds or garden walls
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We make sure everything flows together and adds long-term value to your property.

Ready to Build Your Wall?
‍If you're looking for a local expert in seat walls or retaining walls in San Diego, look no further. Whether you need to tame a slope, create more usable space, or add custom seating around your patio, Modern Yardz has the experience and team to get it done right.

We offer free consultations and custom quotes for every project. Contact us today to start designing a space that works hard and looks amazing.