Retaining Wall Installation in Farmingville, NY
Are you dealing with soil eroding, a hillside washing out, or a grade change that needs a proper wall? Perna Masonry builds and repairs retaining walls in Farmingville, NY, for homeowners across Suffolk County. We serve Holtsville, Selden, Medford, and surrounding Suffolk County communities. Family-owned. No subcontractors. 20+ years experience.
Seeing soil washing down a slope or having a yard that you can't fully use because of a grade change is a common problem for many homeowners on Long Island. When the earth starts to move, it can threaten your landscape, your patio, and even your home's foundation. It is a stressful situation that requires a permanent solution, not just a temporary fix. Many people try to ignore a failing hillside, but the pressure of the soil only increases with every rainstorm, eventually leading to a collapse that can be much more expensive to repair.
Nelson Perna brings over 20 years of hands-on experience to every retaining wall project. As a local Farmingville resident, he understands the specific challenges of Long Island soil, from heavy clay to sandy conditions. We build walls that are engineered to handle the massive pressure of the earth behind them and the relentless freeze-thaw cycles that push against masonry every winter. We don't just stack stones; we build structures that are designed to last for the lifetime of your home.
We do not use subcontractors. When you hire Perna Masonry, you get Nelson and his crew on the job every day until it is finished. Most of our work comes from referrals from neighbors in Farmingville, Selden, and Medford who have seen our walls stand the test of time. We believe in building things right the first time so you never have to worry about your hillside again. We take pride in our reputation for honesty, craftsmanship, and reliable service across Suffolk County.
A well-built retaining wall does more than just hold back dirt. It creates usable flat space where there was once only a slope, giving you more room for a patio, a garden, or a play area for your children. It adds structure and beauty to your property, increasing your home's curb appeal and overall value. Whether you need a small garden border or a massive structural wall to save a sinking yard, we have the experience and the equipment to handle it efficiently and professionally.
Retaining Walls, Seat Walls, and Grade Solutions
Fieldstone Retaining Walls
Natural irregular stone provides a rustic, timeless look that fits perfectly in garden borders and traditional landscapes. We carefully select each stone for its shape and size, ensuring a tight fit and a beautiful finish. Fieldstone walls are as durable as they are beautiful, offering a natural aesthetic that manufactured materials can't quite match. They blend into the surrounding environment, making them ideal for informal gardens and wooded properties.
These walls are excellent for lower grade changes and decorative accents. We can build them as dry-stack walls for a more organic feel or use mortar for a solid, structural finish. Every fieldstone project is unique, reflecting the natural beauty of the stone itself. We often use fieldstone to create tiered garden beds that add depth and dimension to a flat yard, or to define the edges of a property with a classic Long Island look.
Learn about fieldstone wallsBlock Retaining Walls
We use high-quality systems like Cambridge Ledgestone and Nicolock wall systems to create structural walls with a consistent, clean appearance. These manufactured block systems are engineered for strength and can handle significant grade changes with ease. They come in a variety of colors and textures to match your home's exterior, from smooth modern finishes to weathered, stone-like appearances.
Block walls are the go-to choice for larger structural needs. They allow for precise engineering, including proper batter (the backward tilt of the wall) and interlocking mechanisms that ensure the wall stays upright even under heavy loads. We ensure the base is perfectly level and compacted with professional-grade equipment before a single block is laid. This meticulous preparation is what prevents the leaning and settling that plagues poorly built walls.
Explore block wall options
Seat Walls
Seat walls are low walls, usually around 18 inches high, built around the perimeter of a patio. They provide extra seating for guests and are often paired with firepits to create a cozy outdoor living space. They define the boundaries of your patio while adding functional value, eliminating the need for bulky extra furniture that can clutter your space.
We can build seat walls using the same materials as your patio or use contrasting stones for a decorative look. They are a great way to provide a permanent, beautiful seating solution for your family and friends. We often add bluestone or granite caps to these walls to provide a smooth, comfortable surface for sitting. Seat walls also act as a safety barrier for tiered patios, providing a clear edge while adding to the overall design.
View seat wall servicesDrainage behind walls
Walls fail when water builds up behind them. We include gravel backfill, weep holes, and proper slope on every job. This prevents the "hydrostatic pressure" that causes walls to lean or collapse over time. We use 3/4" clean gravel and heavy-duty filter fabric to ensure the drainage stays clear and functional for years to come.
Proper drainage is the most overlooked part of retaining wall construction by many contractors. Without it, even the strongest wall will eventually fail under the weight of water-logged soil. We take the extra time to install the drainage system correctly from the start so your wall remains stable through every heavy rain and spring thaw.
Permits
In Suffolk County, walls over a certain height may require a permit from your local town. Nelson will walk you through the local rules for your specific town during your free estimate to ensure everything is done correctly and legally. We can help with the permit process or suggest creative terracing as an alternative to a single tall wall, which can often bypass permit requirements while providing a more attractive, multi-level landscape.
Find the Right Wall for Your Property
Fieldstone Retaining Wall
Natural, rustic stone walls perfect for garden borders and slopes.
View ServiceBuilt Right the First Time
Nelson Builds Every Wall
Nelson Perna personally oversees and performs the work on every wall. No subcontractors ever.
20+ Years Experience
We have over two decades of experience solving grade issues and building walls on Long Island.
Proper Drainage Included
We include proper gravel backfill and weep holes behind every wall to prevent failure.
Licensed and Insured
Perna Masonry is fully licensed and insured in New York for your protection.
Free Estimates
We provide clear, honest pricing with no surprises. Nelson answers his own phone.
Referral-Based
Most of our wall projects come from referrals by happy neighbors across Suffolk County.
From First Call to Finished Wall
Free Estimate
Nelson walks your property, assesses the grade, and explains the best wall options for your space.
Material Selection
Choose from fieldstone, Cambridge Ledgestone, or Nicolock block. We find the right match for your home.
Installation
We handle the excavation, set a proper base, and build the wall with integrated drainage and proper batter.
Final Walkthrough
Before we leave, you walk the job with Nelson to ensure every detail of the wall is perfect.
Real Work. Real Neighbors. Real Results.
"Perna Masonry did an awesome job on our front steps and walkway here in Miller Place. They covered the old concrete and asphalt with bluestone and pavers, and it looks amazing. Super clean work and really professional. Highly recommend Nelson if you need a local mason in Suffolk County."
"Nelson installed bluestone pavers over my old concrete steps and walkway in Miller Place. It looks great. We're very happy with the new updated look. Work was done in time at a reasonable price. Will definitely use again."
See our work on Google. More reviews from Suffolk County homeowners coming soon.
Retaining Wall Questions Answered
Serving Farmingville and All of Suffolk County
Perna Masonry is based in Farmingville and builds retaining walls across all of Suffolk County. Most of our customers are homeowners who found us through referrals from neighbors who trust our craftsmanship.
More Hardscaping Services in Suffolk County
Ready to Fix That Slope?
Nelson Perna is a local Farmingville mason who answers his own phone and gives free estimates. Don't let erosion wash away your property — get a clear price on your retaining wall project today.
Serving Farmingville, Holtsville, Selden, Medford, Centereach, Patchogue, Coram, Lake Grove, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson and all surrounding Suffolk County communities.