Retaining Wall Construction in North Idaho & Northeast Washington

Retaining walls do more than hold soil in place — they create usable space, prevent erosion, support driveways and buildings, and add structure and beauty to your property. TrackWest designs and builds retaining walls that fit the terrain of North Idaho and Northeast Washington, where steep slopes, clay pockets, groundwater, and seasonal moisture can cause major pressure on a poorly built wall. We build walls that not only look clean and finished, but also stay strong for decades.

Whether you’re expanding a yard, leveling a slope, preparing for a future building, protecting a foundation, or simply creating better outdoor flow, we make sure your wall is built the right way from the ground up.

About Our Retaining Wall Construction

A retaining wall is only as strong as the foundation beneath it. That’s why we approach every project with a full understanding of how water, soil movement, and weight pressure work together — especially in our local terrain. Many walls fail because they’re built without proper base depth, compaction, drainage, or reinforcement. TrackWest builds every wall with long-term performance in mind, prioritizing the steps that matter most: proper excavation, a stable foundation, correct drainage, and precise block placement.

We work with homeowners and property owners who want a wall that just works — no bowing, leaning, bulging, or washing out a few seasons later. Our team explains each step in plain language, and we make sure you understand why certain materials or methods are recommended. Whether your wall is two feet tall or a multi-tiered structure supporting a hillside, we build it to last.

We also help you think beyond just “holding dirt back.” A well-planned retaining wall can open up new lawn areas, create flat spaces for patios or gardens, improve access to your yard, redirect water, or improve the overall look of your property. If drainage or grading issues are already causing problems, we take them into account and build a solution that addresses the root cause — not just the symptom.

What’s Included in the Service

Every retaining wall we build includes:

• On-site evaluation to understand slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and the purpose of the wall
• Clear project planning, including height, length, materials, and layout
• Accurate excavation for proper depth, width, and slope
• Compacted base material to create a stable foundation
• Leveling and alignment to ensure each row of the wall is structurally sound
• Drainage stone and fabric to prevent water pressure from pushing against the wall
• Drain pipe installation when needed for long-term water control
• Reinforcement methods for taller walls (such as grid layers)
• Backfilling and compaction to stabilize the structure
• Finished, clean appearance with proper caps, edges, and transitions
• Site cleanup and haul-out of debris

If your project requires additional work such as grading, removing old structures, adding steps, or preparing for landscaping, we can include that in your proposal as well.

How the Process Works

We make the process straightforward and easy to understand from start to finish.

1. On-site Consultation

We visit your property, look at the slope, check how water moves through the area, and discuss what you want the wall to accomplish. We’ll also recommend materials and layout options.

2. Transparent Proposal

You’ll receive a clear, itemized estimate outlining the expected cost, timeline, materials, and scope of work. No surprises and no confusing language.

3. Planning & Layout

Once approved, we mark out the wall’s shape, height, and location. This step is critical for visualizing how the final structure will look and function.

4. Excavation & Base Preparation

We dig down to the proper depth, create a trench for the foundation, and install compacted base material. This step sets the entire wall up for long-term success.

5. Building the Wall

We set the first course (row) perfectly level, then build upward with the chosen materials — block, boulders, or timber. Each layer is checked for alignment, drainage, and structure.

6. Drainage & Backfill

Drainage stone, fabric, and pipe (if needed) are installed behind the wall to manage water flow. We then backfill and compact the soil to keep everything stable.

7. Final Grading & Cleanup

We finish the area around the wall so the ground drains properly and looks clean. Any leftover materials or debris are removed.

8. Final Walkthrough

We show you the completed wall, review important maintenance tips (very minimal), and make sure you’re happy with the results.

Materials & Options

We build retaining walls using materials that fit both the function of the wall and the style of your property. Each option comes with its own benefits:

Block Walls

These walls offer a clean, modern, uniform look. They’re strong, durable, and ideal for taller walls or multi-tiered systems. Many colors and styles are available.

Boulder Walls

Natural stone creates a rugged, Northwest look and blends beautifully with forested or rural properties. Boulder walls allow water to pass through naturally and are excellent for medium to large slopes.

Timber Walls

Pressure-treated timber can provide a warm, rustic appearance and works well for smaller walls or landscape accents. They are an affordable option and blend in well with wooded settings.

We’ll help you choose the best material based on your budget, the height of the wall, the purpose it serves, and the overall look of your property.

When to Choose This Service

You may need a retaining wall if you are experiencing:

• Sloping that makes your yard unusable
• Erosion or soil washing downhill
• Water pooling or drainage issues
• A steep grade that needs to be leveled
• A driveway or building pad that needs support
• A previous wall that’s leaning, bowing, or failing
• Plans to expand outdoor living space or create tiered landscaping

Many property owners don't realize how much usable space they can gain simply by reshaping and supporting the land. We help you visualize those possibilities.

Why People Choose TrackWest

• We understand Northwest terrain. Our region has clay pockets, rocky areas, steep slopes, and high water movement — we build accordingly.
• We communicate clearly. No confusing jargon. You always know what’s happening and why.
• We handle the hard parts. Excavation, drainage, compaction, grading — we take care of it all.
• We build for longevity. No shortcuts, no cheap materials, no rushed prep work.
• We respect your property. Clean worksite, minimal disruption, professional team.
• We stand behind our work. If we build it, it’s built to last.

FAQs

How long does a retaining wall take to build?
Most small to medium walls take a few days to a week. Larger or multi-tiered walls can take longer depending on size and terrain.

Do you remove old failing walls?
Yes. We can remove, haul away, and replace old timber, block, or stone walls.

How tall can my wall be?
It depends on soil conditions and materials. We’ll evaluate your site and recommend the best layout. Very tall walls may require reinforcement layers.

Will I need permits?
Some walls do, some don’t. It depends on size, height, and location. We’ll guide you through what’s required.

What maintenance is needed?
Very little. A properly built wall should stay stable for decades with minimal upkeep.

What affects the cost?
Material type, height, length, excavation needs, and drainage requirements all play a role. We provide clear, upfront pricing.

Ready to Build a Long-Lasting Retaining Wall?

If you’re ready to stabilize a slope, prevent erosion, or create more usable space on your property, our team is here to help. TrackWest builds retaining walls that look great, function properly, and stay strong for years to come.

Contact us today to schedule an on-site estimate.