With 52 years of experience, Spectrum Pool and Landscape creates highly customized, design-driven outdoor environments—from initial sketches to final touches. Founder Chuck Archuletta personally designs and oversees every project, drawing on a lifetime of hands-on expertise to create spaces that are beautiful, livable, and built to last. Known for his elegant hand-drawn plans, Chuck designs with a refined sense of how people move, gather, and enjoy their space. Spectrum’s work includes pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, California rooms, lighting, decks, arbors, landscaping, turf, irrigation, drainage, concrete, walls, and more. Fully licensed in pool, landscape, and masonry work, Spectrum is based in Alamo, CA and backed by decades of happy clients. Chuck is on site regularly and known for his craftsmanship, integrity, and follow-through.
"I cannot say enough about Spectrum Pool & Lamdscape! John, our project manager, was amazing with creating our backyard Oasis. Chuck, owner of Spectrum Pool & Landscape, is extremely knowledgeable and very kind. This company stands behind their work. I am so thankful we found them! if we could give them more than 5 we would! We were so impressed with their work, we decided to have them also landscape our front yard as well!"
Donna T on February 2024
With 52 years of experience, Spectrum Pool and Landscape creates highly customized, design-driven outdoor environments—from initial sketches to final touches. Founder Chuck Archuletta personally designs and oversees every project, drawing on a lifetime of hands-on expertise to create spaces that are beautiful, livable, and built to last. Known for his elegant hand-drawn plans, Chuck designs with a refined sense of how people move, gather, and enjoy their space. Spectrum’s work includes pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, California rooms, lighting, decks, arbors, landscaping, turf, irrigation, drainage, concrete, walls, and more. Fully licensed in pool, landscape, and masonry work, Spectrum is based in Alamo, CA and backed by decades of happy clients. Chuck is on site regularly and known for his craftsmanship, integrity, and follow-through.
"I cannot say enough about Spectrum Pool & Lamdscape! John, our project manager, was amazing with creating our backyard Oasis. Chuck, owner of Spectrum Pool & Landscape, is extremely knowledgeable and very kind. This company stands behind their work. I am so thankful we found them! if we could give them more than 5 we would! We were so impressed with their work, we decided to have them also landscape our front yard as well!"
Donna T on February 2024
Solano custom concrete inc Construction is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true
"I enjoy working with Juan. He is attentive and quick to respond. It's been a few weeks since the concrete patio, walkways, sloping of the yards and the french drains were installed. It has rained heavily and everything is perfect! What a fantastic job and his crew and Juan were very hard and fast workers. Def. hire this company."
Sandra S on February 2018
Solano custom concrete inc Construction is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true
"I enjoy working with Juan. He is attentive and quick to respond. It's been a few weeks since the concrete patio, walkways, sloping of the yards and the french drains were installed. It has rained heavily and everything is perfect! What a fantastic job and his crew and Juan were very hard and fast workers. Def. hire this company."
Sandra S on February 2018
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Quick to give me a price, the best by far. Quick to finish the project and clean up. I will use Roy for all my projects. Two thumbs up!!!"
Tom M on May 2025
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Quick to give me a price, the best by far. Quick to finish the project and clean up. I will use Roy for all my projects. Two thumbs up!!!"
Tom M on May 2025
A-Z Pro Landscaping is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"A-to-Z Landscaping is the most honest contractor Iâ ve ever hired. Paul The owner is very experienced and has an outstanding team of workers that are loyal to his company. I cannot stress enough, the experience, professionalism, and good business practices of A-Z Landscaping. They deserve the highest score possible."
Thomas K on May 2024
A-Z Pro Landscaping is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"A-to-Z Landscaping is the most honest contractor Iâ ve ever hired. Paul The owner is very experienced and has an outstanding team of workers that are loyal to his company. I cannot stress enough, the experience, professionalism, and good business practices of A-Z Landscaping. They deserve the highest score possible."
Thomas K on May 2024
Established in 2024, Aventra Engineering Services Inc. (Aventra) (License #1133283) leverages more than four decades of collective expertise in structural engineering, seismic retrofitting, concrete infrastructure, and erosion control solutions. Our commitment to craftsmanship, transparent communication, and uncompromising standards drives every project, ensuring reliable, high–quality outcomes for public and private sector clients across California’s Bay Area. Founded by CEO Aryan Pakkhoo and his father, Vice President Manoochehr Pakkhoo, a seasoned construction professional, Aventra blends data‑driven strategy with hands‑on insight to keep structural integrity, safety, and efficiency at the forefront of every build. We uphold strict quality control, a safety‑first culture, and seamless collaboration among architects, contractors, and agencies from project inception through completion, delivering resilient structures that protect communities and budgets alike.
"Professional and thorough work in helping construct an in law unit exactly to our specifications. Flexible with design process and we were completely satisfied. "
Steven S on May 2025
Established in 2024, Aventra Engineering Services Inc. (Aventra) (License #1133283) leverages more than four decades of collective expertise in structural engineering, seismic retrofitting, concrete infrastructure, and erosion control solutions. Our commitment to craftsmanship, transparent communication, and uncompromising standards drives every project, ensuring reliable, high–quality outcomes for public and private sector clients across California’s Bay Area. Founded by CEO Aryan Pakkhoo and his father, Vice President Manoochehr Pakkhoo, a seasoned construction professional, Aventra blends data‑driven strategy with hands‑on insight to keep structural integrity, safety, and efficiency at the forefront of every build. We uphold strict quality control, a safety‑first culture, and seamless collaboration among architects, contractors, and agencies from project inception through completion, delivering resilient structures that protect communities and budgets alike.
"Professional and thorough work in helping construct an in law unit exactly to our specifications. Flexible with design process and we were completely satisfied. "
Steven S on May 2025
AGC CONCRETE is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"I would like to recommend AG concrete for any concrete services needed. I reached out to the owner Alex about a retaining wall that I needed replaced on my property line. He responded quickly and gave me a fair and competitive price. Alex communicated well and started and finished the project within the time frame promised. The crew did a great job and Alex worked hard alongside them. Alex is a very detail oriented person and made the process easy by heeping me informed throughout the project. I am very pleased with the work done by AG and will be using their services in the future"
undefined on June 2025
AGC CONCRETE is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"I would like to recommend AG concrete for any concrete services needed. I reached out to the owner Alex about a retaining wall that I needed replaced on my property line. He responded quickly and gave me a fair and competitive price. Alex communicated well and started and finished the project within the time frame promised. The crew did a great job and Alex worked hard alongside them. Alex is a very detail oriented person and made the process easy by heeping me informed throughout the project. I am very pleased with the work done by AG and will be using their services in the future"
undefined on June 2025
8 years of experience. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Working with Yesner was fantastic and I would / will hire him again! The project was pouring a concrete slab in the basement of our old (1904) home. Like all old-house projects, this slab pour project had unique problems that would require someone with experience and a willingness to brainstorm in order to do it right. Yesner brought his experience, suggestions, and skills to the project and I'm very happy with the results. Additionally, he was dependable, easy to communicate with, and did not upsell his ideas. He came in with a reasonable bid (which can be hard to find in SF), adjusted costs for the change-orders without gouging, worked with me on the schedule, and was pleasant throughout the entire process. Yesner is the bomb and I wish him success in his business!"
Dan J on January 2025
8 years of experience. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Working with Yesner was fantastic and I would / will hire him again! The project was pouring a concrete slab in the basement of our old (1904) home. Like all old-house projects, this slab pour project had unique problems that would require someone with experience and a willingness to brainstorm in order to do it right. Yesner brought his experience, suggestions, and skills to the project and I'm very happy with the results. Additionally, he was dependable, easy to communicate with, and did not upsell his ideas. He came in with a reasonable bid (which can be hard to find in SF), adjusted costs for the change-orders without gouging, worked with me on the schedule, and was pleasant throughout the entire process. Yesner is the bomb and I wish him success in his business!"
Dan J on January 2025
We at Alameda Concrete are here to provide high quality concrete work, with the emphasis on customer service. We're able to make your vision into a reality. We're a family owned company who takes on one project at a time, that allows us to stay focused on your project from start to finish. We specialize in stamp concrete, driveways, walkways ,patios, and pavers. We take pride in our work,and strive to make it a simple, easy process, informing you of all options and costs. We look forward to working with you!
"Detailed, paced & measures precisely. Arrives & leaves on time. Works independently, hard working, quiet & thoughtful. Explains purpose & reasons for methods, materials needed & layout. But is flexible & listens to inputs. Easy to work with."
undefined on June 2025
We at Alameda Concrete are here to provide high quality concrete work, with the emphasis on customer service. We're able to make your vision into a reality. We're a family owned company who takes on one project at a time, that allows us to stay focused on your project from start to finish. We specialize in stamp concrete, driveways, walkways ,patios, and pavers. We take pride in our work,and strive to make it a simple, easy process, informing you of all options and costs. We look forward to working with you!
"Detailed, paced & measures precisely. Arrives & leaves on time. Works independently, hard working, quiet & thoughtful. Explains purpose & reasons for methods, materials needed & layout. But is flexible & listens to inputs. Easy to work with."
undefined on June 2025
Central Pacific Services is a licensed and insured excavating and masonry company based out of Tracy, California. With over 22 years in the industry, they are professionals who can take a on a wide range of projects. It is their priority to provide every customer with quality work and ensure the client is satisfied with the results. Give us a call today, we look forward to working with you!
"Excellent quality build. Requested a 60? CMU wall and wood fence to hold up my house on a hill. Ed was soooo communicative, clear with the scope, pricing, and also gave me several options a from more reasonable to high end. The work product was amazing."
Ann J on April 2023
Central Pacific Services is a licensed and insured excavating and masonry company based out of Tracy, California. With over 22 years in the industry, they are professionals who can take a on a wide range of projects. It is their priority to provide every customer with quality work and ensure the client is satisfied with the results. Give us a call today, we look forward to working with you!
"Excellent quality build. Requested a 60? CMU wall and wood fence to hold up my house on a hill. Ed was soooo communicative, clear with the scope, pricing, and also gave me several options a from more reasonable to high end. The work product was amazing."
Ann J on April 2023
Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it's repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. The creosote treatment in traditional railroad ties helps resist rot and insects, but proper drainage is essential for maximizing longevity. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor issues can help extend your wall's useful life.
Creosote-treated railroad ties can pose health risks if used near edible plants or children's play areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that creosote may be harmful to humans and wildlife. Many localities restrict or prohibit creosote-treated wood in residential settings. For garden applications, consider alternative materials like recycled plastic composite ties or lumber treated with more garden-friendly preservatives.
The ideal drainage solution depends on your specific site conditions and wall height. For most residential applications, a combination of gravel backfill and perforated drain pipe works effectively.
A complete drainage system costs between $2,100 and $6,500, though basic solutions start at $500. Proper drainage prevents water pressure buildup behind your wall, significantly reducing the risk of failure and extending its useful life.
For walls under four feet tall on relatively flat terrain, you can proceed without engineering services. However, walls exceeding four feet, those on steep slopes, or projects with unusual soil conditions require professional engineering input.
A structural engineer can design appropriate footings and reinforcement to ensure your wall safely handles the lateral soil pressure it will face.
Railroad tie retaining walls start at $15 to $25 per square foot, with most projects averaging $25 to $30 per square foot, depending on complexity and site prep. This makes them more affordable than natural stone or concrete block walls initially.
While vinyl options may cost less upfront ($10 to $15 per square foot), railroad ties offer superior aesthetics and strength. Though they require more maintenance than masonry options, their lower initial cost makes them attractive for many homeowners.