Retaining walls do two jobs at once: they stabilize your yard and upgrade how it looks and functions. Built the right way, a wall can turn a sloped, unusable area into level, beautiful space that adds real value to your home.
What a quality retaining wall does for you
• Stops erosion before it damages your landscape, driveway, or foundation
• Creates flat, usable areas for patios, play space, gardens, and parking
• Controls water with proper drainage so your yard dries out and stays clean
• Improves safety on slopes and along driveways or elevated patios
• Boosts curb appeal with colors and textures that complement your home
• Adds long-term value when it’s engineered and installed correctly
• Soil or mulch keeps washing out after heavy rain
• Your yard stays soggy or you see standing water near slopes
• Pavers, steps, or fence lines are settling or leaning
• You’re out of flat space for a patio, parking, or play area
• You want to raise or level a patio and need a safe edge
• Solid base: excavated, compacted base rock with correct thickness for height and soil
• Drainage: perforated drain pipe, free-draining backfill, filter fabric, and weep paths
• Reinforcement: geogrid layers and proper step-back/batter on taller walls
• Compaction: every lift compacted to spec—no shortcuts
• Finish & protection: cap units, clean joints, controlled water exit points away from structures
We recommend wall systems based on height, soil conditions, nearby loads (like driveways), drainage, and the look you want. We install premium systems from Regal Hardscapes and Belgard, along with natural stone and specialty options when they fit your site.
Best for: Most residential projects up to tall heights (with proper reinforcement) Look: Clean, modern blocks with multiple colors, textures, and cap options Performance: Engineered units, strong interlock, excellent with geogrid and drainage Maintenance: Very low; occasional rinsing and vegetation control Investment level: Good to premium depending on block style and height Upgrades: Matching steps, columns, lighting under caps, integrated planters Notes: The most versatile and cost-efficient “workhorse” solution for strength and looks.
Best for: Rustic, timeless aesthetic; garden terraces; curved organic lines Look: Natural, varied stone with rich texture and character Performance: True dry-stack requires skilled installation and careful drainage; taller walls may need geogrid or a structural backup wall with stone veneer Maintenance: Low; occasional joint touch-ups on dry-stack Investment level: Mid to premium (stone selection and sourcing drive cost) Upgrades: Mixed stone sizes, boulder accents, native plantings between tiers Notes: Gorgeous and classic—great when style is as important as structure.
Best for: Tight spaces needing thinner wall footprint; modern or architectural looks Look: Sleek concrete lines, or any finish you want with a stone/brick veneer Performance: Very strong; typically requires engineering, steel, and formwork Maintenance: Minimal; inspect drainage and any applied finishes over time Investment level: Premium (formwork, steel, and finishes drive cost) Upgrades: Integral color, textured forms, veneer, lighting, steel railings Notes: Ideal where you can’t spare depth for block or boulders.
Best for: Short garden edges or temporary solutions Look: Warm, natural wood appearance Performance: Shorter lifespan compared to masonry or stone; not ideal for high loads Maintenance: Higher; wood is vulnerable to moisture and insects over time Investment level: Budget Notes: We typically recommend masonry or stone for longevity; timber is a case-by-case choice.
• Walls over about 4 feet from base to top
• Walls supporting driveways, patios, or structures
• Poor soils, steep slopes, or limited space for proper setbacks
• Complex curves, terraces, or tight property lines
• LED cap lighting and step lighting for safety and ambiance
• Color-matched steps and landings that tie into patios or walkways
• Planter pockets, seating caps, and column features
• Downspout tie-ins and surface drains that move water the right way
• Matching pavers for patios, grill pads, or fire pits