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Retaining Walls
Retaining Walls

Structural strength and natural beauty — walls that hold and impress.

What We Offer

Walls That Work as Hard as They Look

Retaining walls are essential for properties with slopes, grade changes, or erosion challenges. Done right, they not only solve structural problems — they become defining design features that add dimension, character, and value to your landscape.

We build retaining walls using a wide range of materials including natural boulders, segmental concrete block, and decorative stone veneer. Whether you need a single low garden border or a multi-tier terracing system, we engineer every wall for long-term stability.

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Erosion Control

Properly engineered walls prevent soil erosion and protect your property from water damage during heavy Iowa rains.

Tiered Landscaping

Create beautiful multi-level garden beds, lawn areas, and usable flat space from previously steep or unusable slopes.

Drainage Engineering

We incorporate gravel backfill, drainage tile, and proper slope management into every wall system.

Material Options

From rustic natural boulders to clean modern block, we offer a full range of wall materials to match any aesthetic.

How It Works

Our Process

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Site Assessment

We evaluate the grade, soil conditions, and drainage to engineer a wall system appropriate for your site.

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Design Plan

We present material options, wall height, and layout in a clear design plan with a detailed written estimate.

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Excavation & Base

We excavate to proper depth, install a compacted gravel base, and set the first course with precision.

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Build & Backfill

We build each course, install drainage, backfill properly, and complete any landscaping integration.

OUR WORk

Project Gallery

A concrete driveway with steps and a wall.
A large concrete block wall with trees in the background.
A brick wall with a lot of dirt on it
A large house with horses in the yard.
A set of steps leading up to the side of a house.
A house with a wall and planter in it
Curved stacked stone retaining wall by pathway
A blue car parked in front of some rocks
A walkway with steps leading to the top of it.
A brick wall with a concrete base and gravel on the side.
A stone staircase leading to the top of steps.
A man walking on gravel near a wall.
A house that is in the dirt.
A stone wall with a brick pillar and a circular patio.
A brick wall with steps in the middle of it
A brick wall with steps leading to the top of it.
A walkway with steps leading to the house.
Two men standing next to a wall of concrete.
A large stone wall in front of trees.
A large concrete block wall with steps leading to the ground.
A building under construction with a stone wall.
A view of a house from the ground up.
A walkway with plants growing in it next to the house.
A driveway with a stone wall and garage door.
A-frame cabin with winding stone pathway
A house sitting on the side of a river.
A house with lights on the outside of it
A cement block wall with steps leading to the front door.
A brick wall in the middle of a field.
A brick wall in the middle of a yard.
A tree house with a deck and a stone path.
A brick wall with a concrete base around it
A set of steps leading up to the side of a house.
A concrete driveway with steps and a wall.
A large concrete block wall with trees in the background.
A brick wall with a lot of dirt on it
A large house with horses in the yard.
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Certified Excellence

Certified Excellence

Choosing the right contractor is crucial to the success of your retaining wall project. With a Segmented Retaining Wall Certificate from the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) and the Interlocking Pavement Institute (ICPI), Watt Hardscapes & Water Features stands as a beacon of quality and reliability. Our expertise in hardscaping, patios, retaining walls, curb and block edging, and outdoor water and fire features ensures that your landscape not only looks great but also thrives.

Connect Now

Connect Now

From intricate retaining walls to exquisite water features and beyond, we're here to transform your vision into reality. Contact us today.

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QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked

How tall can a retaining wall be?

Walls up to 4 feet can typically be built without an engineer's stamp. Taller walls may require engineering drawings, which we can help coordinate.

Will the wall shift over time?

Properly installed walls with adequate drainage and compacted base rarely shift. We build to last and stand behind our workmanship.

What wall material is best for my property?

It depends on your budget, aesthetics, and site conditions. Natural boulder walls offer a rugged look while segmental block provides clean lines. We'll recommend the best fit.

Can you build walls into an existing landscape?

Absolutely. We work carefully around existing trees, utilities, and landscaping, and restore any disturbed areas after construction.

Do retaining walls need drainage?

Yes — all properly built retaining walls require a drainage system behind them. Hydrostatic pressure is the number one cause of wall failure, and we always address this.