Who to Hire to Build a Retaining Wall: A Complete Guide

With some grit and determination, you could DIY your retaining wall, but it’s best to hire a professional to build this large, complicated structure. But do you know who to hire to build a retaining wall?

Retaining wall installers have the equipment and teams necessary to handle complex jobs quickly. Since hiring a professional helps you create a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing retaining wall, follow our guide to learn more about the best type of pro for this project. 

Benefits of Hiring a Retaining Wall Installer to Build Your Retaining Wall

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Building a retaining wall in your yard is no small feat, and a local retaining wall installer is your best bet for a successful installation. A dependable retaining wall installer will have the design experience to help you determine the best layout, material, and size of your wall, plus they have the construction crew and equipment necessary to make it happen. 

One main benefit of hiring this type of pro is that since they specialize in this service, they likely have tight connections with suppliers who carry high-quality stone and other materials, meaning they may get discounts on these items. Building a retaining wall can cost between $3,200 to $9,100, so it’s important to hire the most qualified retaining wall installer possible to ensure your investment is worth the cost.

Can I DIY a Retaining Wall?

When you see the price of installing a retaining wall, you’ll likely have a moment where you wonder “Can I just do this myself?” 

Technically, yes. But building a retaining wall, especially one made of stone or other heavy-duty materials, requires significant sweat equity and investment in renting construction tools and equipment. Plus, there’s the possibility of making a mistake during the building process that damages your yard or risks injury.

All that said, working with a professional retaining wall installer ensures the job gets done right. Without a few years of study or hands-on experience, you’re highly unlikely to get the same result as the professionals. 

Can You Hire a Landscaping Company to Build Your Retaining Wall?

You can also hire landscapers when looking to build many different types of retaining walls. With expertise in complex outdoor spaces and knowledge of the various materials and techniques required, working with an experienced landscaper provides a world of benefits. These key benefits include:

• Experienced workers: If you have no experience with moving large amounts of earth, you’ll quickly find out it’s no joke. When you work with a landscaping company, you have an entire team of professionals dedicated to helping you build a secure retaining wall. 

• Saves you time: If you choose to go the DIY route, you may save money, but you’ll make up for it through the massive time-suck that is learning to build a retaining wall from scratch. You’ll spend endless hours watching videos and gathering materials necessary to complete a structurally sound wall. Plus, you’ll need to rent (and understand how to use) heavy-lifting equipment to move dirt and rock. Or worse, do it all by hand. 

• Creates a stress-free environment: Building a retaining wall isn’t an easy task. It takes careful planning, a lot of complicated equipment, and even more materials. Working with professionals takes all of that stress off your shoulders. 

• You get a high-performance design: When landscapers build retaining walls, it’s not always only for aesthetic purposes. You may need a retaining wall to help with drainage issues or to prevent erosion. This purpose requires an understanding of how drainage works and how to place rocks and other building materials in such a way that your land remains in the confines of the wall. 

How Do Landscapers Build a Retaining Wall? 

Different retaining walls have different purposes, so the process of building each is unique. Certain walls are designed solely for aesthetic purposes while others are there to help fix or prevent erosion. Your retaining wall builder will follow these steps:

1. Gather materials: Before starting the construction process, your retaining wall team must gather the necessary materials. This may include stones, bricks, concrete, mortar, drainage pipes, landscaping fabric, and any other required tools or equipment. 

2. Flatten your land: To build your retaining, your lawn must be level and graded. This step helps to create a stable and even surface for the wall foundation.

3. Dig a trench (if applicable): In some cases, digging a trench is necessary, especially for taller retaining walls. This trench serves as the foundation for the wall and helps you add drainage elements if you require them. 

4. Lay your base layer: The base layer, often made of compacted gravel or crushed stone, is laid to provide a stable and solid foundation for the wall. This layer helps in distributing the weight evenly and prevents the wall from sinking into the ground over time.

5. Start laying stones, bricks, or other building materials: Depending on the chosen design and materials, begin placing building materials according to the planned layout. Ensure that each piece is properly positioned and securely placed to create a sturdy and durable structure.

6. Backfill your wall: After the wall has been built to the desired height, backfill the area behind the wall with gravel or crushed stone. This step helps with drainage and prevents the build-up of water, which could potentially compromise the integrity of the wall. Additionally, stamp down and compact the backfill to ensure extra stability.