Retaining walls in Portland, Maine have to do more than keep soil in place. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy fall rains, and coastal winds demand a block system that is engineered for strength yet styled for the classic New England curb appeal homeowners expect. CountBricks pairs deep material expertise with AI-driven estimating to ensure every homeowner gets the right block, the right footing, and the right price—without the guesswork.
Real-time voice estimating—Simply describe your hillside or garden project to our AI assistant and receive an on-the-spot material list, labor timeline, and cost breakdown.
Blueprint takeoffs in minutes—Upload a PDF plan and let CountBricks isolate wall lengths, elevations, and block counts automatically.
Local block sourcing—We maintain live inventories with Portland-area suppliers, so our estimates reflect what is actually in stock today.
Full-service install or DIY support—Whether you want a turnkey build or just need a pallet dropped curbside, CountBricks has a service tier to match.
Material selection is the foundation of long-lasting performance. Portland’s climate makes certain block properties non-negotiable:
• High compressive strength to resist frost heave pressure
• Integrated drainage cores or pin systems to evacuate water quickly
• Textured faces that blend with cedar shingles and granite accents common to Maine homes
CountBricks engineers run every block option through structural software so we can recommend heights, geogrid spacing, and setback angles that meet local code.
Concrete segmental blocks dominate most Portland backyards because they are engineered, lightweight, and stack swiftly. Homeowners looking for maximum heritage charm, however, may choose granite or fieldstone veneer sourced through CountBricks.com/services. Our estimating engine can price both categories instantly, allowing you to weigh look against budget in real time.
1. Voice Consultation—Chat with our AI estimator or schedule a live video call with a CountBricks pro.
2. Digital Survey—We analyze photos and measurements you upload from your phone to create a 3D site model.
3. Instant Estimate—Within minutes you receive a line-item PDF covering blocks, base gravel, drainage pipe, geogrid, and labor.
4. Permit Support—CountBricks pre-fills city permit forms and supplies engineer-sealed drawings when walls exceed 4 feet.
5. Material Delivery—Blocks arrive on synchronized pallets so crews never idle.
6. Installation—Our crews excavate, compact, and stack to precise laser levels, finishing with soil backfill and landscape fabric.
7. Final Walkthrough—A shared digital punch list ensures any touch-ups are completed before payment is released.
Prices shift weekly, but CountBricks’ AI pulls live supplier data every morning. For a typical 50-foot-long, 3-foot-high wall this season:
• Block and cap units: $28–$33 per square foot of face
• Base gravel and drainage stone: 15% of total material cost
• Geogrid reinforcement (if required): 5%–8% of total
• Labor, equipment, and haul-off: $35–$45 per square foot of face
Our voice estimate will show exact numbers for today's date and zip code. Homeowners who choose a DIY pickup package save the labor portion while still benefiting from CountBricks’ bulk pricing on blocks.
• Start below grade—Bury at least one full block course to counter frost heave.
• Over-excavate footing width to twice the block depth for stability.
• Minimize soil pressure by installing perforated drainpipe behind the first course.
• Place geogrid every second course on walls taller than 3 feet.
• Sweep joints clean during stacking; sand or debris can compromise interlock.
All CountBricks installations include a transferable five-year workmanship warranty on block placement and drainage. Clients also receive lifetime access to their digital project file inside CountBricks.com/portfolio. If shifting soils ever threaten your wall, our crews can review the original 3D model and deploy targeted repairs before damage spreads.
Ready to transform a sloping backyard into a level lawn or multi-tiered garden? Tap the microphone icon on CountBricks.com to launch a no-obligation voice estimate. In under five minutes you’ll know exactly how many Portland retaining wall blocks you need—and the turnkey price to see the job finished by a trusted local crew.
A recent homeowner on Summit Street faced a 12-foot elevation drop that limited yard usability and funneled stormwater toward the foundation. CountBricks conducted a 15-minute voice consultation, then uploaded the client’s site photos into our AI takeoff engine.
• Wall length: 86 feet across three terraces
• Maximum height: 6 feet
• Block style: Split-face concrete in coastal gray
• Completion time: 7 working days despite two rain delays
1. Double geogrid layers allowed the wall to remain under 6 feet, avoiding additional permitting hurdles.
2. An integrated stair core used the same block system, saving on specialty stone costs.
3. A French drain tied into the existing gutter downspout, diverting runoff well past the new lawn.
The family gained 700 square feet of flat play space and a dry basement. Energy savings appeared immediately as foundation dampness dropped. CountBricks’ post-build survey recorded a 9.8/10 satisfaction score, citing “speedy estimate, no surprise costs, and a crew that left our driveway cleaner than they found it.”
• Inspect for standing water every spring; clear clogged drain outlets promptly.
• Keep plant roots at least 12 inches from the wall face to prevent displacement.
• Reapply polymeric joint sand on caps every three years for a watertight seal.
• Schedule a CountBricks.com/services check-up if you notice bulging greater than 1⁄2 inch.
If this project inspires your own backyard plans, start with the microphone on CountBricks.com. Our AI will quote your Portland retaining wall blocks, outline code requirements, and reserve crew dates—all before you finish your morning coffee.
