Yardd
Wasatch Front · Salt Lake & Utah County

Retaining Walls

Turn a slope into a usable yard.

Typical pricing: $30–$75/linear ft

Get free quotes Talk to the Concierge
Stone retaining wall in a Wasatch backyard

Overview

On the Wasatch Front, retaining walls do real work. Sloping lots are the norm across the foothills — Sandy, Draper, Lehi, Alpine, Cottonwood — and a properly built retaining wall is often the difference between a steep, unusable hillside and a flat lawn, terraced garden, or driveway extension. Walls under 4 feet are usually straightforward; walls over 4 feet typically require engineering and may need a permit, depending on your city.

Material matters. Segmental concrete blocks (Allan Block, Belgard, Versa-Lok) are the fastest and most cost-effective; natural stone looks spectacular but costs 50-100% more; timber is cheapest up front but has a shorter life in our climate. What matters most isn't the face material — it's what's behind it. Proper drainage (gravel backfill, drainage pipe), compacted base, and geo-grid reinforcement on taller walls prevent the failures we see on hundreds of DIY walls across the valley each spring.

Yardd connects you with Wasatch Front wall specialists who know when you need an engineer, how to handle Utah clay backfill, and when to recommend a tiered system versus one tall wall.

Why this matters locally

Built for the Wasatch Front

  • Foothill lots (Sandy, Draper, Lehi, Alpine, Bountiful, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights) mean most yards need some grading
  • Utah clay expands with moisture — drainage behind the wall is critical or the wall will bow out
  • Freeze-thaw cycles demand proper base prep; shallow bases fail within 1-2 winters
  • Walls over 4 feet usually require permits and engineering on the Wasatch Front

Project types

Block walls
Natural stone
Timber
Concrete

Key decisions

  • ·Material: segmental block ($30–$45/ft), natural stone ($55–$75+/ft), timber ($25–$40/ft, shorter life)
  • ·Drainage: 12" of 3/4" clean gravel + perforated drain pipe behind every wall
  • ·Base: 6-8" compacted aggregate, minimum
  • ·Reinforcement: geo-grid layers tied back into the hill for walls over 4 feet
  • ·Permitting: walls over 4 feet (or over 2 feet with a surcharge above) need permits in most cities

How it works

  1. 1

    Site evaluation

    Installer assesses slope, soil, existing drainage, and determines if engineering/permitting is needed.

  2. 2

    Excavation & base

    Trench dug 6-8" below grade, filled and compacted with aggregate for a level foundation.

  3. 3

    Block or stone placement

    Each course is leveled, set-back to match product specs, and pinned or interlocked. Natural stone takes artistry.

  4. 4

    Backfill & drainage

    Gravel backfill + drain pipe behind the wall, compacted in lifts. This is where walls succeed or fail over time.

  5. 5

    Cap & cleanup

    Top caps are set, site is graded away from the wall, and finishing touches applied.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a retaining wall cost in Utah?+
$30–$75 per linear foot installed, varying wildly by material, height, and access. A 30-foot segmental block wall 3 feet tall is typically $3,500–$6,000. Natural stone of the same size could be $6,500–$9,500. Taller walls needing engineering add $500–$2,000+.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?+
Most Wasatch Front cities require permits for walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall). Some also require permits when there's a "surcharge" — a driveway, slope, or structure loading the wall. Your installer should handle this.
Block wall or natural stone?+
Block is faster, cheaper, and very durable. Natural stone is more beautiful and adds the most property value but costs 50-100% more. For walls under 3 feet in a high-visibility spot, stone can be worth the premium. For longer or taller walls, block makes more sense.
Why do retaining walls fail?+
Nearly always drainage. Water building up behind the wall creates pressure that walls can't handle. The fix is simple: gravel backfill plus a perforated drain pipe at the base. DIY walls often skip both.
Can I use timber for a retaining wall?+
Yes, but know the tradeoff: pressure-treated timber walls last 15-20 years in Utah before rotting, versus 40+ for block or stone. Timber is fine for low walls or temporary terracing.
How long does installation take?+
A typical 30-40 linear foot wall takes 2-4 days for block; 4-7 days for natural stone. Larger or tiered projects extend accordingly.

Homeowners also consider

Paver Patios

$15–$40/sq ft installed

Learn more

Concrete Work

$8–$20/sq ft installed

Learn more

Artificial Turf

$8–$22/sq ft installed

Learn more

Ready to start your retaining walls project?

Get free, no-obligation quotes from vetted installers on the Wasatch Front — usually within 24 hours.

Get free quotes Yardd Concierge