Stone & Retaining Wall Contractor in MetroWest MA

A wall is only as good as what’s behind it. In Massachusetts, where freeze-thaw cycles exert thousands of pounds of pressure and clay soil holds water like a sponge, a wall without proper drainage will fail — usually within 5–10 years. We’ve seen it too many times.

At Eddy’s Construction & Masonry, every wall we build starts with a compacted gravel base, perforated drain pipe, and clean backfill. Whether it’s a traditional New England fieldstone wall, a structural retaining wall holding back a slope, or a decorative sitting wall around a patio — the engineering is the same. The result is a wall that stands straight for decades.

Have a slope to hold back or a boundary to define? Let’s walk the property — no obligation.

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Our Wall Services

From small garden borders to large structural retaining walls, we handle every scale of masonry wall construction.

  • Fieldstone Walls

    Traditional New England dry-stack or mortared fieldstone walls. Sourced from local quarries, built by masons who understand the craft. The hallmark of a Massachusetts property.

  • Retaining Walls

    Structural walls designed to hold back soil and manage grade changes. Engineered with proper footings, drainage, and reinforcement for the height and soil conditions.

  • Block Retaining Walls

    Segmental retaining wall blocks (SRWs) from manufacturers like Belgard and Pavestone. Fast to install, highly engineered, available in multiple colors and textures.

  • Concrete Block Walls

    Poured or CMU (concrete masonry unit) walls for structural applications. Often used for foundations, basement walls, and heavy-duty retaining applications.

  • Landscape Walls

    Decorative walls that define garden beds, create terraces, or add visual interest to flat yards. Built with the same drainage principles as structural walls.

  • Sitting Walls

    Low walls (18″–24″ tall) designed to double as seating around patios, fire pits, and entryways. Combines function with aesthetics.

Why Homeowners Choose Eddy’s for Walls

  • Drainage First, Always

    Every wall we build includes perforated drain pipe, clean gravel backfill, and proper weep holes. This is non-negotiable — it’s what keeps the wall standing.

  • Proper Footings Below Frost Line

    In MA, footings must extend below the frost line (typically 48″) to prevent heaving. We dig deep, pour on stable subgrade, and never cut corners here.

  • Local Stone Sources

    We source fieldstone from Massachusetts and New Hampshire quarries. The stone matches the regional character — not imported material that looks out of place.

  • Engineering When Needed

    Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering in MA. We coordinate with structural engineers and pull permits when required — so you don’t have to.

How We Build a Wall That Lasts

  1. Site evaluation. We assess soil type, slope, water flow, and intended wall height to determine the right design.
  2. Excavation & footing. Trench dug below frost line, compacted gravel base, concrete footing poured (for mortared walls).
  3. Drainage installation. Perforated pipe placed behind wall, wrapped in filter fabric, connected to daylight or dry well.
  4. Wall construction. Stone or block laid course by course, with proper batter (backward lean) and reinforcement where needed.
  5. Backfill & compaction. Clean gravel backfilled in lifts, compacted every 12″ to prevent settlement.
  6. Cap stones & cleanup. Cap stones set, site graded, topsoil replaced, and landscaping restored.

Ready to see what your wall project would look like — and cost?

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Fully Licensed & Insured in Massachusetts. Eddy’s Construction & Masonry carries full general liability and workers’ comp coverage. Certificates of insurance provided on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a retaining wall cost in the Marlborough area?

Retaining walls typically range from $25–$65 per square foot of face area, depending on height, material (block vs. stone vs. concrete), drainage requirements, and site access. A 4-foot-tall, 30-foot-long wall might run $5,000–$12,000. We provide a fixed written quote after seeing the site.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in MA?

In most MetroWest towns, retaining walls over 4 feet tall require a building permit and engineering. Walls under 4 feet typically don’t need permits unless they support a structure or surcharge (like a driveway). We’ll confirm for your specific address and handle the permit process if needed.

How long does a stone wall last in Massachusetts?

A properly built stone wall with adequate footings, drainage, and mortar should last 50–100+ years. Dry-stack fieldstone walls (no mortar) can last even longer — some in New England are 200+ years old. The key factors are proper base prep, weep holes for drainage, and mortar mix rated for freeze-thaw cycles.

What’s the difference between a dry-stack and mortared fieldstone wall?

Dry-stack walls use no mortar — stones are carefully selected and fitted together. They flex with frost heave and can last centuries. Mortared walls are more rigid and formal-looking but require proper footings below frost line and control joints. We’ll recommend the right approach for your project.

Can you build a wall on a steep slope?

Yes — we build walls on slopes regularly. For steep grades, we may need to terrace the wall (multiple shorter walls stepped up the slope) or use geogrid reinforcement for a single tall wall. We’ll evaluate the site and recommend the best approach.

When is the best time of year to build a wall in MA?

Our wall season runs April through November. We can work in cooler weather, but we won’t pour concrete footings or lay mortar when temps are expected to drop below 25°F within 48 hours. Dry-stack fieldstone walls can be built year-round if the ground isn’t frozen.

Related Services

Wall projects often pair with other exterior work. Consider bundling: