Retaining Walls in Norwood, PA

Stop Erosion, Gain Usable Yard Space

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

Hear from Our Customers

Professional Retaining Wall Installation

What Proper Installation Gets You

Your yard stops washing away after every storm. That steep, unusable slope becomes level ground where your family can actually spend time outdoors.

You’ll have defined planting areas that stay put, walkways that make sense, and drainage that works. No more watching your topsoil end up in the storm drain or worrying about water pooling against your foundation.

The right retaining wall installation gives you decades of structural integrity. You’re not dealing with shifting stones, cracking concrete, or having to redo the work in five years because it wasn’t built to handle Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Norwood Retaining Wall Contractors

We Know Pennsylvania Ground Conditions

We’ve been handling retaining wall projects throughout Delaware County for years. We understand how Pennsylvania soil behaves, what happens when water freezes in the ground, and why proper drainage matters more here than in other climates.

You’re not getting a crew that learned retaining walls from YouTube. We’ve seen what works long-term in this area and what fails after the first hard winter.

Every project starts with understanding your specific drainage patterns, soil conditions, and what you’re trying to accomplish with the space.

Retaining Wall Design Process

How We Handle Your Project

We start by evaluating your slope, drainage patterns, and soil conditions. This tells us what type of wall will work best and what drainage systems need to be incorporated.

Next comes material selection based on your budget, the wall’s function, and what matches your property’s style. Stone, concrete block, or brick – each has specific applications where it performs best.

The installation involves proper excavation, base preparation, and drainage installation before any blocks or stones go in place. Most retaining wall failures happen because someone skipped these foundation steps.

You’ll see the wall go up section by section, with each course properly leveled and secured. We backfill with appropriate drainage material and make sure water has somewhere to go that isn’t through your wall.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Spennato Landscaping

Get a Free Consultation

Stone and Concrete Retaining Walls

What's Included in Professional Installation

You get proper site evaluation and engineering for walls that need it. We handle any required permits and make sure the installation meets local building codes.

The work includes complete excavation, proper base preparation, and installation of drainage systems behind the wall. You’re not getting blocks stacked on dirt – you’re getting a foundation that will support the wall long-term.

We source quality materials appropriate for your specific application. Natural stone for that established look, concrete block systems for maximum strength, or brick to match existing structures on your property.

All debris gets removed, and the area gets restored so you can use your new space immediately. No piles of dirt sitting around for weeks after we’re done.

How long do retaining walls last in Pennsylvania weather?

A properly installed retaining wall should last 50-100 years in Pennsylvania’s climate. The key is handling our freeze-thaw cycles correctly with proper drainage and appropriate materials. Walls that fail early usually have drainage problems – water gets behind the wall, freezes, and creates pressure that pushes the wall out. We install drainage systems specifically designed for Pennsylvania conditions, including proper backfill materials and drainage outlets that prevent water buildup behind your wall.

Do I need permits for retaining wall installation in Norwood?

Retaining walls over 4 feet typically require permits in most Pennsylvania municipalities, and some areas require permits for shorter walls depending on their location and purpose. We handle the permit research and application process as part of our service. Building codes also specify requirements for drainage, setbacks from property lines, and structural engineering for taller walls. Getting permits upfront protects you from having to tear down and rebuild work that doesn’t meet code requirements.

What's the difference between stone and concrete block retaining walls?

Natural stone offers the most attractive appearance and increases property value the most, but costs more and takes longer to install. Concrete block systems are engineered for maximum strength and work well for taller walls or heavy-duty applications. They install faster and cost less than natural stone. Both can last decades when installed properly with correct drainage. The choice usually comes down to your budget, the wall’s height and purpose, and what look you want. We’ll recommend the best option based on your specific situation and requirements.

How do you prevent retaining walls from failing or leaning over time?

Proper drainage is the most critical factor in retaining wall longevity. We install drainage systems behind every wall, including perforated pipes, drainage fabric, and appropriate backfill materials that allow water to drain away instead of building pressure behind the wall. The foundation is equally important – we excavate to proper depth and create a level, compacted base that won’t shift over time. For taller walls, we may recommend geogrid reinforcement or stepped-back construction that distributes weight more effectively across the structure.

Can retaining walls help with drainage problems in my yard?

Yes, retaining walls often solve multiple drainage issues simultaneously. The drainage system we install behind the wall collects water that would otherwise pool in your yard and directs it to appropriate outlets. Terracing steep slopes with multiple shorter walls creates level planting areas that absorb water instead of letting it run off. We can also integrate French drains and other drainage solutions into the retaining wall project to address broader yard drainage problems you’re experiencing.

How much does professional retaining wall installation cost in Norwood?

Retaining wall costs depend on height, length, materials, and site conditions. Simple concrete block walls might run $15-25 per square foot, while natural stone installations can range $25-50 per square foot. Factors that increase cost include difficult access, poor soil conditions requiring extra excavation, drainage complications, and permit requirements for taller walls. We provide detailed estimates after evaluating your specific site conditions and requirements. Most homeowners find that investing in proper installation upfront costs less than dealing with failed walls and water damage later.

Local Resources

Norwood, PA is located in Delaware County in Pennsylvania State