Built for the Site. Designed for New England.
Retaining Wall Contractor Serving Greater Boston and the North Shore
Goodwood General Construction builds and replaces segmental block, natural-stone and concrete retaining walls for residential properties, driveways, patios, sloped yards and landscape improvements, with complete excavation, base preparation and drainage.
Complete Site Work, Not Just the Wall
Complete Retaining Wall Construction Services
Goodwood General Construction provides complete retaining-wall construction using proven materials and site-specific installation methods. We consider wall height, soil conditions, drainage, equipment access, surrounding grades and the intended use of the area when preparing the project scope.
A retaining wall must do more than improve the appearance of a property. It must hold back soil, manage water and remain stable through changing New England weather conditions. Our projects include the excavation, base preparation, drainage, wall construction, backfilling and grading necessary to create a complete, durable installation.
- More than 20 years of hands-on construction experience
- Licensed and insured Massachusetts contractor
- Complete excavation and site-work capabilities
- Careful base preparation and drainage
- Clear written scopes and project communication
- Professional equipment and jobsite organization
- Construction focused on durability and long-term value
Retaining Wall Materials
Retaining Wall Materials and Construction Options
We build segmental block, natural-stone and concrete retaining walls according to the property, intended use, structural requirements and desired appearance.
What Our Retaining Wall Work Includes
- New retaining-wall construction
- Replacement of leaning or deteriorated walls
- Excavation and disposal of existing materials
- Compacted crushed-stone base preparation
- Drainage stone and perforated drainpipe
- Geogrid reinforcement when specified or required
- Steps, wall caps and landscape transitions
- Backfilling, grading and site restoration
Segmental Block Retaining Walls
Segmental concrete block is a versatile retaining-wall material for sloped yards, raised patios, driveway edges and landscape transitions. Proper installation requires a stable compacted base, correct setback, drainage aggregate and reinforcement appropriate for the site conditions.
Natural-Stone Retaining Walls
Natural stone provides a traditional New England appearance for older homes, established landscapes and premium outdoor spaces. The stone and construction method are selected according to the desired appearance, wall dimensions and site conditions.
Concrete Retaining Walls
Reinforced concrete or masonry retaining walls are appropriate where site conditions call for a rigid structural system. They can be constructed with a clean concrete finish or completed with stone veneer, with drainage and reinforcement designed for the wall’s height and loading.
Retaining Wall Replacement
Leaning, separating, bulging or collapsing walls frequently have problems beyond the visible material. We can remove the existing wall, correct supporting base and drainage conditions, and construct the replacement.
Walls for Patios & Driveways
Retaining walls can support raised patios and walkways, define driveway edges and create usable space while coordinating the wall with adjacent paving and masonry.
Steps & Sloped-Yard Transitions
Integrated steps, wall caps and terraces can organize changing elevations, improve access and make a sloped property more functional while managing surrounding grades.
What Makes the Work Last
Proper base preparation and drainage are essential.
The most attractive retaining-wall material will not perform properly without a stable foundation and a way to manage water behind the wall. Preparation may include excavation, removal of unsuitable material, compacted crushed stone, clean drainage aggregate, perforated drainpipe, filter fabric, reinforcement, controlled backfilling and final grading.
Excavation and compacted base
Unsuitable material is removed and the crushed-stone foundation is installed and compacted according to the wall and site conditions.
Drainage and controlled backfill
Drainage stone, perforated pipe, outlets and surrounding grades are coordinated to help manage water and pressure behind the wall.
Reinforcement and finish details
Geogrid, caps, steps and transitions are installed when specified or required by the approved project scope.
What affects retaining wall cost?
Pricing depends on wall length and height, selected material, demolition, excavation depth, equipment access, soil conditions, disposal, drainage, reinforcement, steps, curves, proximity to structures, backfilling, grading and restoration. An on-site visit allows Goodwood to prepare a project-specific estimate.
When a project requires structural engineering, stamped plans or another design professional, those services must be arranged as part of the project requirements before construction proceeds.
Goodwood Projects
Different homes. Different materials. One standard of care.
Retaining walls, integrated steps and patio projects completed by Goodwood General Construction.
Our Process
Our Retaining Wall Construction Process
Site Visit & Review
We review the wall location, dimensions, access, grades, drainage conditions, nearby structures and desired material for estimating purposes.
Scope & Requirements
We prepare a written estimate describing the proposed wall, materials, included work, assumptions and exclusions. Permit and engineering requirements vary by project.
Excavation, Base & Drainage
The area is excavated, unsuitable material is removed, and the compacted foundation and drainage components are installed.
Construction & Completion
The wall is constructed with reinforcement when specified, backfilled in controlled stages, graded and reviewed with the homeowner.
Local Retaining Wall Contractor
Retaining Wall Service Area
Greater Boston and the North Shore
Goodwood serves Greater Boston and the North Shore, including Lynnfield, Peabody, Danvers, Reading, North Reading, Andover, North Andover, Winchester, Medford, Newton, Wellesley, Lexington, Arlington, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Haverhill, Boxford, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Westwood.
Explore our retaining-wall work in Andover, Newton, Lynnfield, Peabody, Winchester and Reading.
Reputation Built Project by Project
See Why Massachusetts Homeowners Trust Goodwood
Read verified Google reviews from homeowners who hired Goodwood for retaining walls, masonry, drainage, concrete and structural-support projects across Greater Boston and the North Shore.
Retaining Wall FAQs
Helpful answers before planning your project.
Every property is different. A site visit allows us to evaluate the conditions that influence materials, preparation, drainage, project requirements and pricing.
What type of retaining wall is best for my property?
The appropriate material depends on wall height, site conditions, desired appearance, budget and intended use. Segmental block, natural stone and reinforced concrete or masonry construction each have different advantages.
Can you replace an existing leaning retaining wall?
Yes. Goodwood provides retaining-wall demolition and replacement, including removal, disposal, base reconstruction, drainage and construction of the new wall.
Why does a retaining wall need drainage?
Water pressure behind a wall can contribute to movement and premature failure. Drainage stone, drainpipe, appropriate outlets and surrounding grading help manage water.
Do retaining walls require permits?
Requirements depend on the municipality, wall height, location and site conditions. Walls near property lines, driveways, buildings or loaded areas may have additional requirements.
When is structural engineering required?
Engineering may be required based on wall height, loading, location, soil conditions or local requirements. Goodwood performs construction according to the approved scope but does not provide structural engineering services.
Do you provide excavation and disposal?
Yes. Excavation, removal of an existing wall and disposal of construction material can be included in the written scope.
Can steps be incorporated into a retaining wall?
Yes. Steps, landings and transitions can be incorporated when the wall and surrounding layout allow.
How long does construction take?
The schedule depends on wall dimensions, demolition, access, excavation, materials, weather and site-restoration requirements.
Plan Your Retaining Wall Project
Get in Touch About Your Retaining Wall Project
Tell us about the wall location, approximate length and height, existing conditions and what you want the completed area to accomplish. Photographs and measurements are helpful.