We are Your Boring Retaining Wall Construction Company

Boring sits in the heart of the Cascade foothills on the very lava field that bears its name, and that volcanic foundation shapes every construction project in the area. Properties here regularly encounter Boring Lava basalt at shallow depths — sometimes just two or three feet below the surface — creating conditions that demand specialized retaining wall engineering. Prodan Construction builds retaining walls throughout the Boring area that work with the volcanic terrain rather than against it, anchoring into basalt where necessary and managing the clay-over-rock drainage problems that make this community’s slopes so challenging. From rural acreages along Kelso Road to residential lots near the Boring Junction, our walls are built for the specific ground conditions found in this foothills community. Call (503) 773-6949 for your free Boring retaining wall estimate.

A Good Retaining Wall Needs a Solid Construction at All Levels

It puzzles people when they learn that some of the hardest retaining wall challenges occur in areas with the hardest rock. In Boring, where basaltic andesite from the Boring Lava Field sits near the surface across much of the community, the issue is not a lack of solid ground but rather the complex interaction between impervious rock, overlying clay, and the water that gets trapped between them. Rain percolates through the topsoil until it hits the basalt layer, then flows laterally along the rock surface, building hydrostatic pressure against any wall in its path. Understanding this clay-over-basalt hydrology is essential to building retaining walls that last in the Boring area.

Constructing a retaining wall in Boring often begins with a different set of equipment than standard residential projects require. When basalt is encountered in the excavation for the wall foundation, we may need rock-cutting equipment to create a level base or to anchor the wall into the bedrock itself. The gravel base layer serves a particularly important drainage function in Boring, acting as a transition zone between the impervious basalt below and the drainage aggregate behind the wall. We install French drain systems that intercept water flowing along the basalt surface and redirect it away from the wall before hydrostatic pressure can build. The first course locks into the prepared base, and each subsequent course is set with batter and, where needed, geogrid reinforcement to handle the heavy loads generated by saturated clay soils sitting on top of impervious rock.

Boring’s rolling volcanic terrain and rural character mean that many retaining wall projects here are larger in scale than typical suburban installations. Prodan Construction handles everything from modest garden terraces to major structural walls supporting driveways and building pads on Boring’s hilly, basalt-rich properties. We bring the heavy equipment and technical knowledge needed for these demanding foothills conditions.

Prodan Construction is Your Boring Retaining Wall Repair Company

Retaining walls in the Boring area face a unique failure mode: water trapped between clay and basalt layers can generate enormous pressure during extended wet periods, literally pushing walls off their foundations from below. When you see a retaining wall in Boring that has shifted outward, developed horizontal cracks, or begun to lean, the underlying cause is almost always related to this clay-over-basalt drainage problem. Prodan Construction repairs failing walls throughout the Boring community by addressing the water management issues that caused the failure in the first place. We do not simply rebuild what was there before — we redesign the drainage system to handle the subsurface water flows that are specific to Boring’s volcanic geology. Contact us at (503) 773-6949 for a retaining wall evaluation.

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

Prodan Construction is based right here in the Damascus-Boring area, and our neighbors trust us with their retaining wall projects because we understand this terrain better than anyone. Our five-star reputation is earned through honest work and lasting results. Here is what our clients say:

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 Boring Retaining Wall Construction Company FAQ

How do you build a retaining wall?

Retaining wall construction in Boring involves working with volcanic basalt bedrock and heavy clay soils that require specialized techniques. Our typical process includes:

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?

Boring is unincorporated Clackamas County, so all building permits are handled through the county. Retaining walls over four feet in exposed height require a permit, and given the basalt bedrock and steep terrain common in the Boring area, structural engineering is frequently required. Clackamas County may also require geotechnical assessment for walls on steeper slopes or in areas with known landslide susceptibility. Prodan Construction is intimately familiar with the county permitting process — this is our home territory — and we manage all permitting requirements as part of our service.

How do you know when you need a retaining wall?

In the Boring area, you likely need a retaining wall if you notice any of the following on your property: clay soil moving downhill and accumulating at the base of slopes, water seeping out of hillsides during wet months, cracks developing in your driveway where it crosses a slope, foundation walls showing new cracks on the downhill side, or existing landscape features tilting or shifting. The clay-over-basalt geology throughout Boring creates persistent slope instability that gets worse with each passing wet season if left unaddressed.

Many Boring properties also benefit from retaining walls as a way to create functional spaces on rolling volcanic terrain. A well-placed wall system can convert a steep hillside into a level building pad, a terraced garden, or a flat parking area — all of which significantly increase the utility and value of rural Boring properties that would otherwise have limited usable flat ground.

How long do retaining walls last?

A quality retaining wall built on Boring’s volcanic terrain should provide 50 to 75 or more years of reliable service. The basalt bedrock itself provides an excellent foundation when properly prepared, and the key to longevity is the drainage system’s ability to manage the clay-over-rock water flow for decades without clogging. Prodan Construction specifies heavy-duty filter fabric and high-capacity drain pipe for Boring installations because we know from experience how aggressively the fine clay particles in this area migrate into drainage systems. Preventive maintenance — particularly ensuring drainage outlets remain clear — extends wall life significantly.

What are the types of retaining wall?

The retaining wall types most effective in Boring’s volcanic foothill terrain include:

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 basalt boulder walls are also popular in Boring, as the material matches the existing landscape character. When properly set with adequate foundations, boulder walls can be exceptionally long-lasting on this terrain. Prodan Construction will assess your Boring property and recommend the wall type that provides the best structural performance for your specific site conditions.

Boring’s volcanic terrain and clay-over-basalt geology present retaining wall challenges that demand local expertise. As your neighbors in the Damascus-Boring area, Prodan Construction has the knowledge, equipment, and commitment to build retaining walls that handle these conditions for decades. Call (503) 773-6949 for your free estimate.