Retaining Wall Contractor in Pittsburgh – Hardscape Solutions That Last
Functional and Attractive Retaining Walls for Pittsburgh Landscapes
If you live in Pittsburgh, you know that our terrain isn’t always flat and easy. Sloped backyards, soil erosion, and drainage problems are common across city neighborhoods and suburban developments alike. Whether your goal is to level out a usable space, prevent erosion, or create structure around your landscape design, a properly built retaining wall makes a huge difference.
The problem? Many walls are built without a drainage plan, proper footing, or the right materials—and they fail within a few years.
At SORCE Landscape Contracting, we design and build retaining walls across Pittsburgh that are both functional and attractive. Based in Fox Chapel, we serve homeowners throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, using structural integrity and design-first thinking to deliver walls that hold—and look good doing it.
Retaining Wall Installation Services in Pittsburgh
Every yard is different, and every retaining wall we build is custom to fit your space, grade, and goals. Whether it’s a small wall to edge a garden or a large wall with stairs to support a patio or driveway, we make sure it’s built the right way from the base up.
Our Retaining Wall Services Include:
Structural Retaining Walls
Engineered to handle slopes, hills, and load-bearing needs—perfect for driveways, terraces, and steep grade changes.
Decorative Garden and Seating Walls
Shorter walls used to define planting areas, retain raised flower beds, or create built-in seating around patios or fire pits.
Tiered Retaining Wall Systems
Great for yards with long or uneven slopes. Multi-level walls can break up height while adding structure and aesthetic value.
Retaining Wall Replacement & Repair
If your old timber or block wall is failing, we can remove and rebuild it using better materials and drainage techniques.
Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Trust SORCE
We’ve installed retaining walls on steep backyards in Fox Chapel, tight city spaces in Squirrel Hill, and complex hillside properties in O’Hara Township. We know what it takes to design for real Pittsburgh conditions.
Proper Drainage and Engineering
We install geo-grid, pipe systems, and backfill drainage zones to prevent water buildup behind your wall—one of the top causes of failure.
Long-Term Materials and Construction
From Versa-Lok blocks to natural stone, we use proven materials and build proper base foundations so your wall holds up for decades.
Blended Design and Function
Our walls don’t just hold—they match your landscape design and often integrate with steps, walkways, lighting, and planting beds.
Experience With Pittsburgh Terrain
Clay-heavy soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and tight lot lines are challenges we deal with every week.
Our Process for Retaining Wall Installation in Pittsburgh
Step 1: Consultation and Site Evaluation
We walk your property, assess your slope, water flow, and structural needs, then take measurements to develop a custom plan.
Step 2: Design and Estimate
You’ll receive a detailed proposal including wall dimensions, materials (block, stone, timber, etc.), drainage system, and optional features.
Step 3: Excavation and Base Preparation
We dig to the proper depth, install compacted stone base, drainage pipe, and backfill protection before stacking the wall.
Step 4: Final Build and Cleanup
After finishing capstones, steps, or lighting, we clean the job site and complete a final walkthrough with you to confirm everything is done right.
Popular Retaining Wall Materials We Use
• Segmental Block Systems: (Versa-Lok, Techo-Bloc, Unilock): Interlocking concrete blocks designed for strength and aesthetics. Great for structural and decorative walls alike.
• Natural Stone Retaining Walls: Flagstone, boulders, or cut stone stacked or mortared for rustic charm—popular in Fox Chapel and Highland Park.
• Boulder Walls: Large fieldstone or quarried boulders are perfect for a natural look and work well on steep terrain.
• Timber or Railroad Tie Walls (Replacements): While we no longer build timber walls, we often replace failing ones with more durable materials.
Common Retaining Wall Uses in Pittsburgh Yards
Retaining walls aren’t just about holding soil—they help you use your property better. Here’s how we see them used most often:
• Creating flat patio areas on sloped backyards
• Preventing soil erosion and managing rainwater runoff
• Supporting driveways or walkout basements
• Defining garden beds and raised planting areas
• Integrating seating with fire pit zones or outdoor kitchens
• Building steps and pathways into hillside areas
What Homeowners Are Saying
Areas We Serve
Based in Fox Chapel, we provide landscaping and outdoor living design services across the entire Pittsburgh region, including:
Fox Chapel • Glenshaw • Oakmont • Marshall Township • Squirrel Hill • Shadyside • Highland Park • Lawrenceville • Franklin Park • O’Hara Township • Indiana Township • and surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs
FAQs – Retaining Wall Installation in Pittsburgh
Do I need a permit to install a retaining wall in Pittsburgh?
For walls over 4 feet tall, many municipalities require permits and engineering. We’ll let you know what’s needed and handle the process.
What’s the most common retaining wall failure you see?
Improper drainage. Without it, water builds behind the wall and causes it to lean, bow, or collapse. We always install drainage with every wall.
Can a retaining wall be used as seating?
Yes. Seat walls are a popular feature that blend function and form—especially around patios, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens.
Get a Free Quote from a Trusted Retaining Wall Contractor in Pittsburgh
Whether you're trying to gain more usable space or simply need to stop your yard from washing away, we’ll help you build a solution that lasts—and looks great doing it.
Transforming Outdoor Spaces, One Yard at a Time.
