Retaining Walls
Block, natural stone, and concrete retaining walls for sloped Davis and Weber County properties. We build walls that hold — properly engineered, drained, and constructed to last in Utah's freeze-thaw climate.
Why retaining walls fail and how to build them right
Most retaining wall failures in Utah come from two causes: inadequate drainage and insufficient batter (the backward lean that counters soil pressure). Water is the main enemy of any retaining wall — hydrostatic pressure behind a wall without proper drainage will eventually push it over, regardless of how strong the material is. Every wall we build includes a gravel drainage aggregate behind the wall and perforated drain pipe at the base to route water away. This isn't optional — it's the most important part of the system.
Wall height determines engineering requirements. Walls under 4 feet can typically be built without stamped engineering drawings in Utah's municipalities. Walls over 4 feet in height or in areas with surcharge loading (driveways, slopes, or structures above the wall) require a licensed engineer's stamp and permit. We work with engineering firms for walls that require it and pull all necessary permits before work starts.
Material options from block to natural stone
Segmental retaining wall block (SRW block, Allan block, Versa-Lok and similar) is the most common choice for residential walls in Davis County. It's durable, engineered for retaining wall use, and available in finishes that look good with a variety of landscaping styles. For a more natural appearance, dry-stacked or mortar-set natural stone creates a different aesthetic — warm and organic versus the more uniform look of manufactured block. Poured concrete walls are typically used for taller engineered applications where structural capacity outweighs aesthetics.
The right material depends on the wall height, the load behind it, the aesthetics of the property, and budget. A three-tiered terraced garden wall in a backyard calls for different choices than a structural wall holding back a slope above a driveway. We assess the situation and recommend accordingly — and we tell you honestly when a wall is beyond what standard residential construction can handle.
Retaining Wall Pricing in Utah
Retaining walls are priced per square foot of face area (height × length). Taller walls cost more per square foot due to additional engineering, block, and backfill requirements.
Segmental block wall (under 4 ft)
Allan block or similar; includes gravel drain and base
$25 – $40 / sq ft face
Natural stone wall
Dry-stacked or mortar set; landscape-grade stone
$35 – $55 / sq ft face
Engineered wall (over 4 ft, or surcharge loading)
Includes engineering fee and permit; block or concrete
$40 – $70 / sq ft face
Not sure what your wall will cost?
Send us the rough dimensions and photos of the slope. We can give you a range before scheduling a site visit.
Retaining Wall Questions
Common questions about permits, materials, and what makes a wall hold in Utah's climate.
Standard segmental block walls run $25 to $40 per square foot of face area. A 3-foot tall, 40-foot long wall (120 sq ft face) typically costs $3,000 to $4,800. Natural stone is $35 to $55 per sq ft face. Engineered walls over 4 feet are $40 to $70+. Price depends on material, height, access, and amount of excavation required.
Walls under 4 feet typically don't require a permit in most Utah cities. Walls over 4 feet, walls that retain a slope above a structure or driveway, or walls in specific HOA areas usually require a permit and engineering sign-off. We know the requirements for Farmington, Kaysville, Bountiful, and surrounding cities and handle permit applications when required.
Yes, always. Without drainage, water accumulates behind the wall, creating hydrostatic pressure that will eventually cause the wall to lean or fail — regardless of material quality. Every wall we build includes clean gravel backfill and perforated drain pipe at the base to route water away from the wall. This is the single most important part of retaining wall construction.
A properly built segmental block wall with good drainage typically lasts 30 to 50+ years. Natural stone walls can last longer. The main causes of premature failure are drainage problems, inadequate base depth, and poor backfill compaction — all things that are addressed during construction, not after.
Segmental block (like Allan block or Versa-Lok) is the most common choice for residential walls. It's engineered for the application, durable, and looks good. Natural stone is chosen when aesthetics are the priority and budget allows. Poured concrete is typically used for taller engineered walls. All hold up in Utah winters when built correctly with proper drainage.
Retaining Walls — Davis & Weber County
Sloped lot? We build retaining walls that hold and drain correctly.
What our clients say about retaining walls
Retaining Wall Service Areas in Utah
We serve Davis County, Weber County, Salt Lake County, and Utah County. Call us if you are unsure whether we cover your area.
How to get started.
Three simple steps from first call to finished job.
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