Service · Wasatch Front
Retaining Walls.
Turn slopes into flat, usable yard. Engineered to hold.
Turn a slope into a usable yard.
Typical install — $30–$75/linear ft.
Overview
What you’re getting
On the Wasatch Front, retaining walls do real work. Sloping lots are the norm across the foothills — Sandy, Draper, Lehi, Alpine, Cottonwood — and a properly built retaining wall is often the difference between a steep, unusable hillside and a flat lawn, terraced garden, or driveway extension. Walls under 4 feet are usually straightforward; walls over 4 feet typically require engineering and may need a permit, depending on your city.
Material matters. Segmental concrete blocks (Allan Block, Belgard, Versa-Lok) are the fastest and most cost-effective; natural stone looks spectacular but costs 50-100% more; timber is cheapest up front but has a shorter life in our climate. What matters most isn't the face material — it's what's behind it. Proper drainage (gravel backfill, drainage pipe), compacted base, and geo-grid reinforcement on taller walls prevent the failures we see on hundreds of DIY walls across the valley each spring.
Yardd’s retaining-wall crew handles every step — we know when you need an engineer, how to handle Utah clay backfill, and when a tiered system beats one tall wall.
Why this matters locally
Built for the Wasatch Front.
- Foothill lots (Sandy, Draper, Lehi, Alpine, Bountiful, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights) mean most yards need some grading
- Utah clay expands with moisture — drainage behind the wall is critical or the wall will bow out
- Freeze-thaw cycles demand proper base prep; shallow bases fail within 1-2 winters
- Walls over 4 feet usually require permits and engineering on the Wasatch Front
What we install
Project types.
- 01Block walls
Segmental blocks (Allan Block, Versa-Lok) — fastest to build, best cost-to-height ratio.
- 02Natural stone
Hand-laid stone for high-visibility spots — the premium look that adds the most curb appeal.
- 03Timber
Pressure-treated 6×6 ties for low terraces and garden beds — cheapest up front, 15–20 year life.
- 04Concrete
Poured-in-place reinforced concrete for tall walls or where engineering specs require it.
Quick math
Estimate your retaining walls project.
Adjust the inputs to see a real-world range based on what we install most often on Wasatch Front yards. Toggle add-ons for the things that often surface during a site walk.
Estimates are ranges, not promises. The final number depends on grade, access, and material choice — we’ll walk it with you.
Most walls run 25–60 linear feet, 2–6 feet tall.
Tap to include in the estimate.
Estimated range
For 30 linear ft.
Breakdown
- Block or stone$360–$900
- Labor + installation$315–$788
- Excavation + base$135–$338
- Drainage + reinforcement$90–$225
Before you decide
Key decisions.
- Material: segmental block ($30–$45/ft), natural stone ($55–$75+/ft), timber ($25–$40/ft, shorter life)
- Drainage: 12" of 3/4" clean gravel + perforated drain pipe behind every wall
- Base: 6-8" compacted aggregate, minimum
- Reinforcement: geo-grid layers tied back into the hill for walls over 4 feet
- Permitting: walls over 4 feet (or over 2 feet with a surcharge above) need permits in most cities
Our process
How it works.
- 01
Site evaluation
We assess slope, soil, existing drainage, and determine if engineering or permitting is needed.
- 02
Excavation & base
Trench dug 6-8" below grade, filled and compacted with aggregate for a level foundation.
- 03
Block or stone placement
Each course is leveled, set-back to match product specs, and pinned or interlocked. Natural stone takes artistry.
- 04
Backfill & drainage
Gravel backfill + drain pipe behind the wall, compacted in lifts. This is where walls succeed or fail over time.
- 05
Cap & cleanup
Top caps are set, site is graded away from the wall, and finishing touches applied.
Frequently asked
Common questions. Honest answers.
How much does a retaining wall cost in Utah?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Block wall or natural stone?
Why do retaining walls fail?
Can I use timber for a retaining wall?
How long does installation take?
Pairs well with
Homeowners also consider.
Ready when you are
Ready to start your
retaining walls project?
Free, no-obligation quote from Yardd’s local Wasatch Front team, sent promptly.