Terraced landscapes
Multiple elevations can create usable zones while reducing the visual weight of a single large grade change.
Complete landscape design & build · Projects from $40K925-391-6516
Request a consultationStructure · Access · Usable space
Retaining Walls & Hillside Solutions
Turn difficult elevation into purposeful outdoor space.
Retaining walls are part structure, part water-management system and part landscape architecture. The best result begins with understanding the slope and planning what the newly usable space should become.
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RJ design standard
Construction begins after the direction is clear.
We use the design phase to resolve the property-wide decisions that would be costly, disruptive or confusing to discover after excavation starts.
When this service is a fit
Projects that benefit from a complete plan.
- Sloped properties with limited usable outdoor area
- Failing, leaning or poorly drained landscape walls
- Projects that need safer access between elevations
- Complete remodels where terraces must connect to patios, lawns or gardens
What we plan and build
The complete scope, considered in context.
Final inclusions are defined for each property. These are the major capabilities and decisions commonly addressed within this service.
Landscape retaining walls
Wall placement, height, material and alignment are planned in relation to the soil, water, access and surrounding landscape.
Integrated steps & landings
Stairs and pause points connect terraces safely and help the hillside feel like one intentional composition.
Grading coordination
Cut, fill and finished elevations are considered with access, drainage and the spaces being created.
Drainage behind and around walls
Water management is evaluated as part of the wall system instead of treated as an afterthought.
Material integration
Wall finishes can be coordinated with steps, paving, carpentry and planting so the solution belongs in the landscape.
Questions before answers
What the design needs to resolve.
A good plan begins by asking how this scope affects the entire property.
- What useful space should the grade change create?
- Where is access needed for people, equipment and construction?
- How does water currently move through or toward the slope?
- What loads, property conditions or wall heights may require engineering or permits?
- How should stairs, planting and railings relate to the wall layout?
Design direction
What you can expect to review
- Terrace and wall location concepts
- Relationships between elevations, stairs and usable areas
- Material direction and visible finish character
- Drainage and access considerations
- Identification of engineering or permit coordination when applicable
Construction mindset
Priorities once the build begins
- Confirm conditions and required professional coordination before construction
- Prepare the foundation and drainage zone for the selected system
- Place and compact backfill in a controlled sequence
- Tie the wall, stairs and finish grades back into the complete landscape
Designed to work together
This service often connects with:
Drainage & gradingHardscape & stepsPlanting & irrigationComplete hillside remodeling
Common questions
Know what matters before work begins.
Will my retaining wall need engineering or permits?+
It depends on wall height, loading, location and local requirements. We identify likely coordination needs during planning; any required engineering or permits must be addressed before applicable work proceeds.
Can a steep hillside become usable?+
Many can. The answer depends on slope, access, soil, drainage, property boundaries and investment. A design study helps reveal which terrace and access strategy makes sense.
Why is drainage so important behind a wall?+
Water adds pressure and can affect soil performance. A retaining solution needs to consider how water is collected, relieved and directed in relation to the site.
Continue exploring
Related landscape services.
Planning retaining walls?
Begin with the outcome—not a disconnected bid.
Tell us what you want the property to do, what is not working today and which parts of the landscape may be connected. We will help define the right planning conversation.