We Build, Repair, and Replace Retaining Walls
We are your retaining wall specialists in Gainesville, Buford, and Braselton, GA
Retaining walls are a great addition to any landscape, especially if your property has an existing slope. Building a retaining wall allows you to reclaim some of that lost space by carving out usable outdoor spaces on sloping ground that would otherwise not be usable. Retaining walls can hold back earth and soil which helps to create new level areas for the construction of a new garden bed, a new lawn, a patio or an outdoor cooking area, a parking area, and more. Retaining walls can be built using a variety of materials including rock, brick, block, boulders, or even wood.
Why Do You Need Retaining Walls On Your Property?
- Do you need to prevent soil erosion on your property?
- Do you have an existing retaining wall that has failed and needs repair or rebuilt?
- Do you have a sloped property you’d like to landscape?
- Do you want to create a new outdoor living space?
- Do you want some raised garden beds around your home or property?
Razor Sharp Lawn and Landscape is a landscaping contractor based out of Hoschton, Georgia and serving Jackson County, Gwinnett County and Hall County. We provide our services in Braselton, Buford, Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Jefferson, and Flowery Branch.
We specialize in designing and building functional retaining walls for property owners looking to landscape their naturally sloped property. From a 60′ foot long curved block retaining wall to hold back earth around the edge of your home to larger, more complicated, retaining walls for your terraced property. The team at Razor Sharp Lawn and Landscape will be able to provide you with a retaining wall solution that will benefit your specific property.
Construction Of New Retaining Walls
We specialize in the construction of new segmented retaining walls. The benefits to segmented retaining walls are many. Segmented retaining walls are aesthetically pleasing, they offer design flexibility, they are economical, easier to install, and durable.
They are also pre-engineered, meaning the wall can be built to your project specifications without having to have an architect or engineer design the wall itself. We can build the wall to the engineering specifications and have a qualified engineer sign off on the project if the height or size of the wall requires it.
Retaining Walls & Building Permits in Jackson County, Gwinnett County and Hall County, Georgia
In most of Jackson County (your municipality could be different) retaining walls that are under 3 feet in height generally do not require permits or design plans. There are some specifics that may or may not apply to your situation. If retaining walls are 3 feet in height or over than a permit is generally required. Any retaining walls over 6 feet in height will require a permit and additionally an engineered design to ensure the structure is sound. This information does not account for any covenants that might be on your property.
When we view your property we’ll be able to let you know any specific building codes that might apply to your circumstance depending on the height/length of your wall and what it’s specifically being installed for and whatever surcharges (weight) might be applied to the soil above and behind the wall.
Proper Drainage For Retaining Walls
We are often contacted by potential customers who have an existing retaining wall that has failed, it’s either falling down, bulging, or collapsing. One of the most common reasons for retaining wall failure is that the original wall was built with poor drainage in place.
Retaining walls are designed to hold back earth from erosion. This also makes them excellent at holding back water too. The water that builds up behind a retaining wall is referred to in the industry as “hydrostatic pressure” and the external force of the soil or fill held behind your retaining wall coupled with the weight of the water held behind it is often enough to seriously compromise the integrity of your wall which can lead to failures such as bulging and even a total collapse.
Well-built retaining walls must incorporate good drainage if it’s going to last for many years. Depending on the type of material being used to build your retaining wall there are a variety of ways to integrate sufficient drainage such as lateral drains, French drains, weeping drains, blanket drains and also the use of very granular soil or fill behind the wall can also work to disperse rather than hold the water.
Understanding Retaining Wall Surcharges
A "surcharge" when it comes to a retaining wall is the weight on top of or behind the wall. For example, if you're building a retaining wall to create a new parking area for a boat or an RV we need to consider the weight of the boat or RV and it's impact on the retaining wall.
If your wall is going to have a surcharge it must be built with this in mind if it's going to last. This would also include tiered retaining walls or retaining walls with a fence on top or any other weight other than the earth it's holding back.
Geo-grid is often used to provide extra tensile strength to each course of your retaining wall so it's anchored to the ground behind it. Proper use of geo-grid will ensure that your retaining wall will be built to last and won't collapse or buckle under the excess weight.
Failure to properly stabilize retaining walls is another very common failure.
What Materials Do We Use For Retaining Walls?
There are many different materials to build your retaining wall out of. Below are some of the more popular materials in our area because of their availability.
- Block retaining walls
- Natural stone retaining walls
- Large boulder retaining walls
How Our Retaining Wall Construction Process Works
When building a retaining wall on your property that is designed to hold back soil and earth from erosion there is very little margin for error so when required we work directly with engineers if your wall is over 6 feet in height. There are many pre-engineered systems we can use as well that can eliminate the need for detailed building plans.
- We start with our initial consultation.
- We determine how many feet of retaining wall you need.
- We determine the height of the wall and if a building permit or engineer will be required.
- We take into account any surcharges (weight) the wall might be exposed to.
- We consult with you on the materials you’d like your retaining built with.
- We’ll provide you with an accurate written estimate for the work.
The amount of work required to build a retaining wall can vary widely from project to project. The slope of your property, the amount of earth your retaining wall must hold back and the overall accessibility of your property will all contribute to the final cost. We’ll be able to offer you an accurate estimate only after a site visit.
What Does It Cost To Build Retaining Walls?
Retaining walls can vary in price depending on the size, scope, length, height, and the materials chosen. Larger walls will need to be engineered which can add to the cost.
Smaller Garden Walls
$3000 - $5000
This would be for a small garden wall (under 2 feet high) to surround a small garden or to surround a small landscaping bed.
Large Retaining Walls
$30,000 - $100,000+
This would be a ballpark cost for a very large or tiered retaining wall or multiple wall with courses that are 4 feet or higher
Retaining Wall Projects Can Include
A beautiful retaining wall isn't just for looks. They have an important job to do. Whether we're building a brand new retaining wall or replacing an existing retaining wall that has failed, there are a number of things we do.
These prices do not include stairs. If you need stairs built within your retaining wall there will be an additional cost. These price ranges are for a typical wall built using readily available landscape block. There are a wide variety of styles and patterns available and we'll be able to provide you with a selection during our consultation. The price can vary significantly depending on the specific material you choose.
These prices are ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect. Your particular project may vary depending on site accessibility, materials chosen, and the overall scope of work. If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project, listen to your ideas, and determine the actual scope of work required to complete your project. After our on-site consultation we'll be able to provide you with a firm estimate to complete your project.
Retaining Wall Repair Or Replacement
We specialize in rebuilding retaining walls that have failed and/or collapsed.
Retaining Wall Repairs
It's pretty common for us to get called out to repair an existing retaining wall that has collapsed or failed in some way. This could be an old wood retaining wall that is rotting away or a block wall that is bulging or on the verge of collapse if it has not collapsed already.
Typically we don't recommend "repairing" retaining walls. The wall has failed for a reason and that reason is typically poor construction or a poor choice of materials. When a wall has failed we will usually recommend tearing the wall out and replacing it. This would include demolition of the old wall, re-excavating the area to allow for proper base materials, installation of proper drainage, and proper backfill. Building it right is the more cost effective option in most situations.
Rebuilding Failed Retaining Walls
If your existing retaining wall has failed and needs to be replaced it's usually more cost effective to demolish the old wall, remove the materials, re-excavate the site, install a proper base, geo-grid if necessary, install drainage, and build the retaining wall properly.
We specialize in rebuilding retaining walls that have failed and would be happy to provide you with a consultation if you have a wall that you believe needs to be replaced.
Questions About Retaining Walls?
Get your retaining wall questions answered here
A retaining wall is a specially designed structure that holds or "retains" soil behind it. Its primary purpose is to combat soil erosion, manage rainwater flow, and create usable space on sloped terrains. In certain landscapes, it can also serve an aesthetic function, adding character and architectural depth to a garden or yard.
Signs your retaining wall may need attention include noticeable tilting, separating blocks or stones, cracks running through the wall, eroded areas around the base, or water pooling behind the wall. If you spot any of these indicators, it's advisable to consult a professional to assess the extent of damage and recommend repair or replacement.
Proper drainage is crucial for the longevity of a retaining wall. Without it, water can accumulate behind the wall, causing hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can lead to wall bulging, cracks, or even a total collapse. Effective drainage systems, such as weep holes or French drains, help in diverting water away, ensuring the wall's stability and durability.
Absolutely! Modern retaining wall construction techniques allow for a great deal of flexibility in design. Whether you're looking for a curved wall that contours gracefully with your garden's layout or a tiered design that creates multiple levels of planting or seating areas, these customizations are entirely achievable.
Absolutely! Steps can be seamlessly integrated into the design of retaining walls, especially in cases where the wall is constructed on sloping terrains. They provide practical accessibility across levels and can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the landscape. The choice of material for the steps can either match or contrast with the wall for added visual interest.
Seat walls are essentially low walls designed for seating. When paired with retaining walls, they not only provide functional seating space but also create a cohesive look throughout the landscape. They are particularly useful in patios or garden areas, turning what could be a simple retaining structure into a multi-functional, social gathering spot.
Integrating lighting into a retaining wall can dramatically transform the nighttime appeal of your outdoor space. Lights can be installed within the wall itself, illuminating the ground below or highlighting the wall's texture. Popular options include LED strip lights, solar-powered fixtures, or even low-voltage landscape lights. Properly placed lighting can accentuate the wall's features, ensure safety, and create a warm, inviting ambiance.
Boulders can be used to construct natural-looking retaining walls, especially in landscapes aiming for a rugged or organic aesthetic. They offer strength and stability, given their size and weight. However, boulder walls often require skillful placement and might need additional considerations regarding drainage and foundation compared to walls made from blocks or bricks.
Seat walls can be accentuated with subtle lighting fixtures embedded within the wall structure or placed along the base. This not only highlights the architectural details of the seat wall but also provides a comfortable illumination level for evening gatherings. Uplighting techniques, where lights are angled upwards, can cast beautiful shadows and emphasize the wall's texture, making the seating area inviting at night.
Matt and his team are true professionals. As a supplier in the industry, I love working with contractors that care so deeply about the quality of their work.
Matt and the team at Razor Sharp provided an amazing job landscaping our backyard after our pool was installed. Very happy with the result.
I called Matt at Razor Sharp Landscaping to consult on a drainage issue I had in my backyard. He gave me a couple of options, and I decided to go with landscaping the area with flowering bushes and plants, river rocks and small boulders. His quote was timely, included a sketch and plant recommendations at a reasonable cost. He and his staff arrived on time, on the day expected and completed the work very quickly. I am very happy with the results and definitely recommend them!
If you are like me, our weekends are swamped with youth sports and busy schedules. We typically do a lot of projects ourselves, but for a retaining wall and gravel rock around the back deck it would have taken us all summer to do ourselves. We are so glad we called Razor Sharp Lawn and Landscape, they knocked it out in 3 days and could not be happier with the results the team did. Their team is polite and accommodating to getting our backyard in order I can't thank them enough. They are way more creative than me and do the job right. Their pricing hit our budget perfectly and didn't try to oversell the job. They are honest, have all the right tools to complete large jobs quickly. If you are in the same boat as I was, I encourage you to check them out. You will not be disappointed!
Matt is great to work with. I recommend him to anyone who asks me If I know great landscaper.
Matt was always prompt on returning texts and always showed up when he said he would. Matt and Kelley worked hard everyday leveling our yard moving dirt cutting down trees and digging up stumps. They prepped everything, built a curved retaining wall, built a fence, put down sod, and put down gravel for a cornhole court. They turned our ugly backyard into a yard we can now truly enjoy. Great to work with. Thanks!
Matt and his team were timely and clean. Easy to work with. Thanks guys for a job well done
10/10. I had an erosion issue and wanted to make it pretty and functional. Needed a retaining wall and pavers. Being in Real Estate we see all kinds of work and craftsmanship. I work with contractors 24/7. Matt answered my call right away and came to estimate my project within 24 hours. He was knowledgeable and professional. The price was better than the 2 other quotes I received. He was prompt everyday during the project. No complaints from them even when I asked 100 questions. I will be using this company for all my lawn and landscape needs. Great job guys!!
These gentlemen did an amazing job and the quality of their work is commendable! We are so pleased with the retaining wall and the landscaping work they did and my husband and I highly recommend them.
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