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Retaining wall replacement in Shoreline, WA

Bygreenleaf

Is your old timber retaining wall starting to lean, rot, or collapse? You’re not alone. Across Shoreline and the Seattle area, many older wood walls are failing due to age, constant moisture, clay soils, and poor drainage.

At Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction, we replace failing wood retaining walls with modern segmental block systems. We use premium hardscaping materials that are engineered for strength, drainage, and long service life. If you need to stabilize a slope, frame a driveway, or reshape a yard, we’ll build a wall that looks good and lasts.

Why wood retaining walls fail in Western Washington

Wood was common because it was affordable and quick to install. Our climate is tough on it. Over time, walls move and break down. Typical causes include:

  • Rain and wet soils that lead to rot
  • Freeze and thaw cycles that loosen posts and connections
  • Soil pressure that bows or tilts the wall
  • Poor or missing drainage that traps water behind the wall
  • Insects and fungus that weaken lumber over time

Even pressure-treated timber has a limited lifespan. Once a wall starts to shift, replacement is usually the safest choice.

The benefits of segmental block retaining walls

Modern segmental retaining walls are a big upgrade over wood. Installed on a proper base with clean backfill and drainage, they deliver:

  • Long-term strength and stability
  • Low maintenance with no sealing or staining needed
  • A wide range of colors and textures to match your home
  • Built-in drainage design that relieves pressure and prevents erosion
  • Strong curb appeal and added property value

These systems handle our local soils and wet winters when they are built to spec.

Our retaining wall replacement process

We match the build to your site, wall height, soil, and drainage. From demolition to final cap, we follow proven standards so your wall performs as intended.

For retaining walls under 4 feet

  • Careful removal and disposal of the old wood wall
  • Excavation and a compacted, level gravel base
  • Block installation with a consistent batter and tight alignment
  • Free-draining stone backfill with filter fabric where needed
  • Perforated drain pipe with a reliable outlet to daylight
  • Topsoil, cap installation, and finish grading

For retaining walls over 4 feet, or walls near driveways and structures

  • Review of local permitting and code requirements
  • Utility locates and a site safety plan
  • Geogrid reinforcement at designed intervals
  • Clean drainage zone with washed stone and pipe to daylight
  • Construction to manufacturer specifications and current SRW best practices

Most local jurisdictions require permits for walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing, or for any wall that supports a surcharge like a driveway or slope. We help you navigate city and county requirements in Shoreline, Seattle, and nearby cities.

Built for the Seattle area

Western Washington has heavy clay, glacial till, steep lots, and long wet seasons. We plan for that. Your wall will get a solid base, proper compaction, clean drainage stone, fabric separation where it helps, and a reliable outlet so water pressure does not build behind the wall.

Service area

We serve Shoreline and the greater Seattle region.

Cities we serve

  • Shoreline
  • Bellevue
  • Bothell
  • Edmonds
  • Issaquah
  • Kenmore
  • Kirkland
  • Lake Forest Park
  • Lynnwood
  • Medina
  • Mercer Island
  • Mill Creek
  • Monroe
  • Mukilteo
  • Newcastle
  • Sammamish
  • Seattle
  • Woodinville
  • Woodway
  • Yarrow Point
  • Hunts Point

Seattle neighborhoods

  • Alki
  • Ballard
  • Beacon Hill
  • Broadmoor
  • Broadview
  • Crown Hill
  • Edgewater Park
  • Fremont
  • Genesee
  • Greenwood
  • Killarney Circle
  • Laurelhurst
  • Lawton Park
  • Loyal Hill
  • Madison Park
  • Magnolia
  • Madrona
  • Matthews Beach
  • Montlake
  • Newport Shores
  • New Holly
  • North Admiral
  • North Beach Blue Ridge
  • North Beacon Hill
  • Queen Anne
  • Richmond Beach
  • Sand Point
  • Seward Park
  • South Seattle
  • Sunset Hill
  • Washington Park
  • West Seattle
  • Windermere

Unincorporated communities and smaller areas

  • Alderwood
  • Brierterrace
  • Bryn Mawr
  • Cathcart
  • Clearview
  • Cottage Lake
  • Darlington
  • Finn Hill
  • Manitou
  • Martha Lake
  • Picnic Point
  • Silver Firs
  • South Everett

Schedule a free retaining wall assessment

A failing wall can affect safety, drainage, and property value. Let’s take a look, answer your questions, and give you a clear plan and price. Contact Greenleaf Landscaping & Construction to schedule your free on-site assessment and quote.

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