Custom Boulder Retaining Wall Design & Installation

 

Licensed & Insured | Built to Last

At McDowell Landscapes, we specialize in designing and building custom boulder retaining walls throughout the Twin Cities. Boulder walls add both function and natural beauty to your landscape and are custom-built to match your property, your style, and your goals.

 

Whether you need to stabilize a slope, create usable yard space, or add a standout landscape feature, a properly built boulder wall is a long-lasting and attractive solution.

 

Traditional boulder retaining walls are the most popular option and what most homeowners picture when they think of a retaining wall.

 

These walls are typically:

    •    Straight or gently curved

    •    Built as single walls or multi-tiered systems

    •    Designed to maximize usable yard space

 

They are perfect for:

    •    Turning sloped yards into flat, usable areas

    •    Creating terraces for planting beds

    •    Adding stairs or access paths

    •    Improving both function and appearance

 

Multi-tiered designs also add depth and visual interest while providing space for flowers, shrubs, and trees.

 

Naturalistic boulder walls offer a softer, more organic look and blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

 

Instead of looking like a traditional “wall,” these designs:

    •    Create natural transitions between elevations

    •    Blend into hillsides and slopes

    •    Allow plantings to grow in and around the boulders

 

They pair beautifully with:

    •    Walkways and large stepping stones

    •    Dry creek beds

    •    Rock gardens

    •    Landscape stairs

 

The result is a functional, natural-looking landscape that feels like it’s always been there.

Licensed & insured

Experienced, professional installation

Proper drainage and base prep on every wall

Natural and engineered designs available

Built to last — not just to look good

 

 

McDowell Landscapes uses professional, heavy equipment to safely and efficiently build large boulder retaining walls the right way.

 

We utilize:

    •    Large track skid steers for moving and positioning boulders on site

    •   Large excavators equipped with grapples or thumbs for precise placement and setting

 

To the untrained eye, placing boulders may look simple — but these stones are extremely heavy and require proper equipment and experience to place safely and correctly.

 

For example:

    •    A 2-foot diameter limestone boulder weighs roughly 650 lbs

    •    A 3-foot diameter boulder weighs around 2,200 lbs

    •    A 4-foot diameter boulder can weigh 3,500+ lbs

 

Using the proper equipment allows us to:

 •  Set boulders precisely

 •  Build tighter, more stable walls

 •  Work safely and efficiently

 •   Create a stronger, longer-lasting finished wall

 

The right equipment and experience make all the difference between a wall that lasts and one that moves.

 

 

 

Built for Strength, Drainage, and Long-Term Stability

At McDowell Landscapes, we don’t just focus on how your wall looks — we focus on how it’s built.

A boulder retaining wall must handle:

    •    Thousands of pounds of weigh

    •    Soil pressure

    •    Water pressure

    •    Freeze/thaw cycles

That’s why every wall we build includes:

 •  Proper base preparation and compaction

 •  Correct grading behind the wall

 •  Filter fabric to prevent soil migration

 •  Careful machine placement and fitting of boulders

Most wall failures happen because of poor base prep and bad drainage — not because of the boulders themselves.

We build walls to stay put for decades, not just to look good when they’re new.

 

 

 

Common Questions We Get

How long does a boulder retaining wall last?

A properly built boulder retaining wall can last several decades or longer. The lifespan depends almost entirely on proper base preparation and drainage, not just the size of the stones.

Do boulder retaining walls require engineering?

In most cases, walls over 4 feet tall require engineered plans. Some municipalities may require engineering at lower heights depending on conditions. We handle this process and build to all required specifications.

How much does a boulder retaining wall cost?

Cost depends on:

    •    Wall height and length

 •    Boulder size

    •    Site access

    •    Excavation and base prep required

    •    Engineering requirements

That’s why we offer free on-site estimates instead of ballpark pricing.

Are boulder walls better than block retaining walls?

Not always — it depends on your yard and your goals.

    •    Boulder walls look more natural and handle large, tall walls very well.

    •    Block walls offer a cleaner, more structured look and work great in tight spaces.

We build both and can help you choose the right option.

Can a boulder wall fix my drainage problem?

Often, yes — but it depends on the situation. Many boulder wall projects include grading and drainage improvements to fix water issues at the same time.

How tall can a boulder retaining wall be?

Boulder walls can be built very tall when properly designed and engineered. Taller walls usually require:

    •    Larger boulders

    •    Wider bases

    •    Engineering

    •    Tiered designs

Do boulder walls shift or move over time?

A properly built wall should not. Most wall movement happens because of:

    •    Poor base prep

    •    Poor compaction

    •    Incorrect construction methods

We build to prevent these issues.

How long does it take to build a boulder retaining wall?

Most projects take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on:

    •    Size

    •    Site conditions

    •    Weather

    •    Access

We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your estimate.

Can you build the wall in phases or tiers?

Yes. Tiered walls are very common and:

    •    Reduce pressure on lower walls

    •    Look great

    •    Often cost less than one very tall wall

Will the wall damage my yard during construction?

Some disruption is unavoidable due to heavy equipment, but we:

    •    Minimize impact

    •    Protect surrounding areas when possible

    •    Grade and clean up when the project is complete

Can you match the wall to my existing landscape?

Absolutely. We select:

    •    Boulder type

    •    Size

    •    Shape

    •    Layout

to match your home and landscape style.

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Yes. If permits or inspections are required, we handle the entire process.

Can plants be added into or around the wall?

Yes. Many walls are designed with:

    •    Planting pockets

    •    Tiered beds

    •    Integrated landscape areas

Why shouldn’t I just have someone stack rocks?

Because:

    •    Boulders weigh thousands of pounds

    •    Poor construction = wall failure

    •    Wall failure = expensive repairs or damage

This is a structural feature, not decoration.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. McDowell Landscapes is fully licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Stillwater and the surrounding Twin Cities area

Contact us today for a free estimate.