Retaining Walls in Glenolden, PA

Stop Erosion, Create Usable Space

Professional retaining wall installation that protects your property and transforms sloped yards into functional outdoor living areas.

Hear from Our Customers

Professional Retaining Wall Installation

What You Get With Proper Installation

Your property stays protected during heavy rains instead of watching soil wash away toward your foundation. You get flat, usable space where there used to be unusable slopes.

The water goes where it’s supposed to go. Your landscaping stays put. Your family can actually use the yard without worrying about safety or soggy, eroded areas.

You’re not dealing with the same drainage problems every spring or replanting the same areas that keep washing out. The installation handles Pennsylvania weather and keeps working year after year.

Glenolden Retaining Wall Contractors

We Know Glenolden Properties

We’ve been handling retaining wall projects throughout Glenolden and Delaware County for years. We understand how the local soil behaves, what drainage issues look like in this area, and how to build walls that last through Pennsylvania winters.

We’re not a huge company that treats every job the same. We know the difference between clay soil and sandy soil, and we know which materials work best for different situations in this region.

You’re working with contractors who live and work in the same community, not a crew that’s here one day and gone the next.

Retaining Wall Design Process

Here's How We Handle Your Project

We start with a site visit to look at your drainage, soil conditions, and what you’re trying to accomplish. No guessing about what will work – we measure, assess, and design based on your specific property.

Next comes material selection and permits if needed. We handle the paperwork and make sure everything meets local building requirements before we start digging.

Installation starts with proper excavation and base preparation. This is where most DIY projects and cheap contractors fail – the foundation work you can’t see determines whether your wall lasts five years or fifty years. We build the base right, install drainage behind the wall, and backfill properly so water moves away from the structure instead of building up pressure.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Spennato Landscaping

Get a Free Consultation

Stone and Concrete Retaining Walls

Materials That Work in Pennsylvania

We install stone retaining walls, concrete block systems, and brick retaining walls depending on your budget, style preferences, and structural requirements. Each material has advantages for different situations.

Stone walls offer natural aesthetics and excellent durability but require more labor for installation. Concrete block systems provide consistent results and faster installation while still handling significant loads. Brick works well for shorter decorative walls and matches existing architecture.

Every installation includes proper drainage systems, quality base preparation, and backfill that prevents water buildup. We source materials from local suppliers we trust and have worked with for years, so you’re getting consistent quality, not whatever was cheapest that week.

How much does a retaining wall cost in Glenolden?

Retaining wall costs depend on height, length, materials, and site conditions. A basic concrete block wall typically runs less than natural stone, but both can vary significantly based on access to your property and soil conditions. Walls over four feet require engineering and permits, which adds to the project cost. We provide detailed estimates after seeing your property because factors like existing drainage, slope steepness, and utility locations all affect pricing. Most homeowners in Glenolden invest between several thousand and tens of thousands depending on the scope of work needed.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Glenolden requires permits for retaining walls over a certain height, typically four feet, and for any wall that could affect drainage or neighboring properties. We handle the permit application process and make sure the design meets local building codes. Even shorter walls might need permits if they’re near property lines or affect water flow. It’s better to check first than deal with code enforcement later. We know the local requirements and can tell you during the initial consultation whether your project needs permits and what that timeline looks like.

What's the best material for retaining walls here?

The best material depends on your specific situation, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Concrete block systems work well for most residential applications in this area – they handle our freeze-thaw cycles, install efficiently, and cost less than natural stone. Stone walls offer superior aesthetics and longevity but require more investment upfront. For shorter decorative walls, brick can complement existing architecture beautifully. We consider factors like wall height, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and your long-term maintenance preferences when recommending materials. Each option can work well when installed properly.

How long does retaining wall installation take?

Most residential retaining wall projects take between three days and two weeks depending on size, complexity, and weather conditions. Simple, straight walls install faster than curved designs or walls that require significant excavation. Permit approval can add time before we start construction. We also need decent weather for proper installation – concrete and mortar don’t cure properly in freezing temperatures, and wet conditions make excavation difficult. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during planning and keep you updated if weather or unexpected site conditions affect the schedule.

Will a retaining wall fix my drainage problems?

A properly designed retaining wall includes drainage systems that can significantly improve water management on your property. We install drainage behind the wall to prevent water buildup and incorporate the wall into your overall drainage strategy. However, retaining walls aren’t magic – if you have major drainage issues from multiple sources, you might need additional solutions like French drains or grading work. During our site assessment, we’ll identify what’s causing your drainage problems and recommend the most effective combination of solutions. Sometimes the wall is part of a larger drainage improvement project.

How long do retaining walls last?

Well-built retaining walls last decades when installed with proper drainage and base preparation. Concrete block walls typically last 50-100 years, while natural stone walls can last even longer with minimal maintenance. The key factors are foundation work you can’t see and drainage systems that prevent water pressure buildup. Walls that fail early usually have inadequate base preparation or poor drainage design. We build walls to handle Pennsylvania weather long-term, not just pass inspection. Regular maintenance like cleaning drainage outlets and checking for settlement helps maximize lifespan, but you shouldn’t need major repairs for many years.

Local Resources

Glenolden, PA is located in Delaware County in Pennsylvania State