Boulder Retaining Walls in Chattanooga
Large boulders set with heavy equipment for a rugged, natural hillside wall. Free on-site estimates from local, licensed contractors across Chattanooga and North Georgia.
- Free on-site estimate
- Licensed & insured
- No obligation
About boulder retaining walls
Boulder walls use large stones, often 1 to 4 feet across, set with an excavator. Their sheer weight holds the slope, and the gaps between stones let water drain freely.
They are a natural fit for steep driveways, wooded lots and hillside properties where a rugged look blends in better than block. Because the stones are so large, boulder walls go up fast once the equipment is on site.
Good fit for
- Steep banks along driveways and road cuts
- Wooded, mountain and rural properties
- Erosion control on large slopes
- Sites with room for an excavator to work
The process
What the work usually includes
Equipment access check
The contractor confirms an excavator can reach the wall line safely.
Base and first row
The largest boulders are set into a dug-out, compacted base to anchor the wall.
Stacking and fitting
Each boulder is set back into the slope and fitted so it bears on the stones below.
Backfill and drainage
Gravel fills the voids behind the wall, and fabric keeps soil from washing through.
How high can a boulder wall go?
Boulder walls are often built 3 to 6 feet high on homes. Taller walls may need engineering, and the rules vary by jurisdiction.
Do boulder walls need drainage?
They drain better than solid walls, but gravel backfill and filter fabric still help keep soil from washing out through the gaps.
Related services
All services
Natural Stone Retaining Walls Dry-stacked or mortared stone walls with a timeless, natural look. Learn more → 
Hillside Terracing & Erosion Control Turn a steep slope into usable, level terraces and stop erosion for good. Learn more → 
Retaining Wall Installation New walls that hold back slopes, level out yards and stop soil from washing away. Learn more → Boulder Retaining Walls is available across the Chattanooga area, including: