Site Stabilization & High-Performance Masonry Walls
Engineered Retaining Walls
Built to Last
Retaining walls fail when drainage and structural support are treated as afterthoughts. Our retaining walls are engineered to manage soil pressure, water movement, and seasonal freeze–thaw cycles using proper foundations, integrated drainage, and durable masonry construction—so they perform reliably for decades.
Engineered Retaining Wall Construction
Retaining walls fail when water, soil pressure, and structural forces aren’t properly managed. Our approach focuses on the critical details that ensure long-term stability.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Management: Water is the leading cause of retaining wall failure. We install drainage stone, filtration layers, and pressure-relief systems to allow water to move through the hillside instead of pushing against the wall.
- Frost-Depth Footings: Seasonal freeze–thaw cycles cause soil movement below the surface. We excavate to appropriate frost depth and build reinforced foundations that prevent heaving, tilting, and long-term settlement.
- Soil Reinforcement & Geo-Grid Systems: For taller walls or load-bearing applications, we incorporate soil reinforcement systems that tie the wall structure into the earth behind it—creating a unified, stable mass rather than a standalone barrier.
- Structural Masonry Standards: Every retaining wall is built with proper alignment, batter, and interlocking systems based on masonry best practices. This ensures the wall remains structurally sound while maintaining a clean, architectural finish.
Our Retaining Wall Design-Build Process
From site evaluation to final inspection, every step is planned for performance
01
Site Eval & Grade Analysis
We begin with an on-site evaluation to assess slope conditions, soil behavior, and existing drainage patterns. This allows us to identify the underlying causes of erosion or instability and determine the correct wall placement and height.
02
Engineering & Drainage Plan
Once conditions are understood, we engineer the wall system. This includes footing depth, drainage strategy, and soil reinforcement when required—ensuring the wall can safely manage the elements.
03
Structural Foundation
Construction begins with proper excavation and base preparation. We install reinforced foundations, drainage components, and masonry systems with precise alignment and batter to create a structurally sound, long-lasting wall.
04
Backfill & Inspection
After construction, the wall is backfilled with appropriate drainage material to relieve soil pressure. We complete a final inspection, restore surrounding grades, and leave the site ready for long-term performance.
Choosing the Right Retaining Wall System
Different grades, soil conditions, and load requirements call for different retaining wall systems. We select materials based on structural need first, then refine finishes to match the property.
Natural Stone Retaining Walls
Natural stone provides a timeless appearance with long-term durability when properly engineered. These walls can be constructed using mortared or dry-stack methods depending on drainage needs and wall height.
Best for:
Garden walls, estate properties, architectural and historic applications
Structural & Decorative Wall Systems
The Foundation of Your Landscape At Main Line Hardscapes, we build walls that balance engineering with aesthetics. Whether you need to hold back a hillside or create a decorative garden border, we utilize the two most reliable systems in the industry: Segmental Interlocking Blocks and Reinforced Masonry.
Engineered For Every Application
Our wall systems are designed to be versatile, serving both structural, load-bearing requirements and decorative, non-structural projects. * Segmental Block Walls: These use high-density, interlocking concrete units that move naturally with the freeze-thaw cycles of the Main Line. They are the premier choice for slope stabilization and managing steep grade changes without the risk of cracking.
Reinforced Masonry Systems: Built with a structural core of steel-reinforced concrete (CMU) on a rigid foundation, these are designed for heavy load-bearing masonry—such as supporting driveways or structural foundations.
Custom Aesthetic Finishes
For our reinforced systems, the structural core is only the beginning. The wall is finished with the client’s choice of available options, ensuring the final product matches your home’s architecture perfectly. Our expertise includes:
Natural Stone Veneer (Flagstone, Fieldstone, etc.)
Man-Made Stone Veneer
Traditional Brick
Custom Stucco Finishes
Best For:
Load-Bearing Masonry: Supporting heavy surcharges from patios, driveways, or overhead structures.
Slope Stabilization: Managing elevation changes and preventing erosion on challenging terrain.
Architectural Integration: Creating a seamless look by matching the stone or brick of the primary residence.
Tiered Landscapes: Turning unusable hillsides into functional, level living spaces.
Boulder & Natural Outcropping Walls
Large boulder retaining systems create a natural, rugged solution for significant grade changes. Proper placement and base anchoring are critical to long-term performance.
Best for:
Large slopes, erosion control, natural or wooded landscapes
Wall Height & Permitting Note
In many Pennsylvania municipalities, retaining walls over a certain height may require engineering review and permits. We coordinate all structural and municipal requirements to ensure full compliance.
Our recent Projects
Outdoor kitchens and hardscaping that last a lifetime
Our outdoor kitchens are built with masonry construction, premium materials, and long-term performance in mind. Below are a few recent projects that showcase our approach to design, craftsmanship, and integration with surrounding outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do retaining walls require permits or engineering approval?
In many Pennsylvania municipalities, retaining walls above certain heights or supporting additional loads may require permits or engineering review. Requirements vary by township. We handle local coordination and ensure all structural and permitting requirements are addressed before construction begins.
Why do retaining walls lean, crack, or fail over time?
Most retaining wall failures are caused by poor drainage, inadequate footing depth, or insufficient reinforcement. When water pressure builds up behind a wall or foundations aren’t designed for soil conditions, movement and cracking occur. Our approach focuses on preventing these issues from the start.
What is the difference between dry-stack and mortared retaining walls?
Dry-stack walls are built without mortar and rely on proper base preparation and drainage to allow for slight ground movement. Mortared walls are set on reinforced foundations and function as rigid structural systems. The right choice depends on wall height, drainage needs, and the surrounding landscape.
How is drainage handled behind a retaining wall?
Drainage is a critical part of every retaining wall we build. We integrate subsurface drainage components that allow water to move away from the wall rather than building pressure behind it, helping ensure long-term stability.
Can a retaining wall be built to match existing stonework or architecture?
Yes. We regularly build retaining walls that complement existing masonry, natural stone, and architectural styles common throughout the Main Line. Material selection and finish details are tailored to the property.
Can retaining walls be combined with patios or outdoor living spaces?
Absolutely. Retaining walls are often integrated with patios, steps, seating walls, and outdoor living features. When planned together, these elements improve both structural performance and overall usability.
Headquarters
Main Line Hardscapes proudly serves all of the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia Area.
132 Biddle Road
Paoli PA, 19032
Phone: (610) 212 – 5672
Email: heath@mainlinehardscapes.com
Request a Design Consultation
Tell us about your project and we’ll help you plan the next steps.
Additional Services
We are a full-scale masonry and site-development firm with the capacity to manage every architectural detail. From grand-scale estate transformations to the meticulous restoration of historic stone, our team provides a seamless, single-source solution for the Main Line’s most ambitious projects
- Full Service Hardscaping
- Full Service Masonry Work
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Patio Installations
- Retaining Wall Construciton
- Walkways & Paver Paths
- Firepits & Fire Features
- Brick Accents & Transitions
