Retaining Walls in Darby, PA

Stop Water Damage Before It Starts

Professional retaining wall installation that protects your property and creates the functional yard you actually want.

A stone retaining wall with blooming lavender plants on top showcases thoughtful landscape design, set beside a lush green lawn and a charming stone building in the background.

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A construction worker in a safety vest and helmet measures a newly built stone retaining wall, showcasing expert hardscape design next to a house. Tools and concrete blocks rest on the gravel path, while trees enhance the landscaping in the background.

Retaining Wall Installation Darby

What You Get When It's Done Right

No more watching your landscaping wash away after every heavy rain. No more water pooling against your foundation or basement walls.

You get a yard that works. Flat, usable space where there used to be unusable slopes. Drainage that actually directs water away from your house instead of toward it.

Your property value goes up. Your maintenance headaches go down. And you stop worrying about whether the next storm is going to cause expensive damage to your foundation or basement.

Darby Retaining Wall Contractors

We've Been Solving Darby's Drainage Problems

Spennato Landscaping has been handling retaining wall projects in Darby and the surrounding Delaware County area for years. We know the local soil conditions, drainage patterns, and exactly what it takes to build walls that last.

We’re not the guys who show up, throw some blocks together, and disappear. We handle the permits, work with engineers when needed, and build walls that are still standing strong decades later.

You’re dealing with local contractors who live and work in this community. When we say we’ll be here if you need us, we mean it.

Stone steps and terraced retaining walls showcase thoughtful hardscape design, surrounded by green plants and tall grass under a bright blue sky on a sunny day.

Retaining Wall Design Process

Here's Exactly What Happens Next

First, we come out to look at your property and understand what you’re dealing with. We measure, assess drainage patterns, and determine what type of wall will actually solve your specific problems.

Then we handle the paperwork. Permits, engineering requirements if needed, utility markings – all the stuff that can turn into a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Construction starts with proper excavation and base preparation. This is where most DIY projects and inexperienced contractors fail. We build the foundation right so your wall stays put for decades, not years.

A construction worker in a safety vest and helmet installs a drainage pipe along a concrete block retaining wall, enhancing the landscaping at a work site next to a house and dirt embankment.

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Stone Concrete Brick Walls

Materials That Match Your Property

We work with stone, concrete, and brick – whatever makes sense for your property and budget. Natural stone gives you that classic look that fits well with Darby’s established neighborhoods. Concrete blocks offer maximum strength and cost-effectiveness for larger projects.

Every wall includes proper drainage systems behind it. French drains, weep holes, gravel backfill – the stuff you can’t see but that determines whether your wall lasts 5 years or 50 years.

We also handle the details that matter: matching existing hardscaping, protecting your current landscaping during construction, and cleaning up completely when we’re done. You get a finished project, not a construction zone.

Tiered retaining wall made of textured gray stone blocks, supporting a landscaped garden with green plants and dark soil; road and hedges in the background.
Retaining wall costs in Darby typically range from $15-40 per square foot, depending on materials and complexity. A basic concrete block wall runs less than natural stone, but both can be cost-effective depending on your specific situation. Height matters too – walls over 4 feet require engineering, which adds to the cost but ensures safety and longevity. We provide detailed estimates that break down materials, labor, and any permit fees so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Most retaining walls in Darby require permits, especially if they’re over 3 feet tall or holding back significant amounts of soil. The permit process involves submitting plans to Delaware County and sometimes requires engineering stamps for taller walls. We handle all the permit paperwork and know exactly what the local inspectors are looking for. This protects you from potential fines and ensures your wall meets all safety codes.
For Darby’s climate and soil conditions, we typically recommend either natural stone or engineered concrete blocks. Stone handles our freeze-thaw cycles well and looks great with the area’s older homes. Concrete blocks offer excellent strength for larger walls and cost less than stone. Brick can work for shorter decorative walls but isn’t ideal for heavy-duty applications. The best choice depends on your specific drainage issues, budget, and the look you want.
A properly installed retaining wall should last 50-75 years or more. The key is proper drainage behind the wall and a solid foundation. Most wall failures happen because water builds up behind the wall with nowhere to go, or because the base wasn’t prepared correctly. We install French drains and proper backfill materials with every wall, which is why our walls are still standing strong after decades while others are failing after just a few years.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If the wall is just showing minor settling or has a few loose stones, repair might make sense. But if it’s leaning significantly, has major cracks, or was built without proper drainage, replacement is usually more cost-effective than trying to patch problems. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation and budget.
Retaining walls redirect water flow and create level areas that prevent water from rushing toward your foundation. We install drainage systems behind every wall that collect water and channel it away from your property. This stops soil erosion, reduces basement flooding risk, and prevents the water damage that happens when runoff pools against your foundation. The wall itself creates a barrier, but the drainage system behind it is what really solves your water problems long-term.