Custom Retaining Walls for Homes and Commercial Properties Across Washtenaw County
Retaining Wall Installation Ann Arbor MI
A retaining wall might not be the flashiest upgrade, but it solves real problems — like fixing a sloped yard, improving drainage, or stopping erosion before it damages your home or building. And when it’s built right, it can completely change the way your property looks and functions.
That’s where we come in. Dexter Block designs and builds retaining walls that are made to last, with clean lines, solid drainage, and materials that actually hold up in Michigan weather. With years of hands-on experience across Washtenaw County, we understand what local soil and freeze-thaw conditions can do to poorly built walls — and how to prevent it.
We handle retaining wall installation in Ann Arbor, MI for both homeowners and commercial clients — no cookie-cutter jobs, no guesswork, and no mess left behind. Whether you’re upgrading your backyard or managing a multi-unit building, we’ll make sure the finished result looks great and lasts for years.
Have a timeline in mind? Let’s talk now and lock in your spot on the schedule.
For Homeowners: Make Your Backyard Functional and Beautiful
If you’ve been thinking about fixing that sloped yard, adding some structure to your landscaping, or just creating a space that feels finished — a retaining wall can completely change how your backyard looks and works.
Whether you want to host summer barbecues, plan your kid’s graduation party, or just enjoy a quiet night outside with a little mood lighting, we can help make it happen. We build custom retaining walls in Ann Arbor MI that don’t just hold back soil — they support real-life plans.
Our team works with homeowners throughout the area to design retaining walls that match their space, style, and budget. And since we live here too, we build for real Michigan weather — meaning proper drainage, solid foundations, and materials that don’t crack or crumble the first time the ground freezes.
What We Offer
- Custom Stone or Brick Walls – You pick the material, we handle the engineering, layout, and build
- Integrated Lighting Options – Add ambiance and extend the use of your space into the evening
- Drainage-First Design – Built to handle runoff, prevent pooling, and protect your yard from frost damage
- Craftsmanship You Can Trust – We take our time to do it right, so you don’t have to worry about it later
From start to finish, you’ll work with a team that keeps you in the loop, shows up when they say they will, and takes pride in leaving your yard better than we found it.
For Property Managers: Durable, Code-Compliant, and Hassle-Free
When you're managing dozens of tenants and juggling maintenance requests, the last thing you need is a contractor who creates more problems than they solve. Whether you’re dealing with a crumbling wall, drainage issues, or just trying to stay ahead of seasonal wear, our retaining walls help protect your property and keep it looking sharp - without disrupting your tenants or throwing off your schedule.
We’ve worked with property managers, HOAs, and building owners across the area, handling everything from retaining wall repairs to full-scale retaining wall construction in Washtenaw County. Our team understands the local codes, permitting requirements, and how to coordinate around retail hours, tenants, and tight deadlines.
You don’t have to babysit the project - we show up, stay on track, and keep you in the loop from start to finish.
Built Around Your Workflow
We know commercial projects require more than just solid work - they demand clear communication and planning. From coordinating start dates to minimizing tenant impact, we tailor our approach to fit your property’s needs. We’re flexible with scheduling, experienced with commercial permitting, and always provide paperwork that’s easy to pass along to your accounting team.
If you’ve dealt with contractors who don’t return calls or leave a mess behind, we’re here to make this different - one less thing for you to follow up on.
How It Works: Our 5-Step Process
We know hiring a contractor can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve dealt with delays, vague quotes, or poor communication in the past. That’s why we keep things straightforward, with a process that’s easy to follow and built around your schedule.
Here’s how we handle retaining wall projects from start to finish:
On-Site Consultation
We’ll come to your home or commercial property, walk the space with you, and talk through what you want to achieve — whether that’s solving a drainage issue, leveling a yard, or upgrading a tired-looking outdoor area.
Detailed, Itemized Estimate
After we understand your goals, we’ll send over a full breakdown of labor, materials, and project scope. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why — no vague costs or surprise fees halfway through the job.
Material Selection & Scheduling
We’ll help you choose the right style and finish — from modern block to classic stone or brick — then schedule your build based on availability and weather. Most projects are booked within a few weeks, depending on the season.
Professional Installation
Our crew of Ann Arbor retaining wall builders shows up when we say we will. We work clean, stay organized, and follow the plan — while keeping your space safe and your neighbors or tenants minimally impacted.
Final Walkthrough
Once the work is done, we’ll walk the finished wall with you to make sure every detail looks right. We’ll answer any questions, share tips for upkeep, and leave your property clean and ready to enjoy.
Whether it's a small backyard wall or a large commercial structure, we make the entire experience easy, efficient, and built to last.
How Long Does It Take?
Whether you're getting ready for a backyard party or managing work around tenant schedules, we understand how important timing is. Most people want to know: how long will this actually take? The good news? We keep things moving without cutting corners - and we’ll always give you a realistic timeline upfront.
Residential Projects
For most single-family homes, small-to-medium retaining walls take 3 to 6 days from ground break to final cleanup. That includes excavation, building the wall, compacting the base, drainage work, and finishing touches. If you're planning around a graduation party or summer BBQ, we’ll help you schedule accordingly.
Commercial Projects
Larger walls or those that require extra coordination - like retail entryways, apartment complexes, or shared spaces - typically take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on size and access. We also offer flexible scheduling to minimize disruption to foot traffic or tenants.
What Impacts the Schedule?
A few things can affect how long your project takes:
- Size and height of the wall
- Type of material selected (block, stone, brick)
- Site conditions and grading requirements
- Weather (especially in early spring or late fall)
- Material delivery or special-order items
We’ll walk through all of this during your consultation and give you a clear, realistic start and finish date — no guessing, no vague timelines.
What to Expect After Installation
We don’t just build walls that look good on day one — we build for the long haul. Once your retaining wall is installed, you can expect it to stay strong, stable, and low-maintenance for years to come. We use proper grading, solid backfill, and drainage systems that help your wall hold up through Michigan winters without cracking, shifting, or leaning.
That’s the difference when you work with a professional retaining wall company in Ann Arbor — we build it right the first time, so you don’t have to deal with repairs down the road.
Here’s what you can count on:
- Frost Resistance – Built with proper drainage and compacted base layers to prevent heaving or damage during freeze-thaw cycles
- Low Maintenance – Occasional rinsing and light weeding is usually all it takes to keep it looking clean
- Long-Term Durability – Most of our walls last 15 to 30+ years, depending on materials, layout, and site conditions
Before we leave, we’ll go over everything with you — including basic care tips and optional upgrades like lighting, capstones, or planting-friendly terraces.
Want to add lighting or tiered planters to your wall later? No problem. We can design with future upgrades in mind or build it all into the original plan.
Get Your Free Quote Today!
Looking for Reliable Concrete & Masonry Services? Contact Us for a Free Estimate!
Other Services We Offer
While retaining walls are one of our most requested services, Dexter Block is a full-service masonry and concrete contractor trusted throughout Ann Arbor, Dexter, and surrounding areas. We handle a wide range of exterior hardscape and structural work for both residential and commercial clients.
Whether you're refreshing your home's curb appeal or maintaining an investment property, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s What We Can Help With:
Stamped Concrete
Decorative finishes for patios, walkways, and pool decks that bring personality to your outdoor space
Concrete Driveway Replacement
Remove and replace aging or cracked driveways with durable, great-looking concrete
Masonry Contractor Services
Full-service brick, block, stonework, tuckpointing, and exterior repairs
Hardscape Installation
Built-in steps, seating walls, fire pits, and other functional outdoor upgrades
Block Basement Wall Repair
Structural repairs for cracked, bowed, or leaning basement walls
Paver Patio Installation
Beautiful, low-maintenance patio solutions customized to your style and space
If it involves brick, block, or concrete — chances are, we do it.
Built for Michigan - Backed by Local Trust
Michigan weather is no joke - between heavy snow, spring thaws, and shifting soil, your retaining wall needs to be more than just decorative. That’s why everything we build is designed to stand up to freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, and the unique challenges of our local terrain.
Based right here in Washtenaw County, Dexter Block has been serving homeowners, business owners, and property managers across the Ann Arbor area for over 20 years. We’re not some out-of-town crew chasing jobs. We're your neighbors — and we’ve built our name on doing things the right way.
Why Dexter Block?
- Fully Licensed & Insured – So you’re protected every step of the way
- 20+ Years of Local Experience – We know the soil, codes, and climate
- 5-Star Reviews on Google – Trusted by homeowners and professionals alike
- Local Crews, Local Materials – No outsourcing or imported shortcuts
- Transparent Estimates – No upsells, no surprises
- Work Backed by Warranty – We stand behind every project
- References Available - Just ask - we’ve probably worked near you
We’ve earned our reputation one wall at a time, and we’d be proud to earn your trust next.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a retaining wall cost in Ann Arbor?
Cost depends on the size, material (stone, block, or brick), site access, and any drainage or grading work needed. Most residential projects range from a few thousand dollars for smaller walls to $10K+ for more complex builds. We provide detailed, itemized estimates so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for — no surprises.
2. Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
In many cases, yes — especially if the wall is over 4 feet tall or affects water runoff. As a professional retaining wall company in Ann Arbor, we handle permitting and inspections for you, so everything stays compliant and stress-free.
3. What’s the best material for Michigan weather?
Concrete block and natural stone are both excellent choices. They’re strong, durable, and resistant to freeze-thaw damage when installed correctly. We’ll help you choose the best option for your style, budget, and long-term durability.
4. Can you work around tenants or business hours?
Absolutely. For commercial properties, we offer flexible scheduling — including early mornings, evenings, or weekend work — to keep disruptions to a minimum. Many of our retaining wall contractor Ann Arbor projects involve multi-unit or retail spaces, so we’re used to working around foot traffic and access needs.
5. How long will my retaining wall last?
A properly built wall can last 15 to 30+ years, depending on materials and site conditions. We build every wall with long-term performance in mind — including proper drainage, base prep, and backfill — so you get the most out of your investment.
Schedule Your On-Site Estimate Today
Ready to take the next step? Whether you know exactly what you want or just need a little guidance, we’re happy to meet you on-site, walk through the details, and give you a clear, no-pressure estimate.
We’ll look at your space, talk through your goals, and help you figure out what makes the most sense — no upselling, no runaround.