We are Your Clackamas Retaining Wall Construction Company

Clackamas spans a wide range of terrain — from the flat commercial corridors along I-205 to the volcanic slopes of Mt. Scott, the highest Boring Lava butte on Portland’s east side. That geological diversity means retaining wall projects here can encounter everything from soft Missoula Flood silts to dense basalt bedrock within the same neighborhood. Prodan Construction builds retaining walls across Clackamas that address each site’s specific soil and terrain conditions, delivering structural solutions that perform whether the property sits on the flat Sunnyside Road corridor or the steep flanks of Mt. Scott. Our crews know this area’s geology firsthand, having built walls throughout unincorporated Clackamas for years. Call (503) 773-6949 for your free Clackamas retaining wall estimate.

A Good Retaining Wall Needs a Solid Construction at All Levels

It is a mistake to treat retaining wall construction as a one-size-fits-all proposition, and nowhere proves that more clearly than Clackamas. A property on the lower flanks of Mt. Scott may have basalt bedrock within arm’s reach of the surface, while a lot a mile away near the Clackamas River sits on deep alluvial gravel and silt deposits. Each condition demands a different foundation design, drainage strategy, and reinforcement approach. Every Clackamas retaining wall project we undertake starts with a site-specific soil assessment that informs every decision from base depth to wall type to drainage system capacity.

Once we understand the soil conditions at a Clackamas site, construction follows a proven sequence tailored to local ground conditions. We excavate to competent bearing material and build a compacted gravel base — typically six to ten inches deep, or more if soft alluvial soils are present — that serves as both foundation and primary drainage pathway. The drainage system behind the wall is sized for Clackamas’s heavy annual rainfall and the specific water behavior at the site, whether that means intercepting sheet flow on Mt. Scott’s slopes or managing groundwater seepage in the lower-lying areas near Johnson Creek. The first course anchors below grade, and each course above follows a controlled batter with geogrid reinforcement at calculated intervals on taller installations.

Clackamas retaining wall projects range from landscape terracing in residential neighborhoods to structural walls supporting parking areas and commercial developments along the highway corridors. Whatever the scale, Prodan Construction engineers every wall for the specific Clackamas soil conditions it will face, because we know from experience that walls built to generic specifications fail prematurely in this geologically varied area.

Prodan Construction is Your Clackamas Retaining Wall Repair Company

The geological diversity that makes Clackamas interesting also makes it a frequent source of retaining wall repair calls. Walls on the Mt. Scott slopes fail when basalt-perched water pressure overwhelms inadequate drainage systems. Walls near the Clackamas River fail when alluvial soils shift during high water events. Walls in the Sunnyside corridor fail when the heavy clay subsoils swell and shrink with seasonal moisture changes. Prodan Construction diagnoses and repairs all of these failure types throughout the Clackamas area, targeting the specific root cause rather than applying a generic fix. Call (503) 773-6949 when your Clackamas retaining wall shows signs of distress — early intervention almost always saves money compared to waiting for a full failure.

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

Clackamas-area property owners consistently rate Prodan Construction five stars for our retaining wall construction and repair work. Our thorough approach and commitment to lasting results earn trust that referrals alone could not buy. Here is a sampling of what our clients share:

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 Clackamas Retaining Wall Construction Company FAQ

How do you build a retaining wall?

Our retaining wall construction process in Clackamas is adapted to the area’s diverse geology, from Mt. Scott basalt to Clackamas River alluvium. The standard 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?

Clackamas is unincorporated Clackamas County, so building permits are issued by the county building department. Walls over four feet in exposed height require permits, and structural engineering is typically necessary for walls supporting structures or located on steep terrain near Mt. Scott. Properties near the Clackamas River may face additional floodplain development review requirements. Prodan Construction has extensive experience with Clackamas County permitting and coordinates all requirements efficiently on behalf of our clients.

How do you know when you need a retaining wall?

Watch for these signs on your Clackamas property: slopes that show new erosion channels after rainstorms, retaining surfaces that have developed cracks or begun to bow outward, driveways or patios that are settling unevenly on sloped ground, and foundation walls showing new cracks — especially on the downhill side. Properties on or near Mt. Scott face particular slope stability concerns due to the fractured basalt and clay interface that characterizes the butte’s flanks.

A strategically placed retaining wall can also enhance both the usability and value of a Clackamas property. On the hillier terrain near Mt. Scott, walls create level areas for outdoor living, garden beds, and structures that the natural slope does not accommodate. In the flatter areas near I-205, walls provide clean grade separations, raised planting beds, and property boundary definition that improves both appearance and function.

How long do retaining walls last?

A well-constructed retaining wall in Clackamas should deliver 50 to 100 years of service. The key variable is site-specific: walls on the well-drained basalt slopes of Mt. Scott tend to last longer than walls built in the soft alluvial soils near the Clackamas River, where moisture exposure is more persistent. Regardless of location, proper drainage design is the single most important factor in wall longevity throughout the Clackamas area. Prodan Construction tailors material selection and drainage engineering to each site’s conditions, maximizing the service life of every wall we build.

What are the types of retaining wall?

The retaining wall types we most frequently install across the Clackamas area are:

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.

Boulder walls and gabion walls also have their place in Clackamas, particularly on larger properties where a naturalistic appearance is desired. Prodan Construction will assess your Clackamas property’s specific soil conditions, terrain, and functional requirements to recommend the retaining wall system that provides the best combination of performance and value.

From the basalt slopes of Mt. Scott to the alluvial flats along the Clackamas River, Prodan Construction builds retaining walls engineered for the diverse terrain that defines this community. Our local expertise and commitment to quality construction means your wall will perform for decades. Call (503) 773-6949 or contact us online for your free Clackamas retaining wall estimate.