Retaining Wall Design & Installation in Vancouver, WA
Erosion & Slope Control — Serving Vancouver, Camas & All of Clark County
The Form and Function of Retaining Walls
Many properties in the Pacific Northwest sit on a slope, and our heavy rainfall makes erosion and drainage a real concern for sloped yards. Retaining walls solve this by holding back soil, creating usable garden space, providing a barrier between stairs and lawn areas, and controlling erosion or drainage before it becomes a bigger problem. Boulder Falls designs and builds retaining walls that blend seamlessly with your landscape while standing the test of time.
Types of Retaining Walls
Rock Walls – Typically built from basalt or granite, with drainage always a key consideration during installation. Flagstone and slate are also common rock wall options.
Concrete Block Walls – An increasingly popular option, available in numerous sizes, styles, and colors. Proper installation is essential — done wrong, these can cause permanent landscape damage.
Timber Walls – A distinctive style choice that typically lasts upwards of 20 years.
Brick Walls – A classic choice that can last a lifetime; brick walls tend to cost more but deliver lasting beauty and reliability.
Permits and Code
Depending on the height and location of your retaining wall, we may need to seek permits and approval from the city or county. Our licensed technicians are well versed in the Clark County permit process, ensuring your project is fully lawful and up to code from the start — one less thing for you to navigate.code
What Influences Cost
Wall pricing depends on the material chosen, the height and length of the wall, drainage requirements, and whether permits are needed. We’ll walk your property and give you an exact, free estimate.
Our Installation Process
- Site assessment — we evaluate slope, soil type, and drainage needs
- Design & material selection — choosing the wall type suited to your property and budget
- Excavation & base prep — a properly compacted base is critical for long-term wall stability
- Drainage installation — gravel backfill and drainage piping to relieve water pressure behind the wall
- Wall construction — building the wall to design specifications, course by course
FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
It depends on the wall’s height — walls above a certain height typically require a permit. We handle the permit process for you when needed.
How do you handle drainage behind the wall?
We install gravel backfill and drainage piping behind every wall to relieve water pressure and prevent failure over time — this is one of the most important, and most often skipped, steps in retaining wall construction.
How long do retaining walls last?
With proper drainage and construction, retaining walls typically last several decades, regardless of material.
Can a retaining wall fix a soggy or eroding yard?
In many cases, yes — combined with proper drainage, a retaining wall can resolve chronic erosion and standing water on sloped properties.
Trust the experts at Boulder Falls with your retaining wall project.
Landscape Services
SERVING ALL OF CLARK COUNTY INCLUDING: Vancouver – Woodland – Salmon Creek – Hazel Dell – Camas – Ridgefield – Battle Ground – Washougal – La Center – Brush Prairie – Hockinson
