New retaining wall installation
Turn a steep yard into flat, usable space, hold up a driveway, or replace a failing wall with one built for mountain rain.
A retaining wall holds back soil so the ground on one side can sit higher than the other. On Asheville's hillsides that usually means cutting a level area into a slope for a yard, patio, parking pad or driveway, and building a wall to hold the bank behind it.
Which wall type is right?
| Wall type | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Segmental block | Yards, driveways, terraces, most residential heights | Taller walls need geogrid reinforcement and a design |
| Natural stone / boulder | Landscaping, garden terraces, moderate heights | Looks at home in the mountains; height is limited by stone size |
| Reinforced concrete | Heavy loads, walls near foundations or driveways | Usually engineered; highest cost |
| Timber | Low garden beds | Shorter life in a wet climate |
What goes into a wall that lasts?
- A solid base. A compacted gravel footing below the first course, dug deep enough for the wall's height.
- Drainage. Clean gravel behind the wall, a perforated drain pipe at the base that daylights or ties into a drain, and a plan for water coming down the slope above.
- Reinforcement. Geogrid layers for taller block walls, or steel in concrete walls.
- Proper backfill and compaction. In lifts, not dumped in all at once.
- Surface water control. Grading and swales so runoff doesn't pour over the top.
Steep lots and access
Many Asheville lots are steep, narrow or reached by tight driveways, which affects how materials and equipment get in. Ask the contractor how they'll access the site and protect the driveway and landscaping.
What affects the price?
- Height and length of the wall
- Wall type and material
- Excavation, hauling and access
- Drainage, reinforcement and any engineering or permits
- Removal of an old wall
The contractor prices the wall after walking the site, checking the slope and soil, and talking through what you need. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How tall can a retaining wall be without an engineer?
It depends on the wall type, the load above it and local rules. Taller walls and walls supporting a driveway, structure or steep slope commonly need an engineer's design. Check with your local permitting office.
Can I build a wall in winter in Asheville?
Often, yes. Block and stone work can continue in cool weather, but frozen or saturated ground can delay excavation and compaction.
Related services
More background: Asheville retaining wall guide.
Wall leaning, cracking or a slope that's moving?
Call now and a local retaining wall contractor will look at it and quote the work.