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Walls, Pillars & Terraces

Boulders with a purpose.

Large fieldstone and limestone boulder walls placed with equipment, keyed into the slope and drained, for strong, natural-looking slope control.

  • Stone size: Typically 1 to 3 ft. boulders
  • Placement: Equipment-set and keyed
  • Backfill: Drainage stone and fabric
See what is underneathDig down through the layers
Boulder Retaining Walls in Nashville, TN by Nashville Hardscapes in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Big stone, big hold.
The overview

What it is, and why it matters.

Boulder walls are fast, rugged and naturally beautiful. Each stone is set with a machine, keyed against its neighbors and tilted back into the slope, with drainage stone and filter fabric behind. Done properly, a boulder wall can retain a surprising amount of soil with a natural look that suits wooded lots, driveways and ponds.

In Nashville's hills, boulder walls are often the right answer for steep cuts and long runs where block would be costly. We select stone to match the setting, plan access for equipment and explain how height, soil and drainage affect the design.

Why homeowners choose it

Four things done right.

Set by machine

Heavy stone placed precisely and safely.

Keyed and tilted

Each boulder locked to its neighbors.

Drainage behind

Stone and fabric keep soil in and water out.

Natural look

Blends with trees, drives and gardens.

How it goes

From first visit to boulder retaining walls.

  1. 01

    Plan the wall

    Measure the slope and plan stone size and access.

  2. 02

    Prepare the footing

    Excavate a stable base.

  3. 03

    Set the boulders

    Place and key each stone, backfilling as we go.

  4. 04

    Finish the face

    Fill gaps, plant and restore the grade.

Where we do it

Boulder Retaining Walls across Middle Tennessee.

We do this work in 28 cities, from downtown Nashville to Franklin, Murfreesboro and beyond.

Good questions

Boulder Retaining Walls: common questions

Are boulder walls good for steep slopes?

Often yes, for moderate heights. Taller walls or walls with heavy loads above may need engineering, and we say so up front.

Can plants grow in a boulder wall?

Yes. Gaps can be planted with groundcovers and grasses that soften the wall and help hold the soil.

How do I get a price for boulder retaining walls?

Fill in the form or call 615-431-3789. We schedule a free visit, measure and review your ideas and send a written proposal that lists exactly what is included.

Ready to talk about boulder retaining walls?

A free visit and a written proposal. A real person calls back, usually the same day.

Free estimate

Let's build from the ground up.

Tell us what you are picturing. A real person reads every message and calls back, usually the same day, with straight answers and a written proposal.

  • A friendly visit at your property, with a look at the slope, soil and drainage
  • Honest advice on materials, the base underneath and what will really last
  • A written proposal, with your Project Planner numbers built in
Prefer to talk? Call or text615-431-3789

Your free estimate

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