Everything You Need to Know When Building a Rock Boulder Retaining Wall

Hardscape (the non-plant-based elements of landscape design) might not be the most exciting part of a landscape to many people, but it’s one of our passions. Sure, you might not notice the retaining walls, pavers, and brick structures as much as a blossoming cherry tree or a fire pit, but a hardscape creates the canvas for the rest of the yard to shine, which is why we love to design and install rock boulder walls. 

These retaining walls allow us to create more usable space in your yard, as well as add visual interest and dimension to your yard. While rock boulder retaining walls are one of our favorite elements in landscape design, we know the complexity of installation and the consequences of poor installation. We take the engineering and design of rock retaining walls seriously, as a small misstep can cause thousands of dollars in damage. 

These complex projects definitely require a professional touch, so finding the right landscape designer is step one when you decide to add a rock retaining wall to your landscape design. 

Design Ideas for a Rock Boulder Retaining Wall

Retaining walls are foundational to good landscape design, but knowing how to use them as an aesthetic benefit rather than an eye sore takes experience and inspiration. We have a few ideas from our past projects that can help you discover how rock boulder retaining walls can add dimension, beauty, and function to your yard. 

Rock Walls For A Sloped Front Yard

Using rock retaining walls can maximize a grand entrance to your home, especially if you live on a property with a sloped front yard. Adding boulders that match the rock exterior helps bring the whole property together and creates level spaces for added landscaping, like shrubs and flowers.

Boulder Rock Walls For Entertainment Spaces

One of the main benefits of a rock wall is that it helps create level spaces for added seating and entertainment areas. In this space, not only is there more room for seating and a pergola because of the retaining wall, but the retaining wall itself adds texture and interest to the space. 

Boulder Walls For A Walk Out Basement

If you live in a hilly neighborhood, you might have a walk-out basement to your backyard. Don’t let a retaining wall make your backyard an eyesore; use it to add interest! This backyard living space feels cozy, private, and inviting because of the boulder retaining wall and the plants within it. 

Layered Rock Walls For Depth

For some yards, it’s easier to add a second retaining wall, not only because of a steep slope but also because it provides extra layers for added visual interest. Note how the landscaping and walls highlight each other—where the upper wall curves out, there isn’t any landscaping, but it is framed by two bushes to balance it. 

Boulder Walls Around The Pool

Want a pool but don’t have the space with a sloped backyard? No problem—with boulder retaining walls, we can make your backyard pool dreams come true. This property is no exception—note how there are layers of retaining walls to add more usable space, like the basketball court on the left or the pergola on the right.

Add A Water Feature With Boulder Rock Walls

Sometimes, a rock wall is a retaining wall alone, but sometimes, it’s a retaining wall and the backdrop for a waterfall. We love the look of this waterfall with matching boulder retaining walls in the background. Not only does a water feature add soothing, natural vibes, but coordinating rocks in the water feature with other elements in the yard helps pull the space together. 

Make Your Yard Your Oasis With A Boulder Retaining Wall

Ultimately, we love boulder retaining walls because these features give us the flexibility to create whatever space you want in your backyard. Need more room for a tennis court or pool? A retaining wall can make that a reality. Ready for more entertainment space or that firepit for year-round s’mores? We can help with that! Regardless of how you want to make your yard your personal oasis, we are here to add our decades of experience and enthusiasm to bring your dreams to life.

Challenges of DIY Boulder Retaining Walls

One of the biggest risks in DIY landscaping is hardscape, and that includes retaining walls. These features require expertise—erosion, foundation issues, moving boulders, placement for each rock, backfill, and more are all points of failure for a retaining wall project. You need a rock-solid understanding of retaining wall engineering, and getting the right permits, equipment, and materials is no small task. 

RELATED: Landscaping With Big Rocks

If you try to DIY it or hire a team that doesn’t understand how to engineer these structures, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in repairs. Consider some of the projects featured in this post – a poorly designed and installed rock wall could devastate the yard and the homes themselves. 

Choosing a landscape team for your rock boulder retaining wall is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your yard, so make sure you choose a team with experience with many types of retaining walls.

FAQs About Boulder Retaining Walls

What is the best foundation for a boulder retaining wall?

Compacted gravel is usually the best option, but we customize each rock wall’s plans to meet your yard’s specific needs and composition. 

How much does a boulder retaining wall cost to build?

This depends on many factors, such as the type of rock, materials, location, size, scope, and complexity of the boulder retaining wall. Generally speaking, anywhere from $30 to $90 per square foot is a starting point, but you’ll need to get an exact quote from your landscape design team. 

Can I use large rocks from my property for a retaining wall?

It depends, but generally speaking, yes. Depending on the style and look you are going for, we can use large rocks from your property for your wall. 

Are boulder retaining walls better than concrete block walls?

It depends on several factors, including how long you want it to last, what style you are going for, and how much you want to spend. One of the benefits of rock retaining walls is that they can last for decades with little need for upkeep if installed correctly. 

How long does a boulder retaining wall last?

They can last for decades when installed correctly. 

Do I need a professional to build a rock boulder retaining wall?

Unless you have access to construction equipment and experience with engineering, we would say that working with a professional is a must. The risks are too significant when it comes to rock retaining walls, so hiring a professional saves you money and headaches in the long run. 

What kind of maintenance does a boulder landscape wall require?

If it’s installed correctly and there haven’t been any major weather or natural disasters, boulder retaining walls require little maintenance. If you notice boulders slipping or erosion, contact a landscape professional immediately. 

Why Hire Big Rock Landscaping for Your Boulder Retaining Wall Project?

There are few things that matter as much as the hardscape in your yard, even if it might seem boring compared to other elements of landscape design. Ensuring the design, installation, and materials are high quality can make or break your yard. The long-term costs of a poorly installed and designed rock retaining wall can’t be understated, so hiring the right professionals is crucial. At Big Rock Landscaping, we have designed and installed every kind of retaining wall, so regardless of what your dream is for your backyard, we are the right team to help you make it a reality. We can’t wait to help you create your personal oasis, contact us today to get your free consultation for your rock retaining wall.