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Stone Retaining Walls

Dry Stack Stone Retaining Walls

natural stack stone wall

Dry Stack Stone Retaining Walls are probably the most natural look and can be achieved by stacking natural “Tennessee field stone.” This customer wanted to break up a hill side with a couple raised garden walls among the sod he laid the next spring. This is also the next quickest garden wall style to build behind pressure treated timbers. With the ability to flow with the existing terrain and no need for a footing, these retaining walls are a good project for ambitious do-it-yourself-ers. Visit our how to build a retaining wall page for more tips.

Small accent details in your landscape can take less time than gathering the materials. We like to start by re-defining the sod edge with a flowing line cut into the soil. This also establishes a recessed area for the first stone course. The best techniques use more than one size rock. We take time to carefully fit each stone and pack the soil behind the rock wall as we go. A short (under 1 ft tall) garden wall or border will have more detail if small fieldstone is used. This terraced effect was built to correct ongoing erosion problems and drainage problems while working among existing plants. When we build a stone wall taller than 1’ we use larger fieldstone. For retaining walls installed taller than 2’, we recommend using mini-boulders (100+ lb.) as anchors every few feet. Boulder retaining walls can be a great way to use an abundance of on-site boulders. Walls built this way do not need to be solid rock. A mix of rock and soil on a 45 degree slope works well if erosion is controlled.

stack stone walls separating the mulched area from lawn

Stack Stone & Flag Stone

rock columns

Stack stone & flag stone are other types of stone wall construction Landscape Innovations offers. These types of stone retaining walls are mortar & concrete block masonry wall. They need a concrete footing, and good drainage behind the wall. They are covered (veneered) with either natural or man-made (synthetic stone). If you want to match your existing rock work or create a new design element for your landscape this style retaining wall, offers the most natural color choices but also costs more than any other style wall.

Stack stone is the type of stonework where you see the edges of the stone and it looks layered. Flagstone uses less material and labor because it is placing the “flag” shaped pieces flat on the wall and covering the space more quickly. Cutting natural flagstone to specific shapes will add cost but can really create a personalized look.

Stone stairs
stack stone on a house

A stone column like this one uses individually cut flagstone pieces.
Other custom cut pieces can be used for architectural cues like key stones, coins or drip rails. The cost of synthetic stone work benefits from lower shipping costs and quicker installation times. Synthetic stone (man-made) is available in a wider variety of shapes sizes and colors than natural stone. Its flexibility has made it popular with architects and home builders as a design tool. Simple color and shape changes can yield entirely different looks.

Stone wall
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Our Clients Testimonials

Wow!! Just wow!! These guys are top notch! Burt and his crew are amazing, not only did they reply in a very timely manner, but they also were sensitive to my financial restrictions. From start to finish the job was done in a flash and also with beautiful attention to detail! I would recommend Burt with Landscape Innovations to any and everyone!
Blaze C.
If you want expertise, experience and long-term return on investment of any landscaping, drainage and/or outdoor living project, Burt Young and Landscape Innovations is the only quality resource to consider. Burt has my highest recommendation and sincerest gratitude for the value proposition his company provides. Looking forward to the next project with this company.
Nic G.
Burt built a beautiful paver patio w/sitting wall and a fire pit ring in our backyard. It has transformed the yard into a gathering space that we will enjoy for years to come. We look forward to finishing up with Burt in the spring with Phase 2 -- new sod!
Michelle H.
Burt and his team did a great job for me on a fairly large job of grading, new sod and a retaining wall. I am very pleased with the outcome of the project and would highly recommend him for any landscaping projects small or large. He takes pride in his work and works hard to meet his customers expectations. I will be using him again for a smaller job in the next few weeks.
Lane P.
Burt just finished putting in a large retaining wall for me. The work was done perfect and I love the end product. What I value the most was his insight and advice. He could have just built what I told him, but instead he advised me to make adjustments. His suggestions were an improvement and actually cost less than what I asked for. Its refreshing when someone gives you advice that will save you money when he could have pocketed the extra profit! Love working with him.
Alicia A.
Burt is very knowledgeable in his field and has a great eye for design. He is honest and fair with his prices. He is also direct and to the point in his proposals and with working with his clients and their needs. Whether you want drainage issues fixed, a yard makeover or a wonderful backyard oasis, Landscape Innovations will give you the most for your money.
Kim B.