Working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor is working with the best of the best. Our UACs possess the knowledge and expertise to bring your dream project to life, and deliver stunning results that will exceed your expectations.
Retaining Wall Contractors
Find the best retaining wall contractors from North America’s most trusted and premier hardscape manufacturer.
What is a Retaining Wall Contractor?
Retaining wall contractors is a highly skilled, professional hardscaper who possesses the knowledge and expertise to build a structurally sound retaining wall that will stand the test of time.
Retaining walls are imposing structures designed to hold back the earth from a higher grade, creating a change in elevation. Some examples of residential retaining walls include large sloped garden walls, retaining wall stairs at the front of a home, and raised patios with pool decks.
Benefits of Hiring an Authorized Contractor for your Retaining Wall Project
If you’re looking to build a retaining wall in your backyard, there’s no better expert than a Unilock Authorized Contractor. Let’s explore some of the benefits of hiring a UAC that specializes in building retaining walls:
· UACs follow Unilock Installation Standards for all projects.
· UACs adhere to the Unilock Authorized Contractor Code of Ethics.
· UACs keep their skills up-to-date with continuing education courses.
· Hiring a UAC brings you extra peace of mind with a minimum two-year Workmanship Guarantee.
Moreover, Unilock Authorized Contractors have extensive experience in proper site preparation, grading, base materials, and compaction. This ensures your project will look great and last for years.
Choosing a UAC means you gain access to:
· Knowledgeable design advice;
· A comprehensive project estimate;
· Quality base materials and installation practices;
· A project that stands the test of time and looks great;
Let us connect you with a local Unilock Authorized Contractor who can provide you with a free estimate for your project.
Key Considerations for Hiring the Perfect Retaining Wall Contractor
The most important decision you will make for your project is choosing the right contractor to make your design vision a reality. At Unilock, we want to help you find a great contractor because we know that even the best designs and materials can be spoiled by subpar installation and craftsmanship. Here are some tips you can use when hiring a retaining wall contractor for your next project:
1. Workmanship
Review Past Projects: Ask to see projects completed over two years ago to evaluate how well their work holds up over time.
Warranty and Claims: Inquire about the length of their work guarantee and check if there have been any warranty claims against their company in the past two years.
2. Sub-Contracting
Sub-Contractor Management: Some contractors hire other companies for specialized tasks like lighting or irrigation. Ensure you understand how these sub-contractors will be managed and vetted.
3. Experience
Installation Expertise: Find out how much experience they have with installing retaining walls, and ask to see some of their past work, to see if they have previously installed features that you could apply to your landscape.
4. Preparation
Base Preparation Methods: Ask about the methods and materials they use for base preparation. You’ll want to ensure your retaining wall contractor can tailor their approach to base preparation to meet your site’s specific needs.
5. Schedule
Project Timeline: Find out how far in advance they are booking projects and estimate the duration of your project. Ask if your contractor requires an upfront deposit to secure the timing of your project.
6. Documentation
Licensing and Insurance: Verify the contractor's licensing, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage are up-to-date. If permits are needed, find out who will be responsible for obtaining them.
7. Compatibility
Communication and Trust: Make sure you can communicate effectively and trust the contractor. Ask if the person you're meeting will be on-site throughout the duration of the project, or if someone else will be your main point of contact.
References: Contact references to learn about the contractor's project management and work style.
8. Design
Design Services: Check if the contractor offers design services and inquire about the costs. Find out if they provide hand-drawn or 3D-rendered concept designs and see if their design style aligns with your vision. Request a Design Catalog
Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with Retaining Wall Features
Whether you're expanding upwards or outwards, our versatile retaining walls deliver the strength and stability essential for your project. Unilock provides a variety of unique retaining wall designs to elevate your project to new levels of beauty.
Garden Walls
Garden walls can dramatically enhance your landscape by creating distinct planting areas and introducing vibrant colors. They serve as an ideal medium for integrating biophilic design principles, fostering a connection between people and nature within constructed environments to promote overall health and well-being. In addition to traditional flowerbeds and shrubs, incorporating elements like living green walls and tranquil water features can evoke a serene, Zen-like ambiance in your outdoor space.
Retaining Wall Stairs
Retaining wall stairs improve navigation across your landscape, enhancing functionality on sloped terrain and seamlessly connecting different areas of your home. Beautify these stairs by incorporating lush greenery, trees, and flowers, adding vibrant appeal to your ascent.
Raised Patio
A raised patio built with retaining walls offers up extended, usable space in your backyard by creating a stunning and practical outdoor living area. Raised patios serve as elevated spaces for dining, relaxing, or entertaining. Consider incorporating more elegant features such as a pool deck, TV wall, fire pit, or fire table to create a stunning focal point in your raised patio’s design. Get Retaining Wall Inspiration
Build Beautiful Retaining Walls with U-Cara®
When it comes to constructing versatile, functional retaining walls, Unilock offers the widest selection of styles, colors, shapes, and textures for virtually any vertical application. Our award-winning U-Cara® Multi-Face Wall System is a prime example of our innovative approach. Here are some of the ways you can utilize U-Cara in your project:
· U-Cara Multi-Face Wall System: Fascia panels effortlessly attach and slide onto the Sure Track Backer Block System, enabling you to build vertical features faster and more efficiently.
· U-Cara Modular System: Aluminum-framed cabinets provide a labor and time-saving solution for constructing various outdoor living features, such as grill islands, pillars, bars, and columns.
· U-Cara Wall Mount System: This system allows for the cladding of concrete foundation walls, existing poured-in-place retaining walls, and wooden structures like deck skirts, cabanas, and tool sheds, allowing for rapid installation practically anywhere in your project.
Maximizing Efficiency and Cost Control with Your Wall Project
When embarking on a retaining wall project, establishing a clear budget and timeline is essential to ensure the project stays on track and within your financial means.
· Define Your Priorities: Determine the must-have features for your wall and allocate your budget to focus on these essential aspects.
· Request Detailed Estimates: Obtain estimates from multiple contractors to compare pricing and services. Look for transparent pricing and cost breakdowns.
· Consider Material Options: Explore different materials and designs that fit your budget and aesthetic. Your contractor can help select cost-effective options without compromising quality.
· Plan for Contingencies: Include a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses or changes.
· Communicate Clearly: Maintain open communication with your contractor about budget constraints and timeline expectations. Address concerns or changes promptly to avoid delays or misunderstandings.
Retaining Wall Contractor FAQs
Where can I find local retaining wall contractors near me?
Visit our “Find a Contractor” page, and fill out the form with your information, and we will help you get matched with a retaining wall contractor in your area.
Do walls greater than 3’ need to be engineered?
Yes, we recommend that walls greater than 3′ (1m) or with a heavy load be engineered by a qualified civil engineer (some municipalities require even lower heights, such as 2′ (600 mm), to be designed by an engineer). Fencing and railing may also be required. Always check with local building codes.
Can my Authorized Contractor install lighting into my retaining wall project?
Yes, we highly encourage homeowners to consider landscape lighting ideas for their initial design plans and discuss them early in the process with their Authorized Contractors. It's crucial to assess the best locations within your outdoor project to integrate landscape lighting. Evaluate dark corners, walkways and other areas where illumination is important for safety.
Can a paver be used as part of a retaining wall?
Some of our paver products can be used for multiple applications. Visit our Products page and filter our products by application, and you’ll be able to see which paver products can be used to build a retaining wall. Note that some products may be better suited as banding on a retaining wall, such as Mattoni™, or Series™, but not to build the entire wall. Your Authorized Contractor can help address any questions or concerns you may have about specific products. Find a Retaining Wall Contractor
