Retaining Walls Nanaimo

How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Nanaimo?

Retaining wall costs vary considerably because the visible wall is only one part of the project.

Height and length matter, but excavation, access, soil conditions, drainage, disposal of excavated material, reinforcement and the amount of site preparation required can have a significant effect on the final price.

A straightforward retaining wall on an accessible property will generally cost less to construct than a wall on a steep backyard where machinery, materials and excavated soil are difficult to move.

Curves, tiers, steps and changes in elevation can also increase the amount of work involved.

Larger or more complex retaining walls may require engineering, which should be established before the final construction cost is determined.

We provide detailed estimates after looking at the property, access and site conditions and understanding what the retaining wall needs to accomplish.

Retaining Walls for New Homes

Retaining walls are often required around new homes because construction can create substantial changes in elevation around the property.

Foundation excavation, driveways and site servicing can leave areas of disturbed or recently backfilled ground. Before constructing a retaining wall in these areas, it is important to understand what is underneath the proposed wall and whether the ground is suitable to support it.

Additional excavation may sometimes be required to reach suitable ground before the retaining wall base can be properly constructed.

Planning retaining walls as part of the complete landscape also allows drainage, patios, walkways, gardens, irrigation and final grades to work together instead of treating each part of the property separately.

How Long Does a Retaining Wall Last?

A properly constructed retaining wall can remain functional for decades.

How long it lasts depends on the wall system, ground conditions and the quality of the construction underneath and behind the wall.

Base preparation and drainage are particularly important. A wall may look perfect when it is first completed, but problems underneath it can eventually lead to settlement or movement.

Water collecting behind a retaining wall can also create considerable pressure. Providing appropriate drainage and free-draining backfill helps manage that water and protect the wall.

The construction you cannot see is every bit as important as the finished retaining wall you can.

Can Retaining Walls Be Built on Sloped or Difficult Properties?

Yes. Retaining walls are often one of the most effective ways to improve a steep or difficult landscape.

Many Vancouver Island properties have significant slopes, uneven grades, rock or limited access. Retaining walls can divide these areas into more manageable levels and create usable space for gardens, lawns, patios, pathways and other landscape features.

Difficult access doesn’t necessarily prevent a retaining wall from being constructed, but it can change the equipment and construction method required.

Steeper properties may also require additional excavation, drainage or reinforcement.

We look at the surrounding property as well as the wall itself so the retaining wall works with the existing grades and the rest of the landscape.

Why Is Drainage Important Behind a Retaining Wall?

Drainage is one of the most important considerations when building a retaining wall.

A retaining wall holds back soil, but water can also accumulate in the ground behind it. If that water cannot escape, pressure can develop behind the wall and contribute to movement or failure.

Free-draining material behind the wall gives water a route through the retained area, while an appropriate drainage system allows that water to be directed away.

Surface grading also matters. The surrounding landscape should manage runoff appropriately rather than continually directing surface water toward the wall.

Drainage requirements vary with the wall, soil conditions, surrounding grades and property, so drainage needs to be considered as part of the retaining wall construction rather than as an afterthought.

Does a Retaining Wall Need Engineering?

Some retaining walls may require professional engineering depending on their height, location, surrounding grades and what is being supported above or behind the wall.

A small landscape wall and a large retaining wall supporting a driveway, structure or significant slope have very different requirements.

Where engineering is required, the retaining wall needs to be constructed according to the appropriate design and specifications.

This should be established during the planning stage rather than after construction has started.

Can an Existing Retaining Wall Be Replaced?

Yes. Older retaining walls can deteriorate, move or begin to lean over time.

Replacing a retaining wall isn’t necessarily a matter of removing the old material and putting a new wall in exactly the same place.

If the original wall failed, it is important to understand why.

The condition of the base, drainage, soil, surrounding grades and water movement should be considered before the replacement wall is constructed. Correcting the underlying problem can be more important than simply replacing the visible wall.

Access and disposal also need to be considered because the old wall and potentially some of the material behind it may need to be removed before construction can begin.

Why Choose Creative By Design for Retaining Wall Construction?

Creative By Design has been designing and building residential landscapes on Central Vancouver Island since 2005.

Retaining walls are often connected to other parts of a landscape, including excavation, drainage, grading, patios, walkways and gardens. Our landscape construction experience allows us to consider how the retaining wall fits into the entire property rather than treating the wall as an isolated structure.

We provide:

• More than 20 years of landscape construction experience
• Residential retaining wall construction
• Excavation and site preparation
• Drainage and grading experience
• Natural stone and rockwork experience
• Solutions for sloped and difficult properties
• Detailed project estimates
• Licensed and insured landscape construction

Our goal is to build a retaining wall that provides the function the property requires while looking like it belongs in the surrounding landscape.

Planning a Retaining Wall in Nanaimo?

If you’re considering a new retaining wall, replacing an existing wall or looking for a way to make better use of a sloped property, contact Creative By Design to discuss your project.

We provide residential retaining wall construction in Nanaimo and surrounding Mid-Island communities.

Call 250.436.2235 to discuss your retaining wall project.