Before & After: Retaining Wall Transformation

Retaining Wall Transformation for a Sloped Pittsburgh Backyard

Location: McMurray, PA
Landscape Designer: Jason Avery

Timeline

Planning Phase: Fall-Winter of 2023
Installation: May 2024

Goals & Requests

The homeowner came to us with a failing railroad-tie retaining wall that had become unsafe and structurally unreliable. The steep slope limited how the backyard could be used and raised concerns about safety, especially for a family with children.

The goal was to reclaim the hillside and create a safer, more functional backyard—while investing in a long-term solution built to last through Western Pennsylvania weather.

Scope & Solutions

We began by removing the old wooden retaining wall and cutting back the hillside to dramatically expand the usable yard space. To support the new grade, we installed a 130-foot Versa-Lok retaining wall in Desert Blend, reaching 10 feet at its tallest point.

Behind the wall, we incorporated geo-grid reinforcement and a perforated drainage system to ensure proper water management and long-term stability—key considerations for Pittsburgh’s soil conditions, heavy rains, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Project Scope Included

• 130’ long x 10’ high Versa-Lok retaining wall
• Desert Blend blocks with warm, natural tones
• Geo-grid reinforcement and integrated drainage system
• Significant hillside excavation to create a larger, usable backyard 

Interesting Fact

Midway through the project, our crews were hit with several days of heavy rain that turned the job site into a mud pit. The saturated ground made access difficult, and at one point, a machine became stuck and required repair. Despite the conditions, our crew remained committed and resourceful—stabilizing the site, adjusting the workflow, and pushing forward once the weather cleared. Their teamwork and determination kept the project on track and ensured the final build met our high standards.

The Result

What was once a steep, unsafe slope is now a safer, more functional backyard with room to relax, play, and gather. This retaining wall not only transformed how the homeowners use their outdoor space—it also provides peace of mind knowing the structure was built for strength, longevity, and local conditions.

the before

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the after

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Customer Feedback:

“Your crew are some of the hardest workers we have ever seen. We were so impressed by their workmanship! My kids were glued to the windows in amazement and we appreciate them waving back to them all the time even while being in the middle of very hard work. Communication was always prompt and they were helpful and responsive to our questions during the process. You have a wonderful team!”