We are Your Damascus Retaining Wall Construction Company

Damascus is Prodan Construction’s home base, and we know the terrain here as well as anyone. The rolling Cascade foothills, Boring Lava basalt at unpredictable depths, and heavy clay soils that retain water create retaining wall challenges on properties throughout the community. From the affluent large-acreage estates in Hillsview to the newer Crest View developments and the rural properties along Foster Road, we have built retaining walls across Damascus in virtually every soil condition this area presents. Our proximity means faster response times, deep familiarity with Clackamas County permitting requirements, and a personal investment in the quality of work we leave behind in our own community. Call your neighbors at (503) 773-6949 for a free Damascus retaining wall consultation.

A Good Retaining Wall Needs a Solid Construction at All Levels

There is a common misconception that building a retaining wall is straightforward if you have good materials. In Damascus, where Boring Lava basalt can appear anywhere from two feet to twenty feet below the surface — sometimes varying by ten feet across a single property — the engineering underneath the wall matters far more than what is visible above ground. Every Damascus retaining wall project we undertake begins with a thorough site assessment to map the basalt depth, clay thickness, drainage pathways, and the specific earth pressures the wall must resist. Damascus properties often straddle the geological transition between valley floor and Cascade foothills, and the soil conditions can change dramatically within a short distance.

The construction process for a Damascus retaining wall starts with excavation to stable bearing material, which may mean digging through several feet of saturated clay to reach solid basalt or compacted gravel. We build a generously sized drainage foundation — a minimum of six inches of compacted angular gravel, extended further in areas where clay content is particularly high. The drainage system behind and beneath the wall is sized for Damascus’s worst-case scenario: sustained winter rainfall saturating heavy clay that sits atop impervious basalt, generating enormous hydrostatic pressure. The first course is locked below grade, and every subsequent course follows an engineered batter angle. For larger walls, geogrid reinforcement ties the wall mass back into the hillside, creating a gravity structure that uses the weight of the retained soil to resist its own lateral pressure.

As Damascus’s local retaining wall contractor, Prodan Construction takes particular pride in the walls we build in our own community. From major structural walls supporting hillside driveways along Sunnyside Road to decorative terracing on residential properties near the Clackamas River, we bring the same exacting standards to every Damascus project because our reputation is built right here at home.

Prodan Construction is Your Damascus Retaining Wall Repair Company

We see more failing retaining walls in Damascus than almost anywhere else we work, and the reason is always the same: the heavy clay and volcanic geology here is unforgiving to walls that were built without proper drainage engineering. Timber walls rot from constant moisture contact. Block walls without drainage systems get pushed out by hydrostatic pressure. Old concrete walls crack as the clay beneath them swells and shrinks with seasonal moisture changes. Prodan Construction repairs and rebuilds these failing walls throughout Damascus, replacing inadequate drainage, reinforcing compromised foundations, and using materials rated for the constant moisture exposure that Damascus’s clay-over-basalt terrain delivers. Do not let a failing retaining wall threaten your Damascus property — call us at (503) 773-6949 for an honest assessment and a lasting repair plan.

What People We’ve Worked with have to Say About Us

As the Damascus area’s hometown retaining wall contractor, Prodan Construction has built a five-star reputation among our neighbors. Our clients know they can trust us because we live and work right here in this community. Here is what they have to say about our work:

Cody K. — “Prodan and his team were great to work with! They were very professional and did an amazing job on our retaining wall. The wall looks fantastic and has held up perfectly. Highly recommend Prodan Construction to anyone in need of a retaining wall or any other construction work.”

Ashley B. — “We had Prodan Construction build a retaining wall in our backyard and we couldn’t be happier with the results! The crew was punctual, hardworking, and respectful of our property. They completed the project on time and on budget. The wall is solid and looks amazing. Thank you Prodan Construction!”

Vickie D. — “Prodan Construction did an outstanding job on our retaining wall project. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, they were professional and communicative every step of the way. The quality of their work is evident in the finished product. We would absolutely hire them again.”

Lon M. — “I hired Prodan Construction to replace an old failing retaining wall on my property and they exceeded my expectations. The new wall is rock solid and looks incredible. Their team was knowledgeable, efficient, and left the site cleaner than they found it. Five stars all the way.”

Our Damascus Retaining Wall Construction Company FAQ

How do you build a retaining wall?

As Damascus’s local retaining wall specialist, we have developed a construction process specifically tuned for this area’s challenging volcanic geology and clay soils. The typical steps include:

Foundation preparation: We excavate to stable bearing material and install a compacted gravel base that provides both structural support and drainage for the wall footing.
First course and base construction: The first course of block, stone, or concrete is set below the finished grade to anchor the wall and resist lateral sliding forces from the retained earth.
Wall construction with drainage: Each course is built with proper setback (batter) and backfilled with drainage aggregate. Perforated pipe at the base collects and redirects groundwater away from the wall.
Reinforcement and backfill: For taller walls, geogrid reinforcement layers tie the wall into the retained soil mass. Final backfill is compacted in lifts to prevent settlement.
Drainage completion and grading: Surface drainage is directed away from the wall, drain outlets are verified functional, and the site is graded to finished specifications.

Do I need a structural engineer for a retaining wall?

Damascus is unincorporated Clackamas County, so all permits go through the county building department. Walls over four feet require a permit, and given Damascus’s variable terrain and clay-over-basalt geology, structural engineering is frequently necessary. The county may require geotechnical investigation for walls on steeper slopes or where existing landslide indicators are present. Prodan Construction knows the Clackamas County permitting system inside and out — this is where we do the majority of our work — and we handle the entire process from application through final inspection.

How do you know when you need a retaining wall?

Damascus properties show clear warning signs when a retaining wall is needed. Clay soil migrating downhill across driveways and yards is the most common indicator, followed by foundation cracks on the downhill side of homes, water seeping from hillside slopes during the wet season, trees leaning progressively downhill, and existing landscape structures shifting or settling unevenly. Damascus sits in the geological transition zone between the Portland Basin and the Cascades, and the sloping terrain combined with heavy clay soils creates persistent earth movement that only gets worse over time without structural intervention.

For many Damascus property owners, a retaining wall is the key to unlocking the full potential of their land. The rolling terrain that characterizes this community means that large portions of many lots sit at unusable angles. A well-designed retaining wall system can carve functional flat areas out of hillsides — creating space for outbuildings, gardens, outdoor living areas, or expanded parking that the natural terrain does not provide.

How long do retaining walls last?

A retaining wall built to Prodan Construction’s standards in Damascus should serve reliably for 50 to 100 years. The primary variable in Damascus is how well the drainage system continues to function over time. The fine clay particles that dominate Damascus soils are notorious for migrating into drainage aggregate and pipe systems, gradually reducing their capacity. We combat this with heavy-duty non-woven geotextile fabric around all drainage components and by oversizing pipe and aggregate volumes to maintain function even as some sediment infiltration occurs over the decades. Material selection also matters — we use concrete products rated for continuous ground contact in Damascus’s consistently wet subsurface environment.

What are the types of retaining wall?

For Damascus’s demanding terrain, we typically install these retaining wall types:

Brick/Block retaining walls: Interlocking segmental retaining wall blocks that are engineered for strength, available in multiple styles, and designed for efficient installation with built-in connection systems.
Concrete retaining walls: Poured-in-place reinforced concrete walls that provide maximum structural strength for the most demanding applications, including tall walls, heavy surcharge loads, and steep terrain.
Rock/Boulder retaining walls: Natural stone and boulder walls that provide a rugged, organic appearance while delivering substantial structural capacity, particularly effective on larger rural and semi-rural properties.

Natural boulder walls using locally sourced basalt are another excellent option for Damascus properties, blending with the natural landscape while providing formidable structural strength. Prodan Construction will evaluate your specific Damascus site — soil depth, basalt location, slope angle, drainage patterns — and recommend the wall system that provides the best long-term performance for your property.

Damascus is our home, and Prodan Construction is proud to be this community’s most trusted retaining wall contractor. We understand the clay, the basalt, the drainage challenges, and the terrain like only a local can. Call your neighbors at (503) 773-6949 or contact us online to schedule your free Damascus retaining wall estimate.