For homeowners dealing with steep lots and shifting soils, a failed retaining wall can mean cracked foundations, landslides or costly repairs. A Santa Cruz County contractor has now been singled out by customers for getting the unseen details right.
Crestline Construction, a family-owned business that focuses on structural retaining walls for sloped and hillside properties throughout Santa Cruz County, has earned the title of Retaining Wall Contractor of the Year in the Retaining Wall Contractors category from the Consumer Ratings Institute. The award is based on public consumer reviews and a 4.9-star rating. According to the company, the honor reflects a commitment to building walls that perform structurally over the long term, not just ones that look good on the surface.
The terrain in Santa Cruz County presents unique challenges: steep lots and unstable soils can turn a retaining wall project into one of the most technically difficult jobs on a property. With more than two decades of experience, Crestline Construction specializes in steel I-beam soldier pile retaining walls, poured-in-place reinforced concrete walls and pressure-treated timber retaining walls. The choice of system depends on each site’s specific conditions, elevation changes and project needs.
Before any work begins, the team conducts a full assessment of soil, terrain, drainage and access. Since water pressure buildup behind a wall is a leading cause of cracking, leaning or outright failure, proper drainage systems are integrated into the design, and careful attention is paid to footing depth and backfill during construction. When necessary, the company coordinates with licensed engineers and inspectors to meet site-specific structural demands and local building codes. The team also evaluates older or deteriorating walls to recommend whether repair or a complete replacement is the safer route.
"A retaining wall is only as good as what you can’t see: the footings, the drainage and the backfill behind it," said Joshua Coley, Owner of Crestline Construction. "Being recognized as Retaining Wall Contractor of the Year, based on what our customers say about us, means a lot to our family and our crews. It tells us that taking the time to build each wall correctly from the ground up is making a real difference for homeowners on the hillsides of Santa Cruz County."
Crestline Construction serves residential and light commercial clients throughout Santa Cruz County, including Santa Cruz, Aptos, Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Ben Lomond, Felton and Boulder Creek, as well as Los Gatos and Saratoga. The company provides free, no-obligation estimates and is licensed and insured under California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) #1148548.
About Crestline Construction
Crestline Construction is a family-owned and operated contractor based at 1862 El Rancho Drive in Santa Cruz, California, with roots in the family’s earlier Coley Tree and Demolition business. Using its own experienced crews and equipment, the company specializes in retaining wall construction, structural concrete, excavation, grading, land clearing and demolition. Additional services include trucking, deck construction and fencing for residential and commercial properties. The company takes pride in providing dependable workmanship, clear communication and practical construction solutions tailored to the unique terrain and challenges of California’s Central Coast.
About the Consumer Ratings Institute
The Consumer Ratings Institute is a national business recognition registry based in New York, evaluating businesses across all sectors using aggregated public review data. The Institute issues recognitions across multiple categories based on publicly accessible consumer reviews.
Joshua J. Coley
Crestline Construction
+1 831-888-2323
Why it matters: With hillside properties facing constant pressure from water and soil movement, choosing a contractor with a track record of structural integrity can be the difference between a wall that lasts decades and one that fails within years. Recognition based on verified customer feedback offers homeowners a reliable signal in a trade where the quality of work is often hidden underground.
