Block Retaining Walls in Portland, Oregon
Looking for a durable, attractive block retaining wall for your property? The Wall is a retaining wall contractor in Portland with more than 40 years of experience designing and building retaining walls throughout the Portland metro area.
Why Consider a Block Retaining Wall?
Block retaining walls are one of the most versatile options available for residential and commercial properties. Manufactured retaining wall blocks are designed to work together as a complete wall system, providing a consistent appearance while allowing the structure to adapt to many different property layouts.
Clean, Consistent Appearance
Because retaining wall blocks are manufactured in consistent shapes and sizes, they create an organized, finished appearance. Different colors, textures, sizes, and styles can also be used to complement your home’s architecture and surrounding landscape.
Excellent Design Flexibility
Block retaining walls can work well for everything from relatively straightforward grade changes to larger retaining systems and terraced landscapes.
Depending on the property, they can be used to create:
- Terraced yards
- Garden areas
- Level lawn spaces
- Defined property areas
- Hillside stabilization
- Raised planting areas
- More usable sections of sloped properties
Designed for Long-Term Performance
A block retaining wall is much more than the blocks visible from the outside.
Long-term performance depends on what happens behind and underneath the wall, including proper excavation, base preparation, drainage, backfill, compaction, and reinforcement when required.
Our team evaluates these factors before construction so the wall is designed around the actual conditions of the property.
A Great Fit for Portland Properties
Portland’s hills, wet winters, mature landscaping, and varying soil conditions can make retaining wall construction more complicated than it initially appears.
Water management is particularly important. A properly constructed block retaining wall needs to account for water behind the wall so unnecessary pressure does not build against the structure over time.
With decades of experience working throughout the Portland area, our team understands the local conditions that can affect retaining wall performance.
Our Process for Building Block Retaining Walls
Every property is different. Instead of approaching every project with the same design, we evaluate the site and build the retaining wall around its specific conditions.
1
Evaluate the Property
We begin with an on-site consultation to understand why the retaining wall is needed and evaluate the surrounding property.
Our team considers factors such as:
Existing grade and slope
Soil conditions
Drainage
Wall height
Access to the project area
Nearby structures
Existing retaining walls
Trees and root systems
How you plan to use the surrounding space
This helps us determine whether a block retaining wall is the appropriate solution.
2
Design the Wall
Once we understand the property, we develop a retaining wall design appropriate for the site.
The design considers both the appearance of the finished wall and the forces the structure needs to withstand.
Larger or more complicated retaining walls may also require additional structural engineering or permitting depending on the wall and site conditions.
3
Prepare the Site and Base
A long-lasting retaining wall starts below ground.
Our crew excavates the project area and prepares the foundation needed to properly support the wall. Proper base preparation is essential to keeping the finished wall level, stable, and structurally sound.
4
Build the Wall and Drainage System
The retaining wall blocks are carefully installed according to the design of the wall.
At the same time, we address drainage and backfill behind the structure. Proper water management helps prevent excessive hydrostatic pressure from developing behind the wall, which can contribute to movement or premature failure.
Depending on the height and design of the wall, additional reinforcement may also be incorporated into the retaining system.
5
Complete and Inspect the Project
After construction is complete, we review the finished retaining wall and surrounding project area.
Every new retaining wall built by The Wall is backed by our 5-year limited warranty covering materials and workmanship, giving you added confidence in your investment.
Where We Build Block Retaining Walls in the Portland Metro Area
The Wall builds block retaining walls throughout Portland, Southwest Washington, and surrounding communities.
Portland Metro & Surrounding Areas
Milwaukie
Sherwood
Hillsboro
Sandy
West Linn
Salem
Tualatin
Wilsonville
Troutdale
McMinnville
Vancouver
If you are unsure whether your property is within our service area, contact our team to discuss your project.
Block Retaining Wall FAQs
How much does a block retaining wall cost in Portland?
The cost of a block retaining wall depends on the size and height of the wall, the type of block selected, site accessibility, excavation requirements, soil conditions, drainage, reinforcement, engineering requirements, and the complexity of the property.
Because every site is different, an on-site evaluation is the best way to determine the cost of your specific retaining wall project.
How long do block retaining walls last?
A properly designed and constructed block retaining wall can last for decades.
The longevity of the wall depends on factors such as the quality of the retaining wall system, base preparation, drainage, soil conditions, reinforcement, installation quality, and changes to the surrounding property over time.
Are block retaining walls good for Portland's rainy climate?
Yes, but proper drainage is extremely important.
Portland’s rainfall can cause water to accumulate in the soil behind a retaining wall. If that water is not properly managed, hydrostatic pressure can build against the structure.
A properly constructed block retaining wall should include drainage and appropriate backfill designed to manage water behind the wall.
Do block retaining walls require drainage?
In most structural retaining wall applications, managing water behind the wall is an essential part of the design.
The exact drainage system depends on the property and wall design, but drainage is one of the most important factors in helping a retaining wall perform properly over the long term.
Do block retaining walls need reinforcement?
Some do.
Smaller retaining walls may rely primarily on the wall system, base, and mass of the structure, while taller or more heavily loaded walls may require additional reinforcement.
The correct approach depends on the height of the wall, soil conditions, slope, nearby structures, and other site-specific factors.
Does my block retaining wall need to be engineered?
Not every block retaining wall requires formal structural engineering.
Larger or more complicated walls may require engineering depending on their height, location, loads, slope conditions, and local permitting requirements.
Our team can evaluate the property and help determine what will be required for your particular project.
Do I need a permit for a block retaining wall in Portland?
Permitting requirements depend on the dimensions, location, and structural conditions surrounding the retaining wall.
Walls supporting additional loads or located near structures, property lines, steep slopes, or other sensitive areas may have additional requirements.
The project should be evaluated individually rather than assuming that every retaining wall falls under the same permitting rules.
Can a block retaining wall replace an old wood retaining wall?
Yes. Block retaining walls are commonly considered when replacing older retaining walls made from railroad ties, landscape timbers, or other wood materials.
Before constructing the replacement, our team evaluates why the original wall deteriorated and whether drainage, soil movement, or other site conditions need to be addressed as part of the new design.
Can you replace an existing block retaining wall that is leaning?
Yes.
A leaning, bulging, or shifting block retaining wall may indicate a problem with drainage, soil pressure, foundation preparation, reinforcement, or another aspect of the original construction.
We can evaluate the existing wall and property conditions before recommending the appropriate replacement solution.
What are the signs that a block retaining wall is failing?
Common warning signs include:
- Leaning or bowing
- Blocks shifting out of position
- Separation between sections
- Cracking
- Soil washing through or around the wall
- Water collecting behind the wall
- Settlement
- Sections becoming uneven
- Movement in the slope surrounding the wall
If you notice significant movement, it is a good idea to have the retaining wall evaluated.
Can block retaining walls be used to terrace a steep yard?
Yes. Block retaining walls can be an excellent option for creating terraces on sloped properties.
Instead of having one continuous steep slope, multiple walls can sometimes create flatter areas that make portions of the property more functional and easier to landscape.
The appropriate layout depends on the grade, wall heights, drainage, property dimensions, and other site conditions.
Are there different styles of retaining wall blocks?
Yes. Retaining wall blocks are available in many colors, textures, sizes, and profiles.
Some create a more contemporary, uniform appearance, while others are designed to resemble natural stone.
During the planning process, we can help select a retaining wall system that works structurally while complementing the surrounding property.
What is the difference between a block retaining wall and a concrete retaining wall?
A block retaining wall is built using individual manufactured retaining wall units assembled into a complete system. Other types of concrete retaining walls may use poured concrete or, in The Wall’s case, reclaimed concrete pieces that are shaped and installed to create a more natural stone-like appearance.
The best option depends on your property’s structural requirements, desired appearance, site conditions, and budget.
Why hire The Wall to build a block retaining wall?
The Wall has been building retaining walls throughout the Portland area since 1985.
Our team combines decades of local experience with an understanding of retaining wall engineering, drainage, soil conditions, and detailed construction. Rather than simply installing blocks, we look at the entire retaining system and how it interacts with the surrounding property.
Every new retaining wall we build is also backed by our 5-year limited materials and workmanship warranty.