This isn't a cost. It's an investment.
The figures on this page are real and we don't hide them — that's how AE operates. But we want to be honest about how to read them. Your Scottsdale retaining wall isn't a line-item expense; it's an investment in your home's value, your family's daily experience, and a space you'll use for the next twenty to thirty years.
When you compare bids, compare what you're investing in — the spec, the crews, the warranty, the company that will still be standing in year ten — not just the price tag. The lowest bid is almost always the most expensive build over time.
Retaining walls in Scottsdale, hillside-ready and drained right.
AE Outdoor Living designs and builds retaining walls across Scottsdale — DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Troon, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Grayhawk, and every surrounding community. Segmental block from Belgard, Pavestone, and Acker-Stone. CMU with stone veneer. Poured concrete with engineered drawings. Every wall drained correctly so it holds through monsoon on Scottsdale's hillside cuts.
Scottsdale neighborhoods we install in
DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Troon, Pinnacle Peak, Desert Mountain, Terravita, Ancala, Gainey Ranch, and every surrounding community.
What we build
- Segmental block walls (Belgard, Pavestone, Acker-Stone).
- CMU walls with stone or stucco veneer matched to the house.
- Poured concrete engineered walls for hillside cuts and driveway edges.
- Terraced multi-tier walls with planted risers.
- Integrated seat walls, planters, and pool surrounds.
Scottsdale retaining wall pricing
- Segmental block: $38–$70 per face foot installed.
- CMU with stone veneer: $80–$160 per face foot.
- Engineering (walls over 4 ft): $1,500–$5,000 per wall.
- Permit fees: varies, line-itemed on proposal.
How AE drains every Scottsdale wall
- 12-inch minimum gravel backfill.
- Geotextile fabric between gravel and soil.
- 4-inch perforated drain pipe at the base.
- Daylight the pipe to grade on your lot — never dead-end, never into a neighbor.
- Weep holes on CMU/concrete walls.
Engineering, permits, and HOA
Any wall over 4 feet, retaining a surcharge, or in a flood/slope zone requires engineered drawings and a City of Scottsdale permit. AE handles the engineer, drawings, permit submittal, and HOA architectural review end-to-end.
Why Scottsdale homeowners choose AE
- President David Bell is current President of the Southwest Hardscapes Association.
- In-house masonry crews on every wall.
- Drainage spec published on every proposal.
- HOA submissions handled end-to-end.
- 2-year written workmanship warranty.
Common questions.
Get your Scottsdale retaining wall quoted.
Free in-person consultation, drainage plan, written proposal in 5 business days.
Start My Project PlanWhy this is an investment, not a cost.
An AE backyard is engineered to add daily livability and long-term home value. We publish honest ranges and build to code with a licensed and bonded Arizona crew. AE provides project-specific workmanship and manufacturer-warranty information in the signed agreement. Website summaries are for planning only.
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Arizona. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21). Most Arizona contracting work valued at $1,000 or more — or requiring a permit — must be performed by a properly licensed contractor, subject to statutory exemptions. Verify the legal entity, license status, and classification with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Real ranges, itemized scope. You see materials, finishes, equipment models, and a line-item budget before you sign — not a one-line "pool — $90,000."
Related hardscape reading
retaining wall in every metro city
More retaining wall questions?
Drainage spec, engineering triggers, permit thresholds — all in the Pavers & Hardscapes section of the Homeowner FAQ.