Middlesex County · Licensed · Insured · Family-Owned
Retaining Walls in Somerville, MA
Looking for retaining walls in Somerville, MA? Ultimate Boston Masonry is a licensed, insured, family-owned masonry contractor serving Somerville and the rest of Middlesex County from our Boston base. Somerville chimneys and front stoops take a beating from tight lots, road salt, and decades of deferred repointing.
Housing in Somerville includes tight lots with shared driveways and close neighbors, and road salt and plow damage every winter is what wears this masonry down. That is why our retaining walls work starts with understanding what your building is made of — brick type, stone, mortar hardness, and drainage — before we price anything. A retaining wall fails from water, not weight. We build with proper base depth, geogrid reinforcement where needed, and drainage behind the wall so it stays plumb through New England winters.
Response time in Somerville: Estimates within 24 hours · Typical range $55 – $145 per face foot

Free retaining walls quote in Somerville
Tell us about the project and we'll come out to price it — no charge, no pressure.
Scope
What our retaining walls in Somerville includes
- Excavation and compacted crushed-stone base
- Natural stone, granite, or segmental block options
- Perforated drain line and clean-stone backfill
- Geogrid reinforcement on taller walls
- Caps, steps, and integrated seating
- Grading and cleanup at completion
Process
How retaining walls works in Somerville
1. Site and drainage review
We check grade, soil, and where water travels before choosing a wall type.
2. Design and material selection
You see stone samples and a layout with heights, curves, and cap details.
3. Base and build
Excavation, compacted base, then course-by-course build with drainage installed as we go.
4. Finish and backfill
Caps set, backfill graded, site restored, and wall drainage daylighted properly.
Local FAQ
Retaining Walls in Somerville: questions answered
How much does retaining walls cost in Somerville, MA?
Most retaining walls projects in Somerville fall between $55 – $145 per face foot. Block walls are the value option. Dry-laid and mortared natural stone, tall walls, and difficult access sit higher. We give a free written, fixed-price estimate after an on-site look.
How quickly can you start retaining walls in Somerville?
Estimates within 24 hours in Somerville. Most projects are scheduled within one to three weeks, and safety hazards are prioritized.
Do I need a permit for retaining walls in Somerville?
Minor repairs usually don't need a permit, but rebuilds, new structures, and tall retaining walls often do under the Massachusetts building code. We check with the Somerville building department and pull permits when required.
Which areas near Somerville do you also serve?
Besides Davis Square, Union Square, Ball Square, we regularly work in nearby Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and every community within 45 miles of Boston.
Are you licensed and insured to work in Somerville?
Yes. Ultimate Boston Masonry is licensed, fully insured, and family-owned with 5 years of experience on Greater Boston brick and stone.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Most Massachusetts towns require a permit above four feet, and many require engineered drawings. We tell you the local rule and handle the filing.
Why is my existing wall leaning?
Almost always a missing drain line or an undersized base. Hydrostatic pressure behind the wall pushes it out over a few freeze cycles.
Retaining Walls near Somerville
Also available in these Somerville neighborhoods and nearby towns.
- Retaining Walls in Davis Square
- Retaining Walls in Union Square
- Retaining Walls in Ball Square
- Retaining Walls in Boston
- Retaining Walls in Cambridge
- Retaining Walls in Brookline
- Retaining Walls in Newton
- Retaining Walls in Quincy
- Retaining Walls in Malden
- Retaining Walls in Medford
- Retaining Walls in Everett
Other masonry services in Somerville
- Chimney Repair & Rebuilds in Somerville
- Brick & Stone Repointing in Somerville
- Patios & Walkways in Somerville
- Stone Steps & Stoops in Somerville
- Foundation & Basement Masonry in Somerville
- Stone Veneer & Facades in Somerville
- Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits in Somerville
- Brick Repair & Replacement in Somerville
- Historic Masonry Restoration in Somerville
- Stucco & Foundation Parging in Somerville
- Masonry Waterproofing & Sealing in Somerville
- Brick Walls, Pillars & Columns in Somerville
- Indoor Fireplace & Firebox Repair in Somerville
- Paver & Cobblestone Driveways in Somerville
- Emergency Masonry Repair in Somerville
Learn more about our retaining walls service or see all masonry services in Somerville.
Homeowner guides
Read before booking retaining walls
8 min read
Choosing the Best Patio Material for New England Winters
Bluestone, granite, brick, or concrete pavers? How each handles freeze-thaw, salt and shoveling around Boston, with costs.
Read the guide →7 min read
Why Retaining Walls Fail: A Drainage Guide
Water, not soil weight, is what topples retaining walls. Here is how proper base, drain line and backfill detailing prevents it.
Read the guide →8 min read
Spotting Water Damage in an Older Foundation
How to read cracks, dampness and efflorescence in fieldstone and brick foundations, and which problems need a mason now.
Read the guide →