Expert Retaining Wall Contractors in Portland, OR

Custom Hardscapes Contractors

Retaining walls hold back soil on Portland’s steep hills, where slopes can reach 30 degrees or more. They create usable outdoor spaces on sloped terrain in areas like the West Hills and East Portland. Onyx Landscape builds custom retaining walls suited to Portland’s diverse terrain, from Columbia River basalt to sandy loam soils.

Portland’s varied topography demands strategic landscaping solutions. A well-designed retaining wall can reshape challenging slopes into functional areas, handling up to 60 pounds per square foot of lateral earth pressure. Onyx Landscape uses quality materials and geogrid reinforcement techniques to construct durable, attractive retaining walls for Portland homeowners.

Types of Retaining Walls for Portland Properties

Portland’s unique landscape calls for versatile retaining wall solutions. The city’s mix of urban and natural environments means each property has its own set of challenges. From the densely populated Pearl District to the more spacious lots in Lake Oswego, retaining walls need to adapt to different soil types, slopes, and aesthetic preferences. Onyx Landscape offers a range of retaining wall styles to meet these diverse needs. Here are some popular options we’ve successfully implemented across Portland:

  • Gravity Walls: These use their own weight to resist soil pressure. Gravity walls suit height differences up to 3 feet in Portland’s clay-rich soils and can incorporate locally-sourced basalt or concrete blocks.
  • Cantilever Walls: Reinforced with steel, cantilever walls work for structures up to 25 feet tall. A concrete base extends into the soil behind the wall, providing stability on steeper slopes in areas like Southwest Portland.
  • Gabion Walls: Wire cages filled with rocks offer a modern, industrial look. They allow excellent drainage during Portland’s wet winters and can use locally sourced stones to match the city’s natural environment.
drive way pavers
Paver Driveway

Benefits of Custom Retaining Walls

Retaining walls do more than just hold back soil – they’re a smart investment for Portland homeowners. In a city known for its lush landscapes and eco-friendly mindset, a well-designed retaining wall can transform your property while aligning with Portland’s values. From creating more usable space in your backyard to helping manage the city’s notorious rainfall, custom retaining walls offer practical solutions to common Portland landscaping challenges. Let’s explore some of the key benefits that our clients across Portland have experienced with their custom retaining walls:

  • Expanded Usable Space: Retaining walls turn sloped areas into flat, functional spaces. You gain more room for gardening, patios, or play areas, especially valuable in Portland’s hilly neighborhoods.
  • Improved Drainage: Well-designed retaining walls help manage Portland’s average annual rainfall of 36 inches. This prevents soil erosion and protects your home’s foundation from water damage during the city’s rainy seasons from November to April.
  • Increased Property Value: A well-built retaining wall adds practical and aesthetic value to your home. It can attract potential buyers in Portland’s competitive real estate market if you decide to sell in the future.

Why Choose Us?

Advanced Engineering Techniques

We use computer-aided design and finite element analysis to optimize retaining wall stability for Portland’s seismic Zone 3 classification.

Portland-Specific Material Selection

Our team chooses materials rated for the city’s freeze-thaw cycles and acid rain exposure, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Eco-Friendly Construction Methods

We incorporate permeable pavers and bioswales into our designs, aligning with Portland’s Green Building Policy and stormwater management goals.

Reshape Your Portland Property with Expert Retaining Wall Solutions

A well-built retaining wall improves your Portland property’s usability and appearance. Onyx Landscape has the skills to bring your vision to life. We design and construct retaining walls that solve landscaping challenges while beautifying your outdoor space.

Reshape your Portland landscape with Onyx Landscape. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your retaining wall project. We’ll work with you to create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy through Portland’s mild summers and rainy winters.