services
Retaining Walls & Structural Hardscape
When the ground needs to stay put, we make sure it does.
From natural boulder walls to engineered structural block systems, Maplewood Site Solutions designs and builds retaining walls for residential properties, rural acreages, shorelines, and commercial sites — walls that won’t lean, settle, or fail when conditions get tough.
What We Do
Retaining Wall Construction for Every Site Condition
Not all retaining walls are created equal. A decorative garden border and a wall holding back a 10-foot cut slope are two entirely different engineering challenges — and they demand different materials, construction methods, and expertise.
As a dedicated retaining wall contractor, Maplewood Site Solutions focuses on the structural side of hardscape construction. We build walls engineered to manage real forces — and that perform reliably for decades without costly repairs or failures.
Our Services
Retaining Wall & Structural Hardscape Services
Large fieldstone and granite boulders interlock by weight and friction, creating a massive, stable structure that blends naturally into rural and residential landscapes — with serious holding power and exceptional longevity.
Flat-faced, coursed stone with proper batter, compacted base, and drainage aggregate behind the wall face. A clean, layered look that complements both traditional and contemporary landscapes.
Engineered segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems for residential terracing, driveway support, building pad retention, and commercial grade separation — installed with proper base compaction, drainage, and setback.
Taller walls with geogrid reinforcement layers extending into the retained soil mass — built to resist surcharge loads, challenging soils, and the engineering demands of walls beyond three to four feet.
Riprap and boulder armoring, bank regrading, and shoreline retaining wall construction sized for real wave, ice, and saturation conditions — protecting docks, lawns, and waterfront property from active erosion.
Strategic placement of large boulders to anchor slopes, deflect water, define property features, or create natural-looking landscape elements with real structural function — using the right equipment for precision setting.
Comprehensive solutions combining grading, retaining structures, drainage improvements, and erosion control — addressing the root cause of slope instability rather than treating symptoms.
Clean, stable transitions between elevations on your property — protecting driveway edges, supporting building pads, and retaining lawn areas adjacent to lower grades for the long term.
Large segmental walls, boulder and riprap systems, and reinforced load-bearing structures for retail sites, storage facilities, multi-unit developments, and light industrial properties — built to spec, on schedule.
Built to Last
What Makes a Retaining Wall Fail
Understanding why walls fail explains why quality construction matters so much. Here’s how we prevent the most common causes.
Failure Cause
How We Prevent It
Inadequate base preparation
We excavate and compact a proper base for every wall
No drainage behind the wall
We install drainage aggregate and pipe to relieve hydrostatic pressure
Improper batter and setback
We build walls with correct lean and geometry for the load
Undersized for the application
We size wall systems to match the actual forces involved
No geogrid reinforcement on taller walls
We use reinforcement layers where wall height and loads require it
Poor material selection for site conditions
We match materials to exposure, soil type, and load requirements
A wall built correctly from the start costs less in the long run than repairing or rebuilding one that failed due to shortcuts.
Who We Work With
Our Retaining Wall Services Are a Fit For
Homeowners
Slopes, grade changes, shoreline erosion, and driveway retaining needs.
Rural & Acreage Owners
Steep terrain, farm-lane cuts, and waterfront erosion challenges.
General Contractors
Structural retaining walls integrated into a larger construction project.
Commercial Owners & Developers
Site grade changes, parking lot retaining, and commercial-grade wall systems.
Landscape Contractors
A structural site work partner for projects requiring real retaining capacity.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Maplewood Site Solutions
A retaining wall is a long-term structural investment. You want a contractor who treats it like one.
Engineering-First Approach
Walls designed and built to manage hydrostatic pressure, soil weight, surcharge loads, and frost heave — not just stacked stone.
Right Material for the Job
Boulders, ledge stone, structural block, or reinforced systems — matched to your site, load, and aesthetic.
Drainage Done Right
Every wall built with proper drainage aggregate and outlet — the most common cause of wall failure, eliminated.
Equipment & Expertise
Heavy equipment for boulder setting and the experience to place every stone correctly the first time.
Built to Last Decades
Walls that won't lean, settle, or fail — a one-time investment, not a recurring repair.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a retaining wall be before it needs engineering?
Requirements vary by municipality, but most jurisdictions require engineering review for walls exceeding four feet in retained height. Walls supporting surcharge loads — like driveways or structures above — may require engineering at lower heights. We’ll advise you on what’s required for your specific project.
What's the most durable type of retaining wall?
Boulder walls are among the most durable — their mass and natural interlocking make them extremely resistant to failure. Properly built structural block walls with geogrid reinforcement are also highly durable. The “best” material depends on your site conditions, load requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
Do retaining walls need drainage behind them?
Yes — without exception. Hydrostatic pressure from water building up behind a wall is one of the leading causes of wall failure. Every wall we build incorporates drainage aggregate and, where appropriate, drainage pipe to relieve this pressure.
How long does retaining wall installation take?
A typical residential retaining wall project takes two to four days depending on wall length, height, and material. Larger commercial or shoreline stabilization projects may require additional time. We provide a project timeline with every estimate.
Can you match an existing wall style on my property?
In most cases, yes. If you have an existing boulder, ledge stone, or block wall that needs to be extended or complemented with a new section, we’ll do our best to match the material and construction style.
What's the difference between a retaining wall and a landscaping wall?
A retaining wall is specifically engineered to hold back soil and manage grade changes — it must be built to handle real structural loads. A landscaping wall is primarily decorative. Many walls serve both purposes, but any wall retaining significant soil height or supporting loads above needs to be built to structural standards.
Ready to Build a Wall That Holds?
Whether you have a slope, grade change, shoreline, or commercial site that needs structural retention — we design and build walls that perform for decades.