Retaining Walls in Swarthmore, PA

Stop Watching Your Yard Wash Away

Professional retaining wall installation that actually holds up to Pennsylvania weather and time.

Hear from Our Customers

Swarthmore Retaining Wall Installation

Your Slope Problems, Solved Permanently

You know that sinking feeling when you see more of your yard sliding away after every heavy rain. Your landscaping investment washing down the street. Your walkway starting to crack because the ground beneath it won’t stay put.

A properly built retaining wall stops all of that. You get stable ground that stays stable. Usable yard space where there used to be an unusable slope. Water that drains where it’s supposed to go instead of pooling against your foundation or flooding your basement.

The difference between a retaining wall that works and one that doesn’t comes down to understanding Pennsylvania soil conditions and doing the groundwork right the first time. Most failures happen because someone skipped the proper base preparation or used materials that can’t handle our freeze-thaw cycles.

Swarthmore Retaining Wall Contractors

We've Been Fixing Slopes Since 1995

Spennato Landscaping has been handling retaining wall projects in Swarthmore and throughout Delaware County for nearly three decades. We’ve seen what works in Pennsylvania soil and what doesn’t.

You won’t find us cutting corners on base preparation or using materials that look good for a year but fail after the first hard winter. We source stone, concrete, and brick materials from suppliers who understand our local climate demands.

Our crew knows the difference between a retaining wall that holds and one that becomes your expensive headache two years later.

Retaining Wall Design Process

Here's Exactly What Happens, Step by Step

First, we assess your slope, drainage patterns, and soil conditions. Every yard is different, and the solution needs to match your specific situation. We measure, test soil stability, and identify any drainage issues that need addressing.

Next comes design and material selection. Stone retaining walls work best for certain applications, while concrete or brick might be better for others. We walk you through options that fit your budget and match your home’s style.

The installation starts with proper excavation and base preparation. This is where most DIY projects and cheap contractors fail. We dig deep enough, use the right base materials, and install proper drainage behind the wall.

Finally, we build your wall using proven techniques that account for Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles. Each course gets checked for level and proper backfill. You get a retaining wall that does its job for decades, not just seasons.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Spennato Landscaping

Get a Free Consultation

Stone Concrete Brick Retaining Walls

Materials That Actually Last Here

We install stone retaining walls using natural fieldstone, cut stone, or manufactured stone blocks. Stone works well for both structural needs and aesthetic appeal, especially when you want something that complements existing landscaping.

Concrete retaining walls offer maximum strength for taller installations or areas with significant water pressure. We use reinforced concrete techniques and proper curing methods that hold up to Pennsylvania weather extremes.

Brick retaining walls provide a classic look that matches many Swarthmore area homes. We source brick that’s rated for exterior use and install with proper mortar techniques that prevent water infiltration and freeze damage.

Every installation includes proper drainage systems, appropriate backfill materials, and base preparation that meets local building requirements. You get materials chosen for your specific application, not whatever’s cheapest or easiest to install.

How much does a retaining wall cost in Swarthmore?

Retaining wall costs in Swarthmore typically range from $25-60 per square foot, depending on materials, height, and site conditions. A basic concrete block wall runs less than natural stone, but both need proper base preparation and drainage to work long-term. Taller walls require more engineering and reinforcement, which increases cost but ensures stability. We provide detailed estimates after assessing your specific slope and drainage situation, so you know exactly what you’re paying for before work begins.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Swarthmore?

Swarthmore requires permits for retaining walls over 4 feet tall or any wall that affects drainage patterns. Even shorter walls may need permits if they’re near property lines or affect neighboring properties. We handle permit applications and ensure all work meets local building codes. The permit process typically takes 2-3 weeks, but it protects you from future issues and ensures your wall is built to proper standards. Skipping permits might save time initially, but it creates problems when you sell your home or if the wall fails.

How long do retaining walls last in Pennsylvania?

Properly built retaining walls in Pennsylvania last 50-75 years with minimal maintenance. The key is using materials rated for freeze-thaw cycles and installing proper drainage behind the wall. Walls that fail early usually have inadequate base preparation, poor drainage, or materials that can’t handle our climate. Stone and concrete walls typically outlast brick in harsh weather, but all materials work when installed correctly. Regular inspection for cracks or settling helps catch small issues before they become expensive problems.

What's the best material for retaining walls in this area?

Natural stone performs best in Pennsylvania’s climate because it handles freeze-thaw cycles without cracking like concrete sometimes does. Manufactured stone blocks offer similar durability with more consistent sizing for easier installation. Concrete works well for taller walls that need maximum strength, while brick provides classic aesthetics but requires more maintenance. The best choice depends on your wall height, soil conditions, drainage needs, and budget. We recommend materials based on your specific situation, not what’s most profitable for us to install.

How do you prevent retaining walls from failing?

Retaining wall failure prevention starts with proper base preparation – excavating deep enough and using the right gravel base materials. Drainage is equally critical; water buildup behind walls causes most failures. We install drainage pipes and backfill with gravel to move water away from the wall structure. Using materials rated for local climate conditions prevents freeze-thaw damage. Finally, proper construction techniques like checking level at each course and using appropriate mortar or connection methods ensure long-term stability.

Can you repair existing retaining walls or do they need replacement?

Many retaining wall problems can be repaired if caught early, but walls with significant settling, cracking, or leaning usually need replacement. Minor mortar repairs, stone replacement, or drainage improvements can extend wall life. However, if the original installation lacked proper base preparation or drainage, repairs are often temporary fixes. We assess existing walls honestly – sometimes repair makes sense, but other times replacement is more cost-effective long-term. A failing wall that’s patched repeatedly often costs more than doing it right the first time.

Local Resources

Swarthmore, PA is located in Delaware County in Pennsylvania State