Retaining Walls in East Lansdowne, PA

Stop Erosion, Gain Usable Yard Space

Transform sloped, unusable areas into functional outdoor space while protecting your property from water damage and soil erosion.

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.

Professional Retaining Wall Installation

What You Get With Proper Installation

You’ll finally have that usable yard space you’ve been wanting. No more watching topsoil wash away after every heavy rain or dealing with water pooling near your foundation.

A properly built retaining wall does more than hold back dirt. It creates level areas for patios, gardens, or play spaces where there used to be unusable slopes. Your property value increases, and you stop worrying about erosion damage.

The right materials and proper drainage mean your investment lasts decades, not years. You get the peace of mind that comes with professional installation and the satisfaction of outdoor space that actually works for your family.

East Lansdowne Retaining Wall Contractors

We Know Pennsylvania Soil and Weather

Spennato Landscaping has been solving drainage and slope problems for East Lansdowne homeowners for years. We understand how Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles affect retaining wall construction and what materials hold up best in our climate.

Every retaining wall we build starts with proper foundation preparation and drainage systems. We’ve seen too many walls fail because contractors cut corners on the parts you can’t see.

You’re working with a local team that knows the building codes, soil conditions, and weather patterns that affect retaining wall performance in our area.

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 Construction Process

Here's How We Build Walls That Last

We start with a site evaluation to understand your drainage patterns, soil conditions, and the specific challenges your property presents. This determines the right wall height, materials, and drainage solutions for your situation.

Excavation and foundation preparation come next. We dig below the frost line and create a proper base using compacted gravel. This foundation work determines whether your wall lasts five years or fifty years.

Wall construction follows engineered specifications with proper drainage behind every wall. We install geotextile fabric, drainage pipe, and backfill with appropriate materials. The visible wall is just part of the system that makes it work long-term.

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 and Concrete Retaining Walls

Materials and Options That Work Here

You can choose from natural stone, concrete block, or brick depending on your budget and the look you want. Each material has advantages for different situations and heights.

Natural stone works well for shorter walls and gives a classic Pennsylvania look that complements most home styles. Concrete block systems offer flexibility for taller walls and complex designs. Brick provides a traditional appearance that matches many East Lansdowne homes.

We handle all aspects including permits when required, proper drainage installation, and coordination with any additional landscaping work. You get a complete solution, not just a wall that might work.

A tiered stone retaining wall with textured gray blocks enhances the landscaping, supporting a garden area with small green plants and dark soil in the foreground. A road and hedges are visible in the background.
Retaining wall costs vary significantly based on height, materials, and site conditions. Simple concrete block walls typically start around $15-25 per square foot, while natural stone can range from $25-40 per square foot. Taller walls requiring engineering and more complex drainage systems cost more due to additional materials and labor. The total project cost depends on linear footage, wall height, site accessibility, and material choice. We provide detailed estimates after evaluating your specific site conditions and requirements.
Pennsylvania building codes typically require permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height or any wall supporting additional loads like driveways. Even shorter walls may need permits if they’re near property lines or affect drainage patterns. Local municipalities can have additional requirements beyond state codes. We handle permit applications when required and ensure all work meets current building standards. It’s always better to check permit requirements upfront rather than deal with compliance issues later when selling your home.
Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles demand materials and construction methods that handle temperature changes without cracking or shifting. Concrete block systems with proper drainage perform well and offer design flexibility. Natural stone is extremely durable but requires skilled installation to handle frost movement. The most important factor isn’t the material choice but proper drainage and foundation work. Any material fails if water freezes behind the wall or the foundation isn’t below the frost line.
Most residential retaining walls take 3-7 days to complete depending on length, height, and site conditions. Simple, shorter walls can often be finished in 2-3 days. Taller walls requiring engineering, extensive excavation, or complex drainage systems may take a week or more. Weather delays are common during Pennsylvania winters or extended rainy periods. We provide realistic timelines during the estimate process and keep you updated if conditions affect the schedule.
Most retaining wall failures result from inadequate drainage, poor foundation preparation, or using inappropriate materials for the wall height. Water buildup behind walls creates pressure that even well-built walls can’t handle. Shallow foundations that don’t extend below the frost line shift during freeze-thaw cycles. Some contractors skip proper base preparation or use materials not rated for the wall height and soil conditions. Proper drainage installation and foundation work prevent most common failure modes.
Retaining wall repairs depend on the failure type and extent of damage. Walls with minor settling or loose stones can often be repaired if the foundation and drainage are sound. Walls that are leaning, have major cracks, or show signs of foundation failure typically need complete replacement. Trying to patch serious structural problems usually results in repeated failures. We evaluate existing walls and recommend repair versus replacement based on the underlying cause of the problem and long-term cost effectiveness.