Site Evaluation
We assess the slope, soil, and load, then confirm a wall is the right fix.
Concrete Services
Retaining Walls
Concrete and block retaining walls that hold back sloped yards, control erosion, and create usable, level outdoor space.
Retaining Walls
Retaining Walls for South Jersey Yards
Whether you're losing yard space to a slope or dealing with soil erosion near a driveway or foundation, a properly engineered retaining wall solves the problem for good.
We build walls sized to the height and soil load they need to hold back, with the drainage to keep water from building up behind them.
- Erosion control
- Sloped yard leveling
- Foundation and driveway protection
- Tiered garden and landscape walls
Built to Hold
Retaining Walls Engineered for the Load
A retaining wall does real structural work — holding back tons of soil, especially when it's saturated after rain. We size the wall, footing, and drainage to the height and load it needs to handle, not just to look good on install day.
Requirements vary by property and municipality. Please confirm applicable requirements with the appropriate local authority before work begins.
When You Need a Retaining Wall
Solving Slope and Erosion Problems
If you're losing soil to erosion, dealing with a slope that makes part of your yard unusable, or need to protect a driveway or foundation from shifting ground, a retaining wall is usually the fix.
We'll walk the property with you to confirm a retaining wall is the right solution before we quote one.
- Erosion control on sloped property
- Creating usable, level yard space
- Protecting a driveway or foundation
- Tiered walls for gardens and landscaping
Wall Height & Planning
Sizing the Wall to the Load
Wall height, footing depth, and reinforcement all depend on how much soil the wall is holding back and how saturated that soil gets. A 2-foot garden wall and a 5-foot wall holding back a driveway are entirely different projects.
Requirements vary by property and municipality. Please confirm applicable requirements with the appropriate local authority before work begins.
- Height and load calculated before design
- Footing depth sized to the wall height
- Local requirements vary by property and municipality
- Reinforcement sized to soil conditions
Wall Types
Choosing the Right Wall Type
Poured concrete walls, block retaining walls, and knee walls all serve different purposes depending on height, budget, and look. Here's how they compare:
We'll recommend the right type for your project during a free on-site evaluation.
| Type | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poured concrete wall | Taller walls, structural loads | Strongest option, planned per project |
| Segmental block wall | Landscape and garden walls | Good for shorter, decorative walls |
| Knee wall | Patio or yard edges | Low wall, mostly decorative |
| Tiered wall system | Steep slopes | Multiple short walls instead of one tall wall |
Drainage & Backfill
Managing Water Behind the Wall
Water buildup behind a retaining wall is the most common reason walls fail — the added weight and pressure can push a wall out of position over time. We install drainage and proper backfill behind every wall to relieve that pressure.
This includes gravel backfill, drainage pipe, and weep holes where needed to let water escape instead of building up.
- Gravel backfill behind every wall
- Drainage pipe to relieve water pressure
- Weep holes where needed
- Grading that directs water away from the wall
Local Requirements
Planning for Local Requirements and Boundaries
Requirements vary by property and municipality. Please confirm applicable requirements with the appropriate local authority before work begins.
This protects you from problems with neighbors or the township down the road.
Wall Specifications
Typical Wall Dimensions
Wall dimensions depend on height, soil type, and what the wall is holding back, but here are typical residential ranges:
Your project may need a different spec based on an project planning — we'll confirm before we build.
| Wall Height | Typical Footing Width |
|---|---|
| Under 2 feet | 8 to 12 inches |
| 2 to 4 feet | 12 to 18 inches |
| 4 to 6 feet | 18 to 24 inches |
| Over 6 feet | Per project specifications |
| Tiered system | Varies per tier |
Cost Factors
What Affects Retaining Wall Cost
Pricing depends on wall height and length, the material used, drainage requirements, and the project-specific scope.
We give you an exact, written price after a free on-site evaluation.
Why It Matters
A Wall Built to Actually Hold
A retaining wall that fails is expensive to fix and can damage what's around it. We build every wall with the footing, reinforcement, and drainage it needs to hold for good.
- Project planning tailored to the property
- Drainage built into every wall
- Footings sized to the wall height
- Written estimate and timeline before we start
Our Process
How We Handle a Retaining Wall Project
From your first call to the final walkthrough, here's what to expect.
Written Proposal
You get a clear scope, timeline, and price before you sign off.
Excavation & Footings
We dig footings to the proper depth for the wall height.
Build & Backfill
We build the wall and install drainage and backfill behind it.
Areas Served
South Jersey communities we serve.
The service area list is grouped on one page so publishing stays clean without duplicate town pages.
Google Reviews
What South Jersey Customers Say
Edwards and Sons does excellent work. We have a beautiful patio and knee wall in our backyard.
Excellent company. Very affordable. Concrete looks great.
Used Edwards & Sons for tree and concrete services for over 20 years. Dependable and solid service.
Common Questions
Retaining Wall Questions
Quick answers about retaining wall construction. Have a different question? Call (609) 859-8488.
What local requirements may apply to a retaining wall?
Requirements vary by property and municipality. Please confirm applicable requirements with the appropriate local authority before work begins.
Why do retaining walls fail?
The most common cause is water buildup behind the wall without proper drainage, which adds pressure and pushes the wall out of position over time.
Can you build a retaining wall near my property line?
In most cases, yes, though it may require a survey to confirm the boundary. We'll advise on this before we start.
Do you build tiered retaining walls for steep slopes?
Yes. For steep slopes, multiple shorter tiered walls are often a better and more cost-effective solution than one tall wall.
How long does a retaining wall take to build?
Most residential walls take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on height, length, and drainage requirements.
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Tell Us About Your Project
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