Retaining Wall Building and Repair
Secure and Stabilize Your Landscaping and Property with High-Quality Retaining Walls.
Safeguard Against Erosion; Create More Usable Outdoor Space.
Nothing looks prettier than hills and slopes in natural areas. But it can be a different story when they affect your yard or the property around your home. We build and repair retaining walls to prevent erosion, protect your landscaping, and increase the usable area of your yard. Whether concrete, brick, or block, a retaining wall that harmonizes with the landscape (looks good) while doing its job is essential.
Improve the usability of your yard by creating more level areas for planting.
Reduce the chances of washouts and erosion in sloped or drainage areas.
Use outdoor walls to define areas in your yard to maximize their usefulness.
Add retaining walls and dividers to beautify and protect your lawn and landscaping.
Q1: What is a retaining wall and why might I need one?
A: A retaining wall is a structure built to hold back soil and prevent erosion on sloped or uneven terrain. If your yard has a hillside, steep grade, or areas prone to soil erosion and runoff, a retaining wall can solve the problem while also adding structure and beauty to your landscape.
Q2: What types of retaining and rock walls does Aina Landscaping build?
A: We build dry-stack lava rock walls, mortared stone walls, concrete block retaining walls, and decorative garden walls. We select materials that complement Hawaii’s natural environment and are built to handle the Big Island’s terrain and rainfall.
Q3: Can a retaining wall help with drainage problems on my property?
A: Yes. Properly built retaining walls include drainage systems behind the wall — perforated pipes and gravel backfill, that channel water away from your home and prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up and damaging the wall.
Q4: How tall can a retaining wall be before a permit is required?
A: In Hawaii County, walls over a certain height (typically more than 4 feet) may require a building permit and engineering review. We’ll advise you on permit requirements for your specific project before any work begins.
Q5: What is a dry-stack rock wall and what are its advantages?
A: A dry-stack wall uses no mortar, stones are carefully fitted together for structural stability. It’s a traditional and attractive style that blends naturally with Hawaii’s landscape, allows drainage through the wall, and looks beautiful for decades when built correctly.
Q6: How do you ensure a retaining wall will be stable long-term?
A: Stability starts with proper foundation preparation, excavating to the right depth, compacting a gravel base, and ensuring the wall has a slight backward lean (batter) as it rises. We also install drainage behind the wall to prevent water pressure buildup.
Q7: Can a retaining wall also be decorative or improve my curb appeal?
A: Absolutely. Our rock and stone walls are as beautiful as they are functional. Natural lava rock, stacked stone, and decorative block walls can dramatically enhance the aesthetic of your yard and add significant value to your property.
Q8: Can retaining walls be used to create garden terraces or raised planting areas?
A: Yes. Tiered retaining walls are a popular and practical way to turn a steep slope into beautiful, usable terraced garden spaces. We design and build multi-level walls that create ideal planting areas on challenging terrain.
Q9: How do I know if my existing retaining wall needs repair?
A: Watch for signs like bulging, cracking, leaning, or gaps between stones or blocks. Water seeping through or pooling near the base can indicate drainage problems. Contact us early, catching issues before a wall fails saves significant time and cost.
Q10: How do I get a retaining or rock wall quote for my Big Island property?
A: Call us or use our contact form to describe your project. We’ll schedule a site visit to assess the terrain, soil conditions, and scope of work, then provide a detailed, transparent quote.