Dig Into Your Next Project with Soil Friends Excavating

Soil conditions, slope, water, and wall height all determine how a wall should actually be built-and whether it needs to be permitted or engineered. When those factors are ignored, walls fail.
At Soil Friends Excavation, we build retaining wall systems that are designed to hold, drain, and last.

Hardscape and Garden Walls (Non-Structural)

• Decorative or low-height walls
• Used for edging, landscaping, and light grade changes
• Typically do not require permits

These are great for appearance—but they are not designed to hold significant soil pressure.

Structural / Permitted Retaining Walls

• Used when holding back grade or elevation
• Require proper base preparation, drainage, and reinforcement
• Often require permits depending on height and township requirements

This is where proper installation matters. Shortcuts here lead to movement and failure.

Engineered Retaining Wall Systems

• Designed for taller walls, steep slopes, or load-bearing conditions
• Require geogrid reinforcement and engineering plans
• Built to handle long-term pressure and water management

These systems are built with performance in mind—not just appearance.

Block Retaining Walls

• Clean, uniform appearance
• Ideal for structural and engineered applications
• Designed to integrate reinforcement and drainage systems

Boulder Retaining Walls

• Natural look using large stone
• Effective for certain slopes and drainage conditions
• Require proper base and placement to prevent shifting over time