What does a retaining wall scope of work include?

It covers excavation, base preparation, wall construction, drainage, backfill, and grading. It defines materials, wall dimensions, engineering requirements, and payment terms.

Do I need engineering for a retaining wall?

Most jurisdictions require engineering for walls over 4 feet tall. Even shorter walls benefit from proper design, especially on slopes or near structures. Check your local requirements.

How important is drainage behind a retaining wall?

Critical. Without proper drainage, water pressure builds up behind the wall and can cause it to lean or fail. Every retaining wall needs gravel backfill and a drain pipe.

How long do retaining walls last?

A well-built segmental block wall can last 50+ years. Proper base preparation and drainage are the biggest factors in longevity.

Can I modify this template?

Yes. Adjust for your wall type — block, stone, poured concrete, or timber — and add details for terracing or specialty conditions.

Retaining Wall Scope of Work Template | Free Download 2026

Retaining walls are structural — they hold back soil and water pressure, so they need to be built right. A scope of work defines the wall type, dimensions, drainage, and engineering requirements so everyone's on the same page. This template works for block, stone, poured concrete, and timber retaining walls. It covers the essentials — excavation, base prep, wall construction, drainage, and backfill. Customize it for your specific wall design and site conditions.

Project Overview

This scope covers retaining wall construction including excavation, base preparation, wall construction, drainage installation, and backfill. Applicable to residential and commercial projects.

Typical Projects Include:

Segmental block retaining wall
Poured concrete retaining wall
Natural stone retaining wall
Timber retaining wall
Terraced retaining wall system
Retaining wall repair or replacement

Scope of Work

Site Prep

Task	Description
Excavation	Excavate the wall trench to required depth and width for the base course and drainage.
Base Preparation	Install and compact gravel base to specified depth. Verify base is level.
Geogrid Layout	Plan geogrid reinforcement layers per engineering (for walls over 4 feet).

Wall Construction

Task	Description
Base Course	Set the first course of block or stone level and aligned. This is the most critical course.
Wall Building	Stack subsequent courses per pattern and setback. Install pins or adhesive between courses.
Geogrid Installation	Install geogrid reinforcement at specified course heights, extending back into the retained soil.
Cap Installation	Install cap blocks or coping with adhesive for a finished appearance.

Drainage & Backfill

Task	Description
Drainage Pipe	Install perforated drain pipe behind the base of the wall. Route to daylight or collection point.
Drainage Gravel	Backfill behind the wall with clean drainage gravel to allow water to flow to the drain pipe.
Final Backfill	Backfill above the drainage zone with suitable fill material. Compact in lifts.

Timeline & Milestones

Timeline depends on wall length and height. Most residential walls take 3-7 days.

Phase	Duration	Description
Site Prep	1-2 days	Excavation and base preparation.
Wall Construction	2-5 days	Block or stone placement, geogrid, and cap.
Drainage & Backfill	1-2 days	Drainage pipe, gravel backfill, and final grading.

Roles & Responsibilities

Property Owner

•Approve wall design, material, and color
•Ensure property lines are marked
•Provide access for equipment
•Process payments per the agreed schedule

Retaining Wall Contractor

•Excavate and prepare the base
•Supply and install all materials
•Install proper drainage behind the wall
•Backfill and grade the site
•Obtain engineering if required for wall height

Materials & Equipment

Wall Materials

•Retaining wall block or stone
•Cap blocks or coping
•Geogrid reinforcement
•Block adhesive and pins

Base & Drainage

•Compactable gravel base
•Drainage gravel (clean stone)
•Perforated drain pipe
•Filter fabric

Equipment

•Mini excavator or skid steer
•Plate compactor
•Masonry saw
•Level and string line

Quality Control Standards

Level Base

Base course set perfectly level — this determines the quality of the entire wall.

Proper Drainage

Drainage system installed correctly to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup behind the wall.

Engineering Compliance

Walls over 4 feet (varies by jurisdiction) built per engineered design with geogrid reinforcement.

Safety Protocols

Excavation Safety

Follow OSHA trenching requirements. Shore or slope excavations over 5 feet.

Equipment Operation

Only trained operators use excavators and compaction equipment. Keep workers clear.

Material Handling

Use proper lifting techniques — retaining wall blocks are heavy. Use equipment to move pallets.

Project Documentation

Signed contract and scope of work
Wall design or engineering (if over 4 feet)
Material specifications and color selection
Compaction test results (if required)
As-built photos and measurements
Warranty information

Financial Terms

Payment Structure

Payments tied to project milestones — deposit at signing, final payment after completion.

Terms & Conditions

•Deposit due at contract signing (typically 30-50%)
•Progress payment at wall midpoint (for larger walls)
•Final payment due after completion and grading
•Material costs may be passed through separately
•Change orders for extra length or height require written approval

Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off

The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:

1Wall built to specified height, length, and alignment
2Base course level and properly supported
3Drainage pipe and gravel installed behind the wall
4Geogrid installed at specified courses (if applicable)
5Cap installed and wall looks clean and uniform
6Site backfilled and graded

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Use This Retaining Wall Template?

Fill in your project details and download a professional, customized scope of work PDF in seconds.

Retaining Wall Scope of Work Template