Retaining Walls
Our distinctive retaining walls are tailored to address steep slopes and enhance gathering areas near lakeshores or riverfronts. Whether serving a functional purpose or purely decorative, each wall is meticulously crafted to complement the natural surroundings and meet the homeowner's specific preferences for materials and aesthetic appeal.
Specific rocks are custom-cut to fit seamlessly together. This attention to detail enhances the custom and distinctive look of each project, ensuring that the retaining wall not only provides structural stability but also becomes a focal point of beauty and functionality on the property.
Big Carnelian Lake - Stillwater, MN
“We had a failing timber retaining wall at the edge of our shoreline property. Ben replaced the rotting timbers with a stone retaining wall that is both completely functional and absolutely beautiful. Ben skillfully combines engineering with artistry.
The pontoon drivers that circle by each evening slow down to feast their eyes. We are 1000% satisfied.”
- D. C.
Mississippi River - Champlin, MN
Bald Eagle Lake, MN
“I have worked with countless contractors and subs through decades on housing projects. Ben Andreski and ColdStone Shorelines in unquestionably the best experience I have had without exception.
We did a major project including our shoreline with granite stairs, terracing our hillside with two patios and a waterfall. Ben had an artistic creative sense for how the stone would blend in a way weaving with our gardens while considering its functionality. Thanks to Ben, we now have a landscape that is a source of pride and draws others to our gatherings.
Ben is a wonderful communicator, makes sure he has a clear understanding of the work you want done and won’t leave until you are 100% satisfied. The quality of the work is meticulous, creative and durable. Ben could probably do needle point with his backhoe. The greatest asset of this business is Ben’s integrity, always doing the right thing with a community view while maintaining an old school work ethic. While this is his business, it’s also clear that it’s his passion and life work.”
- Brett S. and Jody M.
Marine on Saint Croix, MN
“Oak wilt led to trimming a few branches off a majestic burr oak that stands at the entry to our farm. I cut up and stacked the wood between the tree and driveway, following the curve of the drive and mirroring that of the oak’s substantial trunk. After I split and burned the wood a couple years later, my wife and I realized how nicely the gentle design of the pile had led people to enter our house.
Ben agreed to build a wall in that form and spirit, though a freestanding wall finished on two sides is much more difficult than one built into a bank, to be seen on only one. Shying away from no challenge, Ben took on the job and the produced is a work of art, leading one gracefully to the front door of our house”
-Fritz W.
Lake Nancy - Minong, WI
“We recently turned to Coldstone Shorelines and Retaining Walls after a timber retaining wall threatened to fail. I talked my wife into considering a boulder retaining wall, but we had concerns due to our challenging site. Ben assessed the situation and designed a new boulder wall for our site with limited space and a steep, sandy hillside. His exceptional communication, attention to detail, and dedication to quality were evident throughout the process.
Ben delivered a stunning and durable wall and made the experience enjoyable. We highly reccomend Ben for any retaining wall or shoreline project. He's an expert who is both skilled and a pleasure to work with!”
- Mark and Mary O.
Saint Croix River - Scandia, MN
“The National Park Service granted us permission to add bedrooms to our small cabin on the St. Croix River. As stewards of the land, we had to navigate the complexity and conditions required by the governing agencies. We partnered with an architect for the building, and ColdStone for the landscaping needs to design and create environmentally sound and visually appealing solutions.
The addition needed to accommodate the contour of the natural land and required a retaining wall (that we didn't want to look like a retaining wall), as well as storm water management, erosion control, and rain gardens. It’s one thing to have a plan on paper, and another to watch and witness Ben bring the plan to life with his masterful ability to blend purpose and structural needs, reliable materials and methods, and precision execution. He worked hand-in-hand with us, carefully selecting and placing natural trap rock and unique field stone from our area, featuring the beauty of shape, color, veins, and layers in each.
Together we share a deep pride in what was accomplished. Ben’s hard work and diligence created a natural layered setting integrating the cabin, trees, and vegetation, to help preserve the beauty of the scenic river wilderness.”
- Mark and Dawn M.