Retaining Wall Builder
We build, repair, or replace retaining walls
Retaining Wall Contractor in Gainesville, Buford & Braselton, GA
Need a New Retaining Wall Built? We build strong, reliable retaining walls that last. Razor Sharp Lawn and Landscape is a 4.9-star rated contractor based in Hoschton, GA. We serve Gainesville, Buford, Braselton, and nearby areas.
Our team specializes in engineered retaining walls using Keystone® block systems. These walls stop erosion, hold back soil, and create flat, usable space for patios, lawns, or gardens.
Retaining Wall Construction for Sloped Yards
Got a hill or slope that’s wasting space or causing problems? We can fix it. A well-built retaining wall gives you more room and protects your property from washouts and damage. If your current wall is leaning, cracked, or failing, we’ll tear it out and build one that’s built right.
Why Homeowners Hire Razor Sharp
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- 4.9-star rating from local clients
- We use Keystone® segmental block wall systems
- Proper prep, drainage, and reinforcement on every job
- Custom designs for sloped yards, terraces, and outdoor spaces
Let’s build a wall that works and looks great. Contact Razor Sharp Lawn and Landscape today for a quote.
New Retaining Wall Construction
We build new segmental retaining walls using proven, engineered systems. Segmental block walls are strong, durable, and easy to maintain. They're also flexible in design, cost-effective, and ideal for residential landscapes.
We use Keystone® retaining wall systems for most of our projects. These are pre-engineered systems that don’t require full custom design plans unless the wall exceeds certain heights or loads. If your wall needs to be engineered, we’ll coordinate with a licensed engineer to ensure it meets local codes and safety standards.
Do You Need a Permit for a Retaining Wall?
In Jackson, Hall, and Gwinnett Counties, the rules are fairly consistent:
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- Walls under 3 feet typically don’t require a permit
- Walls 3 feet or higher generally do require a permit
- Walls over 6 feet often require both a permit and engineered plans
- Some neighborhoods may have HOA rules or property covenants
We’ll handle this for you. When we visit your property, we’ll assess the wall height, load (surcharge), and site conditions to determine if permitting or engineering is needed.
Why Drainage Is So Important
Poor drainage is the #1 reason retaining walls fail. We see it all the time—walls that lean, bulge, or collapse because they weren’t built to handle water.
When water builds up behind a wall, it creates hydrostatic pressure. Without proper drainage, this pressure pushes against the wall and eventually causes failure.
We build every wall with drainage in mind. Depending on your project, we may install:
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- Gravel backfill
- Perforated drain pipes (French drains or weep drains)
- Filter fabric
- Geo-grid for soil reinforcement
Our goal is to relieve water pressure and make sure your wall lasts for years.
What Is a Retaining Wall Surcharge?
A surcharge is any weight pressing down on or behind a wall besides the soil. This includes things like:
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- A driveway, RV pad, or parked vehicle
- A fence on top of the wall
- A tiered wall system
- Heavy landscaping or patios
Walls with surcharges need to be reinforced. We may use geo-grid layers that tie back into the slope to stabilize the wall and distribute the load.
Materials We Use
We work with materials that perform well in Georgia’s climate and terrain:
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- Segmental concrete block (Keystone®)
- Natural stone
- Large landscape boulders
Each has its own look, cost, and best use case. We’ll help you choose the right material for your property and budget.
Our Retaining Wall Construction Process
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- On-site consultation – We inspect your slope, soil, and drainage.
- Project scope – We determine height, length, access, and material needs.
- Permit review – If your wall requires engineering or permits, we handle it.
- Surcharge check – We assess any loads on or behind the wall.
- Material selection – You pick the style and finish you want.
- Written estimate – You get a clear, detailed quote with no surprises.
No two walls are the same. The slope, soil type, and access to your yard all impact the final design and price. We provide accurate pricing only after a site visit.
Retaining Wall Repair Or Replacement
We specialize in rebuilding retaining walls that have failed and/or collapsed.
Retaining Wall Repairs
It's pretty common for us to get called out to repair an existing retaining wall that has collapsed or failed in some way. This could be an old wood retaining wall that is rotting away or a block wall that is bulging or on the verge of collapse if it has not collapsed already.
Typically we don't recommend "repairing" retaining walls. The wall has failed for a reason and that reason is typically poor construction or a poor choice of materials. When a wall has failed we will usually recommend tearing the wall out and replacing it. This would include demolition of the old wall, re-excavating the area to allow for proper base materials, installation of proper drainage, and proper backfill. Building it right is the more cost effective option in most situations.
Rebuilding Failed Retaining Walls
If your existing retaining wall has failed and needs to be replaced it's usually more cost effective to demolish the old wall, remove the materials, re-excavate the site, install a proper base, geo-grid if necessary, install drainage, and build the retaining wall properly.
We specialize in rebuilding retaining walls that have failed and would be happy to provide you with a consultation if you have a wall that you believe needs to be replaced.
Questions About Retaining Walls?
Get your retaining wall questions answered here
A retaining wall is a specially designed structure that holds or "retains" soil behind it. Its primary purpose is to combat soil erosion, manage rainwater flow, and create usable space on sloped terrains. In certain landscapes, it can also serve an aesthetic function, adding character and architectural depth to a garden or yard.
Signs your retaining wall may need attention include noticeable tilting, separating blocks or stones, cracks running through the wall, eroded areas around the base, or water pooling behind the wall. If you spot any of these indicators, it's advisable to consult a professional to assess the extent of damage and recommend repair or replacement.
Proper drainage is crucial for the longevity of a retaining wall. Without it, water can accumulate behind the wall, causing hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can lead to wall bulging, cracks, or even a total collapse. Effective drainage systems, such as weep holes or French drains, help in diverting water away, ensuring the wall's stability and durability.
Absolutely! Modern retaining wall construction techniques allow for a great deal of flexibility in design. Whether you're looking for a curved wall that contours gracefully with your garden's layout or a tiered design that creates multiple levels of planting or seating areas, these customizations are entirely achievable.
Absolutely! Steps can be seamlessly integrated into the design of retaining walls, especially in cases where the wall is constructed on sloping terrains. They provide practical accessibility across levels and can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the landscape. The choice of material for the steps can either match or contrast with the wall for added visual interest.
Seat walls are essentially low walls designed for seating. When paired with retaining walls, they not only provide functional seating space but also create a cohesive look throughout the landscape. They are particularly useful in patios or garden areas, turning what could be a simple retaining structure into a multi-functional, social gathering spot.
Integrating lighting into a retaining wall can dramatically transform the nighttime appeal of your outdoor space. Lights can be installed within the wall itself, illuminating the ground below or highlighting the wall's texture. Popular options include LED strip lights, solar-powered fixtures, or even low-voltage landscape lights. Properly placed lighting can accentuate the wall's features, ensure safety, and create a warm, inviting ambiance.
Boulders can be used to construct natural-looking retaining walls, especially in landscapes aiming for a rugged or organic aesthetic. They offer strength and stability, given their size and weight. However, boulder walls often require skillful placement and might need additional considerations regarding drainage and foundation compared to walls made from blocks or bricks.
Seat walls can be accentuated with subtle lighting fixtures embedded within the wall structure or placed along the base. This not only highlights the architectural details of the seat wall but also provides a comfortable illumination level for evening gatherings. Uplighting techniques, where lights are angled upwards, can cast beautiful shadows and emphasize the wall's texture, making the seating area inviting at night.
The pictures speaks for itself. Matt and Kelly did a miracle on my yard. At first I was nervous and was asking a lotta Questions. Kelly said to me, “trust the process. Trust me, it’s not gonna be bad as it looks when we’re done.” They were very professional and detailed with the information about their project. And I gotta say. They did excellent💯 They put up a retaining wall with a French drain and also pushed my hill back a little further, giving me more yardage at the bottom. We have been getting so many compliments about how good our yard looks now. And I couldn’t agree more. I highly recommend this landscaping company. They know their work. And you won’t be disappointed. As you can see with my before and after pictures. Thanks to Matt and Kelly. I have a lotta yard. More than what I thought I actually had☺️and I’m so happy and excited. I have a lotta ideas that I wanna do to my backyard now.
"The landscaping team did an exceptional job on the retaining wall, it looks fantastic and is clearly built to last - very impressed with their attention to detail and professionalism throughout the entire project!". Razor Sharp demonstrates a strong commitment to customer satisfaction through efficient scheduling, detailed project work, and a focus on personalized landscape designs. I would highly recommend them on any project you have in mind. Our backyard went from having no space for our animals, to having a whole new yard for them to run and play in. The addition of sod and flowers gave our home a whole new look! Thank you Razor Sharp for the wonderful yard addition you have given us and our pets.
If you are like me, our weekends are swamped with youth sports and busy schedules. We typically do a lot of projects ourselves, but for a retaining wall and gravel rock around the back deck it would have taken us all summer to do ourselves. We are so glad we called Razor Sharp Lawn and Landscape, they knocked it out in 3 days and could not be happier with the results the team did. Their team is polite and accommodating to getting our backyard in order I can't thank them enough. They are way more creative than me and do the job right. Their pricing hit our budget perfectly and didn't try to oversell the job. They are honest, have all the right tools to complete large jobs quickly. If you are in the same boat as I was, I encourage you to check them out. You will not be disappointed!
Matt was always prompt on returning texts and always showed up when he said he would. Matt and Kelley worked hard everyday leveling our yard moving dirt cutting down trees and digging up stumps. They prepped everything, built a curved retaining wall, built a fence, put down sod, and put down gravel for a cornhole court. They turned our ugly backyard into a yard we can now truly enjoy. Great to work with. Thanks!
10/10. I had an erosion issue and wanted to make it pretty and functional. Needed a retaining wall and pavers. Being in Real Estate we see all kinds of work and craftsmanship. I work with contractors 24/7. Matt answered my call right away and came to estimate my project within 24 hours. He was knowledgeable and professional. The price was better than the 2 other quotes I received. He was prompt everyday during the project. No complaints from them even when I asked 100 questions. I will be using this company for all my lawn and landscape needs. Great job guys!!
These gentlemen did an amazing job and the quality of their work is commendable! We are so pleased with the retaining wall and the landscaping work they did and my husband and I highly recommend them.
Matt and his crew are simply the best! Do NOT use anyone else for your retaining wall needs! These are the guys to do it! They are timely, knowledgeable, quick to respond to my questions, and were completely honest with me and transparent about everything. They made sure they did the work right!
Working with Matt and his crew was a phenomenal experience for us. Matt is knowledgeable, kind, professional and very hard working. We had a retaining wall built and the area between this wall and our house was leveled and covered with multicolored river rock. We also had the edging around our trees in the backyard done-the result is more than amazing. We are grateful for a job very well done. We highly recommend Matt and his crew. Thank you!