Retaining Walls
Structural and decorative retaining walls built with proper engineering, drainage, and materials suited for Long Island's soil conditions.
Retaining walls serve a critical function — holding back soil, managing water runoff, and creating level usable areas on sloped properties. JZ Development builds structural and decorative retaining walls across Long Island using natural stone, concrete block, and segmental wall systems.
Every retaining wall we build starts with proper engineering. We assess soil conditions, calculate load requirements, and design drainage systems that prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup — the number one cause of retaining wall failure. For walls over 4 feet, we work with licensed engineers to ensure code compliance.
Our retaining wall materials include natural fieldstone and boulders for a rustic look, concrete segmental blocks (like Versa-Lok or Unilock) for clean geometric lines, and natural stone for a premium aesthetic. We also build retaining walls that double as seating walls, garden borders, and raised patio edges.
Whether you need a short landscape wall to define garden beds or a large structural wall to manage grade changes on your property, JZ Development delivers walls that are built right and built to last.
What We Do
- Structural retaining walls
- Decorative landscape walls
- Natural stone retaining walls
- Concrete block retaining walls
- Segmental retaining wall systems
- Seating walls & garden borders
- Terraced retaining walls
Retaining Walls Across Long Island
We provide retaining walls services throughout Nassau and Suffolk County:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a retaining wall cost on Long Island?
Retaining wall costs on Long Island range from $25-$75 per square foot of wall face. A small landscape wall (2-3 ft high, 20 ft long) may cost $2,500-$5,000. Larger structural walls (4+ ft high) with proper drainage and engineering typically run $8,000-$20,000+. Materials, height, and site conditions all affect pricing. We provide free estimates.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall on Long Island?
Most Long Island municipalities require a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height. Some require permits for any wall that retains a surcharge (like a driveway or structure above it). Walls over 4 feet also typically require stamped engineering drawings. We handle all permitting requirements.
What causes retaining walls to fail?
The most common causes of retaining wall failure are inadequate drainage, insufficient footing depth, poor backfill material, and under-engineering for the actual soil load. Water buildup behind the wall creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall outward. Proper drainage, including gravel backfill and weep holes or drain pipes, is essential.
How long does a retaining wall last?
A properly built retaining wall lasts 50-100+ years. The key factors are proper drainage, adequate footing below frost line, quality materials, and engineering appropriate for the height and load. Walls that are built too quickly without proper drainage or footing often fail within 5-15 years.
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Get a free estimate for your retaining walls project on Long Island. We're here to answer your questions and help bring your vision to life.