Exterior & Repairs · Twin Cities & Anoka County

Retaining Wall Contractor in Minneapolis, MN

We build and rebuild retaining walls across Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Anoka County, from a low garden wall to a wall that holds back a sloped yard. A retaining wall stands or fails on what you can't see: the base, the drainage behind it and how it handles frost, so that's where we start.

Get an estimate Call (763) 439-6173

Retaining wall contractor for block, stone and concrete walls

A retaining wall holds back soil that wants to move, so the parts that matter most are underground: the base, the drainage and the way the wall is tied back into the slope. We plan those first, then build the face you see.

Segmental block retaining walls
Natural stone retaining walls
Poured concrete retaining walls
Retaining wall replacement and repair
Terraced walls for sloped yards
Wall steps and landings
Yard grading and drainage behind the wall
Concrete footings and patios at the wall

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Wall types.

Segmental concrete block walls, the most common choice for yards and gardens
Natural stone walls
Poured concrete walls for taller or structural walls

Base and drainage. A compacted gravel base below the frost-prone soil, drainage stone behind the wall and a perforated drain at the bottom that carries water away.

Taller walls. Geogrid reinforcement tied into the slope, terraced walls where one tall wall would be too much, and an engineered design where the height or load requires it.

Finish. Caps, steps and landings built into the wall, backfill and grading so water runs away from the wall and the house.

How a retaining wall project runs, from layout to backfill

1

Walkthrough

We look at the slope, the soil, where water flows and what the wall will hold back.
2

Plan and estimate

We pick the wall type and height, check permit rules for your address and give you a written estimate.
3

Locates and layout

Underground utilities are marked and the wall line is staked out.
4

Excavation and base

We dig out for the wall and build a compacted gravel base, level and set below grade.
5

Build and drain

The wall goes up course by course, with drainage stone and a drain pipe behind it and reinforcement where it's needed.
6

Backfill and grade

We backfill in layers, compact it and grade the soil so water runs away from the wall.
7

Caps and cleanup

Caps are set, steps finished and the site cleaned up, then we walk the wall with you.

Good to know

Retaining walls in Minnesota: frost, drainage and height

Frost heave

Wet soil behind a wall freezes and expands every winter. A free-draining base and drainage stone keep that water from collecting, which is what stops a wall from moving year after year.

Spring runoff

Snowmelt sends a lot of water down slopes at once. The drain behind the wall needs a clear place to discharge, away from the wall and the foundation.

Height and permits

Many cities require a permit and an engineer above a certain height, or when the wall supports a driveway, a building or another wall. Terracing into two shorter walls is often simpler and looks better.

Season

Walls can be built from spring through fall. Frozen ground makes excavation and compaction harder, so winter builds are rare.

Retaining wall contractor questions

Why do retaining walls lean or bulge?

Almost always because of water and frost behind the wall. Without drainage stone and a drain at the base, water builds up behind the wall, freezes and pushes it out. A weak or shallow base lets it settle unevenly.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

It depends on the city and the wall height. Taller walls, and walls holding back a driveway, a slope near a building or a load above them, usually need a permit and an engineered design. We check the requirements for your address before planning.

Which is better: block, stone or poured concrete?

Segmental block is the most common for homes: it drains well, flexes with frost and is easy to repair. Natural stone looks great and lasts when it's built right. Poured concrete suits tall or structural walls. We'll recommend one based on the height, the load and the look you want.

Can you fix my existing wall instead of replacing it?

Sometimes. If a short section has shifted, we can take it down to a sound base, add drainage and rebuild it. If the whole wall is leaning, rebuilding with a proper base and drainage is usually the lasting fix.

Retaining Wall Contractor across the Twin Cities

Based in East Bethel, working across the north metro and the Twin Cities. Not sure we cover your town? Call or send the form and we'll tell you.

Anoka County: East Bethel · Blaine · Coon Rapids · Anoka · Andover · Ham Lake · Ramsey · Fridley
Hennepin County: Minneapolis · Brooklyn Park · Maple Grove · Plymouth
Ramsey County: St. Paul
Sherburne County: Elk River

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Planning this project?

Send a few details and photos. We'll call to set up a walkthrough.

Get an estimate Call (763) 439-6173

Retaining Wall Contractor in Minneapolis, MN

Retaining wall contractor for block, stone and concrete walls

How a retaining wall project runs, from layout to backfill

Walkthrough

Plan and estimate

Locates and layout

Excavation and base

Build and drain

Backfill and grade

Caps and cleanup