Southview Design has constructed thousands of boulder walls throughout the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. If your designer suggests boulder walls and a picture of those smooth, round, stone boulders of various sizes (aka glacial boulders) jumps to mind, then you are not alone. But there are different stone boulders to choose from, such as Superior Trap or Mesabi Red, or a number of different Limestone or Granite boulders. In addition, you have shape choices – round, rectangular, or angular.

Building retaining walls with boulders

Boulder retaining walls need proper drainage of landscape rock and drain tile behind them to prevent the wall from failing. A wall over 4-feet high will require engineering. Boulders are heavy, and some require equipment to move them. A 2-foot diameter limestone boulder is roughly 650 lbs; a 3-foot diameter boulder is approximately 2200 lbs. Southview Design stands behind our work with an industry-leading warranty.

Boulder wall creates space for a swimming pool in this backyard.

Boulder wall creates space for a swimming pool in this sloping backyard.

Massive boulder retaining wall on lake Minnetonka supports a road to the boat house.

This boulder retaining wall on Lake Minnetonka is maybe the burliest retaining wall we've ever built.

Boulder wall supports this northwoods backyard patio on a hill.

Boulder retaining wall supports this award-winning landscape on a hill.

Resort style backyard with a boulder retaining wall and icy blue swimming pool.

Boulder wall blends into the landscape in this backyard resort.

Elevated porch overlooks a deep blue swimming pool and boulder retaining wall.

Boulder wall with swimming pool in this tranquil backyard.

Two tiered boulder backyard boulder wall terraces.

Boulder walls with garden terraces bring guests from the front yard to the lakeside backyard.

Stacked stone boulder retaining wall.

Stacked stone boulder retaining wall creates a level space for an outdoor dining patio.

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Our Design-Build Process

Winter Planning is Smart Planning

Most landscaping projects take time to design and require building permits from cities, HOAs, and watershed districts. The process often takes several weeks, sometimes months. Start working with a designer or landscape architect on a detailed plan now. You'll beat the spring rush and avoid frustrating permitting delays. Call (651) 203-3000 to schedule a meeting.

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Working through uncooperative weather and into December, our designer and installation crews went the extra mile (or ten) to create this suburban luxury landscape.

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Steps galore! This steep slope was transformed into a space that this family can now safely enjoy. This design includes steps, terraces, patios, fire features, and more.

Improve Your Life Outdoors

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Your perfect outdoor living space begins with a simple conversation. Let’s talk about your outdoor living space!


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