Free site assessment
We look at the height of the grade change, the soil, existing drainage, nearby trees and access, and talk about what you need the wall or steps to do. Estimates are free and usually scheduled within 1–3 days.
Westchester County, NY
Retaining Walls, Steps & Masonry in Westchester County
Block and stone retaining walls, front steps, cement landings and masonry repair, built to hold Westchester's slopes and stand up to freeze-thaw.
- 4.9★ Google rating
- 15+ years in Westchester
- 500+ projects
- Licensed & insured
- English & Español
Westchester is hilly. Between the Hudson River slopes, the ridges along the parkways and the rocky glacial soil found almost everywhere, many yards have a grade change that needs to be held back, terraced or stepped. A retaining wall works against constant soil and water pressure, so the parts you never see matter most: a compacted, level base on firm ground, a buried first course, crushed stone backfill, and drainage pipe behind the wall so water does not build up. Walls built without drainage are the ones that lean, bulge and crack after a few winters.
Masonry is the other half of this work. Front steps, cement landings and stoops take a beating from freeze-thaw, water and years of foot traffic, and on many older Westchester homes the steps have uneven risers that are easy to trip on. We rebuild and repair concrete and stone steps, landings and walks, set consistent step heights, and fix loose caps, cracked mortar and damaged wall faces. Our own crews handle the whole job, from excavation to final cleanup. For taller walls, some villages require a permit or an engineer's design, and we help you check before work begins.
How it works
Design and permits
We recommend materials and wall type, plan drainage and step dimensions, and let you know if the height or location may need a permit or engineering in your village. We help you check before work starts.
Construction
Our crew excavates, builds the base, sets each course level, installs drainage and backfill as the wall rises, and finishes caps and steps. The surrounding lawn and beds are restored when we are done.
Final walkthrough
We walk the finished work with you and explain what to watch for over the first winter. If something is not right, we come back and fix it.
When to schedule
Wall and step construction needs unfrozen, workable ground, so most of this work happens in our peak hardscape season, May through October. Spring rains can leave clay soils too wet to compact properly, which is why late spring through fall tends to be the most reliable window. Small repairs to steps and landings can often be scheduled sooner. If a wall is already leaning or a step feels unsafe, call us to take a look rather than waiting through another winter, since freeze-thaw usually makes that kind of damage worse.
Recent work by our crews
Photos from Roman Design & Landscaping projects in Westchester County.
What clients say
“Roman and his family-run business are topnotch when it comes to quality work and customer service. Having been our landscaper for over a year, we've used his many services including stone masonry, fencing and general lawn care. Roman's landscaping is accessible any day of the week and his team works hard to make sure your property looks beautiful. If you're considering a landscaping service for lawn care, maintenance or special projects, we highly recommend Roman and his landscaping professionals.”
“Roman Design & Landscaping has been taking care of our property for at least 8-10 years. I run two businesses from my home and they have done an excellent job. They also rebuilt our cement landings and stairs leading outside from the front and side entrances of the property. Roman's company beautifully fixed all of our stairs and walkways, making sure the stair heights were within the current building codes!! We highly recommend Roman Design & Landscaping!!”
Common questions
Why is my retaining wall leaning?
Most leaning walls lack drainage. When water builds up behind a wall, the pressure pushes it outward, and each winter freezing water adds more force. A shallow or poorly compacted base and tree roots can also cause movement. Depending on the damage, a section may be rebuilt with proper drainage, or the whole wall may need to come down and go back up correctly.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Often for taller walls, and sometimes for walls near property lines, wetlands or steep slopes. Rules vary across Westchester villages and towns, and some require an engineer's design above a certain height. We do not guess at the rules: we help you check with your local building department and plan the wall to meet what they require.
Block or natural stone: which should I choose?
Segmental block is engineered to interlock, comes in consistent sizes and works well for taller structural walls and long runs. Natural stone blends with older homes and the rocky landscape across Westchester, and suits garden walls and lower terraces. We show you options and recommend what fits the height, the setting and how the wall needs to perform.
Can you fix crumbling front steps without replacing everything?
Sometimes. Loose treads, cracked mortar joints and damaged caps can often be repaired. If the steps have shifted, the risers are uneven, or the concrete is breaking up throughout, rebuilding is usually safer and lasts longer. When we rebuild, we set consistent riser heights so the steps are comfortable and safe to use every day.
Can you turn my sloped backyard into usable space?
Yes. Terracing with one or more retaining walls can create level areas for a lawn, patio, garden beds or play space, with steps connecting the levels. We look at how much grade you have, where water flows and how you want to use the yard, then plan wall heights and locations that make the most sense for the slope.
Get a free retaining walls & masonry estimate
Call, text or WhatsApp — the owner walks the property with you and you get a written estimate. Most visits are scheduled within 1–3 days.
Related services
Towns we serve
Central Westchester: Ardsley, Greenburgh, Harrison, Mount Pleasant, Scarsdale, White Plains
Southern Westchester: Bronxville, Eastchester, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Tuckahoe, Yonkers
Sound Shore: Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye
Hudson Rivertowns: Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown
Northern Westchester: Armonk, Chappaqua, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Mount Kisco, Ossining, Peekskill