A Smarter Way to Plan Your Retaining Wall in Bergen & Passaic County
Retaining walls are extremely popular across Bergen County and Passaic County, especially in areas with hilly yards, slope issues, and properties that need better grading or erosion control.
Homeowners often start with DIY videos and think the project looks simple — until they realize how technical retaining wall construction actually is. The difference between DIY vs Hiring a Pro for a Retaining Wall can determine whether your wall lasts 20+ years or fails after one winter.
This guide breaks down the true difference so homeowners in North Jersey can make a smart, informed decision.
Why Homeowners Try DIY
1. To Save Money
Many Bergen and Passaic County homeowners consider DIY because they think they can save thousands. For small walls under 24 inches, that might be true.
2. Online Videos Make It Look Easy
Social media never shows:
drainage failures
winter frost heave
soil pressure behind the wall
incorrect compaction
engineering mistakes
The real problems show up months later, not on day one.
3. They Enjoy DIY Projects
Small decorative walls around gardens or pathways are realistic DIY projects.
Where DIY Goes Wrong
The most common failures in Bergen and Passaic County occur because the homeowner didn’t understand the soil, slope, and drainage requirements in our region.
1. Base Prep Isn’t Deep Enough
Without proper:
excavation
crushed stone
laser leveling
compaction
The wall will eventually lean or shift.
2. No Drainage
Our area gets heavy rain and freeze–thaw cycles.
Walls need:
perforated pipe
gravel backfill
fabric
geogrid
Skipping these is the #1 reason walls in NJ fail.
3. Underestimating Soil Pressure
North Jersey soils hold a tremendous amount of weight.
This is why towns often require engineering for walls above 4 ft.
When DIY Retaining walls Works
DIY can be totally fine for:
garden walls under 2 ft
walls that aren’t structural
decorative edges
planter boxes
Anything larger? Risky.
Why Hiring a Pro Is Worth It
A professional installation is especially critical in areas with slopes like Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Ringwood, Oakland, and Mahwah — but applies to all of Bergen and Passaic County.
1. Contractors Create a Structural Base
Pros use:
compactors
laser levels
multiple stone layers
proper depth
This ensures stability for decades.
2. Proper Drainage
A pro will install:
pipe
clean stone
geogrid
filter fabric
Drainage is everything in North Jersey.
3. Knowledge of Local Codes
Many Bergen County and Passaic County townships require:
permits
engineering
inspections
A pro handles this.
4. Access to Better Materials
Contractors use:
Techo-Bloc
Unilock
Cambridge
Versa-Lok
These are stronger than box-store blocks.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Hiring a Pro for a Retaining Wall
DIY Cost
$600–$2,000 depending on:
gravel
drainage
block style
tool rentals
Professional Installation Cost
$4,500–$12,000+ for most walls in Bergen/Passaic County
$15,000–$40,000+ for large structural walls
The difference is lifespan — DIY: 5–15 years vs Pro: 20–40+ years.
Which Option Is Best for Bergen & Passaic County Homes?
DIY works well when:
wall is under 2 ft
not structural
not near a slope
you want a simple decorative border
Hire a pro when:
wall is over 3–4 ft
you have sloped terrain (common in NJ)
the wall holds back soil
it needs engineering
it’s near a driveway or pool
you want it to last decades
Final Verdict: DIY vs Hiring a Pro for a Retaining Wall
In Bergen County and Passaic County, most retaining walls face heavy rainfall, slope pressure, and tough winter conditions. For anything above a small decorative wall, a professional contractor almost always delivers better safety, drainage, and longevity.
If you want the wall to last 20–30+ years, hiring a pro is the smarter investment.
Serving Bergen & Passaic County Homeowners
RVG Landscape Design builds retaining walls in:
Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Ridgewood, Oakland, Wayne, Mahwah, Ramsey, Saddle River, Waldwick, and surrounding Bergen & Passaic County towns.
Want a retaining wall built correctly the first time?
RVG Landscape Design builds premium retaining walls with drainage systems, engineered stability, and long-term durability.
Request a consultation today.
Additional Services We Offer
At RVG Landscape Design, we don’t just stop at Retaining Walls—we help homeowners transform their entire outdoor spaces with premium landscape and hardscape services. Our team is ready to elevate your curb appeal and outdoor lifestyle.
Plantings & Garden Enhancements
We specialize in seasonal and evergreen plantings to bring color, texture, and privacy to your landscape. From foundation planting to perennial gardens, privacy screens to ornamental trees, our planting designs are tailored to your property’s layout and light exposure. We source our plant material locally for freshness and longevity.
3D Landscape Design & Visualization
Seeing is believing. Our 3D design services allow you to visualize your entire project before a single shovel hits the ground. We build detailed digital renderings of patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, fire pits, plantings, and lighting layouts—so you can approve every element with confidence and clarity.
Full-Service Outdoor Living Solutions
In addition to patios, we offer:
Outdoor kitchens and grills
Retaining and garden walls
Patios, Steps, walkways, and driveways
Drainage systems and grading
Low-voltage landscape lighting
Pool patio design and coping
We’re proud to serve the Bergen County area with professionalism, creativity, and over 15 years of trusted experience. Whether you’re enhancing your front yard or building a complete backyard retreat, RVG Landscape Design is your one-stop outdoor construction partner.
Yes — many towns require permits for walls above 4 ft, and some require engineering.
Poor drainage and freeze–thaw cycles.
20–40+ years depending on materials.
Yes — but this should NEVER be DIY. Driveway walls handle major soil pressure.
Techo-Bloc, Cambridge, Unilock, and Versa-Lok.
2–4 days for most residential walls.
No — pool areas require proper drainage and compaction.
Usually no. Most DIY walls fail early from drainage issues and cost double to rebuild.
