Frequently Asked Questions About Our Hardscaping Services

Seattle Rockeries specializes in hardscaping services including rock retaining walls, concrete retaining walls, rockeries, stairs, drainage solutions, and excavation. We serve residential and commercial properties across the Pacific Northwest.

Yes, Seattle Rockeries is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Washington. We comply with all local regulations and safety standards.

Rockeries are primarily aesthetic landscape features, typically built on stable, well‑drained slopes to manage minor surface erosion; when engineered, they can also provide soil retention and integrated drainage. By contrast, a retaining wall is a purpose‑built engineered structure designed to hold back soil and resist lateral earth pressures to prevent erosion and movement.

Properly built retaining walls can last 20 to 50 years or more, depending on materials, drainage, and site conditions.

In most cases, a permit is required for retaining walls over 4 feet high or for walls that impact property lines and drainage. We can assess and guide you on permitting as part of our service.

Start by contacting us for a consultation. We’ll assess your property, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed estimate.

Most projects take 1 to 3 weeks depending on size, weather, and site access. We’ll provide a timeline before work begins.

Spring through fall is ideal for outdoor hardscape work in the Pacific Northwest, but we can build year-round depending on weather and project scope.

We offer a variety of materials including natural stone, boulders, concrete blocks, and poured concrete. We'll help you choose based on your property and budget.

Absolutely. We offer custom designs, including curved walls, integrated stairs, planter areas, and various stone or block styles.

Yes, proper drainage is critical. Without it, water pressure can build up behind the wall and cause structural failure. We install drainage systems with every retaining wall.

Yes, we specialize in grading, French drains, and other drainage solutions to manage excess water and protect your property.

Every site is unique. We determine cost after assessing wall height and length, equipment/truck access, drainage requirements, engineering needs, and permitting (including ECA/steep‑slope rules).

Quick ballpark: text photos and/or short videos plus the rough length & average height and we’ll reply with a ballpark (usually same day if you call/text (206) 960‑9003). We’ll then confirm your exact price with a fixed, line‑item proposal after a site visit.

Note: Ballparks exclude engineering and permit fees, sales tax, and unusually difficult access or hazards.

What we need for a fast ballpark

• Photos/video showing the whole area (straight on + both ends)
• Rough length (ft) and average exposed height (ft)
• Access notes (gate width, stairs, overhead lines, steep driveway)
• Any drainage or water issues you’ve noticed

Drainage note

Drainage isn’t optional in Seattle soils. Every wall we build includes a proper working drainage system. Skipping drainage to cut costs is a leading cause of wall failure and we’re regularly called to repair slides and failed “new” walls built without adequate drainage. Good drainage protects your investment and your slope.

Yes. Seattle Rockeries offers in‑house financing on an individual basis. We evaluate each customer’s needs, project details, and financial circumstances to determine if financing can be arranged. Our team works to create a mutually agreeable plan when possible, but financing is not guaranteed and may not be available for every project. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Minimal maintenance is needed. Keep an eye on drainage and vegetation. We also offer maintenance guidance and services if needed.

Yes, our work comes with a warranty covering craftsmanship and structural integrity. Warranty terms vary by project and materials used.

We serve the greater Seattle area and the surrounding Puget Sound region, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, and more.