What You Need to Know
Consultation
Choosing the right boulders for your retaining wall starts with understanding your site. That is why we begin every project with a comprehensive on-site consultation where our team evaluates the slope, soil conditions, water flow, and the overall look you want to achieve. We walk the property with you, discuss boulder sizes and stone types, and determine whether your wall needs engineered reinforcement. During the consultation, we bring stone samples and photos of completed boulder wall projects so you can see the range of options available. We also discuss setback requirements, drainage solutions, and whether your project will need city permits or engineering review.
Stone Selection
We source boulders from quarries across Minnesota and Wisconsin, offering a wide range of natural stone options including granite, limestone, basalt, and Minnesota fieldstone. Each type brings a different color palette, texture, and character to your landscape. Our team helps you select stones that complement your home exterior and existing landscape features. Boulder size matters for both structural integrity and visual impact. We work with stones ranging from 500 pounds to over 3,000 pounds, carefully placed with excavators equipped with hydraulic thumbs for precise positioning. Every boulder is inspected for quality before it reaches your property.
Pricing
Boulder retaining wall costs vary based on the size and type of stone, wall height, site access, and the complexity of the terrain. Natural boulder walls tend to fall in a higher price range than manufactured block, but they deliver unmatched character and longevity. Our team provides transparent, detailed estimates so you know exactly what to expect. We work with a range of budgets and can recommend stone types and wall configurations that balance cost with the look and structural performance you need. Every estimate includes excavation, base preparation, drainage, boulder delivery, and professional placement.
Installation
Boulder wall installation requires heavy equipment, experienced operators, and a deep understanding of how natural stone behaves under load. Our crews use excavators with hydraulic thumb attachments to position each boulder with precision, interlocking stones to create a gravity wall that relies on mass and friction rather than mortar. Proper base preparation with compacted gravel and drainage fabric ensures water moves away from the wall, preventing hydrostatic pressure buildup that causes failures in Minnesota winters.
Customer First Approach
Three Timbers was founded on a customer-first approach that puts your satisfaction above all else. This starts with an educational consultation focused on thoroughly explaining the boulder wall process, stone options, and how they apply to your specific landscape. We take the time to answer every question, walk through material choices, and help you understand what is involved before any work begins. This commitment to communication continues throughout the entire project, from initial design through final boulder placement. Our crews provide daily progress updates and welcome your feedback at every stage. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and leave you with a stunning natural boulder wall that your family will enjoy for generations.
Types of Boulder Walls We Build
Granite Boulders
Granite boulder walls are among the most durable and visually striking options available. Sourced from Minnesota and Wisconsin quarries, granite offers a range of colors from warm pinks and grays to deep charcoal. These dense, heavy stones interlock naturally and withstand decades of freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or shifting. Granite boulders work especially well for larger walls where structural mass is essential.
Limestone
Limestone boulders deliver a softer, more layered aesthetic with warm tan and buff tones that blend beautifully with Minnesota landscapes. The natural bedding planes of limestone allow for tighter stacking and a more structured appearance while still maintaining the organic feel of a natural boulder wall. Limestone is an excellent choice for garden walls, terraced beds, and transitions between yard elevations.
Minnesota Fieldstone
Minnesota fieldstone is a classic choice for homeowners who want a wall that looks like it has been part of the landscape for generations. These weathered, rounded stones are sourced locally and placed by hand to create walls with natural character and charm. Fieldstone walls work beautifully in rustic settings, along garden borders, and as accent walls that define outdoor living spaces.
Basalt
Basalt boulders offer a dramatic dark color palette ranging from deep gray to near-black, creating bold contrast against green lawns and plantings. Basalt is exceptionally hard and weather-resistant, making it ideal for exposed retaining walls that need to stand up to Minnesota winters. The angular fracture patterns of basalt create clean, modern lines while maintaining a natural stone aesthetic.
Working with Your Budget
Regardless of the size of your retaining wall project, our team of local professionals is here to provide expert installation services to Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Waconia, Chaska, Mound, Victoria, and the surrounding southwest metro communities. Whether you need a small garden border wall or a large-scale engineered retaining system, the Three Timbers team has the experience and equipment to deliver lasting results to schedule your free consultation.
Low Budget
Block walls are the cheapest option due to their low material cost and ease of installation.
Small to Mid Budget
Wood timber retaining walls are slightly more expensive than blocks but have a straightforward installation that helps meet lower budgets.
Mid to Large Budget
Boulder walls require a team of experts, costly materials, and heavy equipment. These installations are intense, but offer long-lasting durability.
Large Budget
Dry stacked stone retaining walls have the highest material and labor costs. While these are the most expensive, they look absolutely stunning and are highly recommended for homeowners looking for a decorative statement piece to bring the landscape together.
Recent boulder retaining walls from our crews
How we build it
