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Tall CMU block retaining/foundation wall under construction by JL Masonry MA
Free Estimates MA HIC Registered Eastern MA

Engineered Retaining Walls in Massachusetts

Functional and attractive retaining walls to protect and define your landscape.

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No deposit · No pressure
Free · No Obligation

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You can also reach us directly:

(617) 913-9845

contact@jlmasonryma.com

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Recent Retaining Wall Work

Real retaining walls we've built in Massachusetts

See full portfolio
Tall block retaining wall along a property line, mid-construction
JL Masonry
Block retaining wall
Fieldstone retaining wall with integrated steps along a yard edge
JL Masonry
Fieldstone retaining wall + steps
Fieldstone foundation wall capped with bluestone
JL Masonry
Fieldstone foundation wall
Stone retaining wall with granite step transitions
JL Masonry
Stone retaining wall + steps

Common retaining wall problems we solve

  • Existing wall is leaning, bulging, or showing failed courses
  • Slope behind house is eroding and threatening foundation
  • Need terraced gardens or usable yard space on a sloped lot
  • Driveway edge needs retention to prevent grade collapse
  • Old railroad-tie wall is rotting and needs permanent replacement
Fieldstone retaining wall with integrated steps along a yard edge
Recent project
Fieldstone retaining wall + steps

Materials

  • Segmental block (Versa-Lok, Unilock, Allan Block)
  • Boulder retaining walls (locally sourced)
  • Natural stone (fieldstone, granite)
  • Poured-in-place concrete with stone veneer
  • Geogrid reinforcement layers

What we inspect

  • Footing depth below frost line (48")
  • Drainage tile behind wall (perforated pipe in crushed stone)
  • Geotextile separator between backfill and native soil
  • Geogrid reinforcement layers (mandatory above 4 feet)
  • Backfill compaction in lifts (max 8" per pass)

Retaining Wall FAQ

How tall can a retaining wall be?
We build walls from 2 feet (garden walls) up to 12+ feet (engineered terraces). Walls over 4 feet require an engineer's stamp and permit.
What's the most important part of a retaining wall?
What you can't see — drainage. A wall without proper perforated drain tile, crushed-stone backfill, and geotextile separator will fail within 5–10 years no matter how good the face stone looks.
Can you build into a slope or only against existing soil?
Both. We can cut into a hillside for a benched terrace or build a freestanding wall to create a level yard above grade. Each requires different drainage and structural approach.