Retaining Walls That Hold and Look Great
Control erosion, level out sloped yards, and create beautiful tiered landscaping with professionally built retaining walls using block, stone, or boulders.
Typical Timeframe: 2–7 DaysWhat's Included
A retaining wall built to last starts underground — proper footing, drainage, and batter are what keeps walls standing for decades.
- Site assessment & wall design
- Excavation & base trench preparation
- Compacted gravel base course
- Block, stone, or boulder wall construction
- Drainage aggregate behind wall
- Geogrid reinforcement where required
- Backfill & compaction
- Cap course & finish work
Why Jaramillo Landscape?
A retaining wall that fails is worse than no wall at all — it becomes a safety hazard and an expensive problem to fix. We build walls the right way the first time: proper batter (backward lean), drainage behind the wall to prevent hydrostatic pressure, and a solid compacted footing that won't shift.
We work with all wall materials: Allan Block, Versa-Lok, natural stone, large boulders, and dry-stack designs. We'll help you choose the material that fits your aesthetic, your budget, and the engineering requirements of your site.
Walls over 4 feet may require engineering review under local code. We know the regulations and will advise you on any permitting requirements during the estimate.
Our Process
Every wall starts below ground — the quality of your footing determines how long the wall stands.
Site Assessment & Wall Design
We assess the slope, soil conditions, drainage needs, and load requirements to design a wall that will hold safely for decades.
Excavation & Base Preparation
We excavate the footing trench to below frost depth and prepare a level, compacted gravel base for the first course.
First Course & Alignment
The base course is set level and aligned precisely — this determines the straightness and stability of every course above it.
Wall Construction with Drainage
Each course is set with proper batter (setback), and drainage aggregate is installed behind the wall as we go to prevent water pressure buildup.
Backfill & Compaction
Soil is backfilled in lifts and compacted layer by layer to prevent settling behind the wall.
Cap Course & Final Finish
The cap course is set with adhesive for a clean, finished look. The site is cleaned up and restored before we leave.
Typical Timeframe
2–7 Days
Short garden walls (under 3 feet) are typically complete in 2–3 days. Longer or taller walls may take a full week. We'll give you a clear timeline with your estimate.
Cost Factors
- Wall height & total linear footage
- Material type (block, stone, boulder)
- Soil conditions & excavation depth
- Drainage requirements
- Geogrid reinforcement (taller walls)
- Access for equipment & delivery
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
In most Treasure Valley municipalities, retaining walls under 4 feet don't require a permit. Walls over 4 feet typically require an engineer's stamp and permit. We know the local regulations and will advise you during the estimate phase so there are no surprises.
Concrete block (Allan Block, Versa-Lok) is the most common choice — it's durable, affordable, and available in many styles. Natural stone offers a more organic look but costs more. Large boulders work great for informal walls and slopes. During your estimate, we'll show you options and recommend based on your budget and style preferences.
Yes — drainage behind the wall is critical. Without it, water pressure (hydrostatic pressure) builds up after rain and can push the wall outward or cause it to fail. We install drainage aggregate and perforated pipe behind every wall we build. This is non-negotiable for a wall that will last.
Yes — a properly built retaining wall stops soil movement on slopes and creates usable, level planting areas. For severe erosion, we often combine a retaining wall with drainage solutions and ground cover plantings to fully stabilize the area. We'll assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective approach.
Take Control of Your Sloped Yard
Get a free estimate for retaining wall installation in Treasure Valley. We'll assess your slope, recommend the right material, and build it to last.