Retaining Walls
Retaining walls solve grade problems and create usable terraces — when built right. We engineer ours with proper drainage and reinforcement for decades of service.
What's included
- Segmental, boulder, and dry-stack styles
- Geogrid reinforcement on tall walls
- Drainage rock & weep systems
- Tiered designs for steep lots
How we build it
From a 2-foot garden wall to large engineered structures, every retaining wall we build starts with a proper footing, drainage system, and the right reinforcement for the height and soil conditions.
Available throughout Central Oregon
Retaining walls solve real problems
Sloped lots are common across Central Oregon — gentle grade changes in Bend's westside neighborhoods, steeper drops on Awbrey Butte and Tetherow, and large grade transitions on acreage in Powell Butte and Sisters. Retaining walls turn unusable slopes into terraced garden beds, level patios, and additional functional yard space. They also solve drainage problems, prevent erosion, and define spaces architecturally.
But retaining walls are also the hardscape element where bad construction shows up fastest. A wall that wasn't engineered properly, didn't get the right drainage, or skipped reinforcement will start to lean within a few years. We've seen plenty of leaning walls across the region — and we've replaced more than a few that other contractors built incorrectly.
Engineering and reinforcement
Every wall we build starts with a proper compacted base of crushed aggregate. The first course gets buried below grade for stability. As wall height increases, we incorporate geogrid reinforcement extending back into the soil — this is what turns a stack of blocks into an engineered structure that resists the lateral pressure of the soil behind it. For taller walls or challenging conditions, we work with structural engineers to ensure the design meets code and will perform for decades.
Drainage is non-negotiable
Water trapped behind a retaining wall is the single biggest cause of wall failure. We install drainage rock behind every wall, with perforated drain pipe at the base routed to daylight or a drainage destination. This keeps hydrostatic pressure from building up behind the wall and prevents soil saturation that would otherwise weaken everything. It's invisible work that makes the difference between a wall that lasts thirty years and one that fails in five.
Style options
Segmental block walls from manufacturers like Belgard, Techo-Bloc, and Allan Block offer modular construction in a wide range of colors and textures. Boulder walls built from large natural stones give a more rustic, organic look that fits beautifully in Sisters and Sunriver. Dry-stack natural stone walls offer a traditional craftsman aesthetic. We'll walk through options to find the right combination of look, budget, and longevity.
Retaining Walls FAQs
Walls over 4 feet tall, walls supporting structures, or walls on steep slopes require a structural engineer's stamp in most Central Oregon jurisdictions. We coordinate engineering when required.
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