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Expert Retaining Wall Construction in Oregon & Washington

RDL Construction specializes in building high-quality retaining walls throughout Oregon and Washington. Our expertise in structural concrete combined with precise engineering ensures your retaining wall is both functional and attractive, effectively managing elevation changes while enhancing your property's appearance.
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Service Overview

Our retaining wall services provide effective solutions for managing grade changes, controlling erosion, and maximizing usable space on sloped properties.

At RDL Construction, we understand that retaining walls must balance technical requirements with aesthetic considerations. Our team designs and constructs retaining walls that provide structural integrity, proper drainage, and visual appeal for both residential and commercial properties.

Our retaining wall services include:

  • Concrete retaining walls
  • Block and segmental retaining walls
  • Stone and boulder walls
  • Tiered wall systems
  • Gravity and reinforced walls
  • Cantilever walls and buttress walls
  • Gabion walls
  • Technical slope solutions
  • Drainage system integration
  • Erosion control systems
  • Terraced landscape walls
  • Seat walls and garden features
  • Wall repair and reinforcement
  • Structural wall engineering

Why Choose RDL Construction

Our approach to retaining walls combines structural expertise with design sensibility to create walls that are both engineered correctly and visually integrated with your property.

  • Engineering Focus: We ensure every retaining wall is properly engineered for your specific soil conditions, slope requirements, and load considerations
  • Drainage Expertise: Our comprehensive drainage solutions prevent water pressure buildup behind walls, the leading cause of wall failure
  • Material Knowledge: We guide you through material options that balance appearance, durability, and budget for your specific application
  • Construction Excellence: Our background in concrete and structural work ensures proper foundation and construction techniques for lasting performance

As a full-service contractor with specialized concrete expertise, we bring deep technical knowledge to your retaining wall project. This foundation-first approach ensures your wall performs its structural function while enhancing your property’s aesthetics and value.

Our Retaining Wall Process

We follow a proven, systematic approach to retaining wall construction that ensures exceptional results and client satisfaction at every stage.

1. Initial Consultation & Site Assessment
We meet to discuss your needs and thoroughly evaluate your property’s topography, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and aesthetic context. This critical assessment informs proper engineering and material selection.

2. Engineering & Design Development
For walls exceeding 4 feet or bearing significant loads, we work with structural engineers to develop appropriate designs. For all walls, we create plans addressing foundation requirements, drainage systems, and aesthetic considerations.

3. Material Selection & Detailed Estimation
We help you select the ideal materials for your application and provide comprehensive cost projections. Our transparent estimates detail all aspects of the project, from excavation through completion.

4. Permitting & Site Preparation
We handle all necessary permits and prepare the site, including excavation, foundation preparation, and drainage system installation. Proper preparation is essential for retaining wall performance.

5. Wall Construction & Drainage Systems
Our skilled teams construct your retaining wall with careful attention to proper techniques for your chosen material. We integrate appropriate drainage systems to ensure long-term stability.

6. Backfilling & Finishing Details
We properly backfill with appropriate materials and complete all finishing details, including caps, steps, or integrated features. A final quality inspection ensures structural integrity and appearance meet our exacting standards.

Popular FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a retaining wall be built?
Retaining walls can be constructed to virtually any height when properly engineered. However, most local building codes in Oregon and Washington require engineering plans and permits for walls exceeding 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall). For significant elevation changes, we often recommend tiered wall systems with multiple shorter walls rather than a single tall wall. This approach can reduce engineering requirements while creating more visually appealing and usable landscaped terraces.
What type of retaining wall is best for my property?
The ideal retaining wall type depends on several factors: height requirements, soil conditions, aesthetic preferences, budget considerations, and space constraints. Concrete walls offer maximum strength for challenging applications but require more expertise to install. Segmental block systems provide excellent versatility and attractive appearance for most residential applications. Natural stone creates a distinctive look but may have limitations for taller applications. During our site assessment, we evaluate these factors and recommend the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.
How do you prevent retaining wall failure?
We prevent wall failure through comprehensive engineering, proper drainage, and quality construction techniques. The primary causes of retaining wall failure are inadequate drainage (causing hydrostatic pressure), poor foundation preparation, improper backfill materials, and insufficient reinforcement. Our walls include appropriate drainage systems with gravel backfill and perforated drain pipes. We ensure proper base preparation with compacted foundation materials. For taller walls, we implement geogrid reinforcement, tiebacks, or other engineering solutions as required. These technical considerations are as important as the visible portions of your wall.
What maintenance do retaining walls require?
Maintenance requirements vary by material type. Concrete walls typically need minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. Segmental block walls may require periodic inspection of caps and edging to ensure proper positioning. All walls should have their drainage systems checked annually to ensure outlets remain clear. For walls in steeply sloped areas, we recommend inspection after significant rainfall events to check for any signs of erosion around the wall. Most quality retaining walls, when properly installed, will provide decades of service with minimal maintenance requirements.