Allan Block retaining wall systems in San Diego County
Allan Block is the most widely specified engineered segmental retaining wall system in San Diego County, used on everything from residential hillsides to commercial grading projects. We connect homeowners and property owners with insured local crews that install Allan Block to manufacturer specifications, including the correct batter angle, geogrid reinforcement layers on taller walls, and drainage aggregate behind the face. For walls over four feet, an engineered plan is required and your crew handles the permit.
What's included in this service?
- Excavate base trench and install compacted road-base pad to manufacturer tolerance
- Set base course at the correct embedment depth and batter angle for wall height
- Lay Allan Block units in running bond with drainage aggregate placed in lifts as wall rises
- Install geogrid reinforcement layers at specified intervals on walls over 28 inches high
- Place perforated drain pipe at the base of drainage aggregate and run outlet to daylight
- Set cap units with construction adhesive and backfill finished slope to grade
When do you need this service?
- A hillside lot needs a taller structural wall that will support a surcharge load such as a driveway, patio, or structure above
- A previous concrete block wall failed or needs replacement and the new wall must meet current engineered standards
- An HOA or municipality requires an engineered segmental system for visual consistency in a newer development
- A slope stabilization project needs a combination of wall and geogrid reinforcement working together
What do homeowners ask about Allan Block?
What makes Allan Block different from standard concrete block?
Allan Block units are designed specifically for segmental retaining walls, with a built-in batter setback on each course and a hollow core that fills with drainage aggregate as the wall goes up. Standard CMU block is set vertically on a concrete footing. Allan Block walls rely on mass, batter, and geogrid for their structural load path rather than a reinforced concrete core, which makes them faster to build and well-suited to residential grading.
When does an Allan Block wall require geogrid reinforcement?
Allan Block's engineering tables specify geogrid at different intervals based on wall height, batter, and surcharge load. In practice, most walls over 28 inches high benefit from at least one geogrid layer, and walls over four feet in San Diego typically require an engineered design that specifies geogrid spacing. Your crew follows the manufacturer tables and any engineered plan requirements.
How long does an Allan Block wall last?
An Allan Block wall installed to manufacturer spec typically lasts 50 years or more. The concrete units themselves are durable; the failure modes are inadequate drainage causing hydrostatic pressure, insufficient geogrid on taller walls, and base course movement from inadequate compaction. All three are installation variables, not material limits.
Where do we offer Allan Block in San Diego County?
We provide allan block in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See allan block in all 67 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Had a 6-foot block wall on a steep slope that needed full replacement. Crew showed up on time, pulled the permit, and built it right with proper drainage. No shortcuts.
We wanted a dry-stacked stone wall to match the coastal look of our yard. They matched the stone well and the drainage detail behind it was done correctly. Very happy.
Wall was leaning after last winter. They diagnosed drainage failure, installed perforated pipe behind the face, and the wall has been stable since. Fair price for the fix.
Need allan block in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.