Retaining Walls Nanaimo

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

The type of retaining wall that works for your property depends on the slope, soil conditions, available space, access, drainage and the appearance you want for your landscape. We build several types of residential retaining walls in Nanaimo and can help you choose a wall system suited to your property and what the wall needs to accomplish.

Interlocking Block Retaining Walls

Interlocking concrete blocks can be used to build structured retaining walls for sloped yards, garden areas and changes in elevation around your property. Different block styles, colours and finishes allow the retaining wall to work with surrounding patios, walkways and other hardscape features.

Your block retaining wall requires proper excavation, base preparation and drainage, with reinforcement incorporated when required for the height and site conditions.

Boulder Retaining Walls

Boulder retaining walls use large natural rock to retain soil while creating a more natural appearance in your landscape. They can work particularly well on larger properties, slopes and areas where you want the retaining wall to blend into surrounding gardens and planting.

Boulder size, placement, access and ground preparation all need to be considered when building the wall, particularly where machinery is required to excavate and position the rock.

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stone retaining walls can provide soil retention while becoming a feature within your landscape. Stone can be selected and placed to complement gardens, pathways and other natural materials around your property.

Building with natural stone requires careful preparation and placement so the finished wall works with the grade, drainage and surrounding landscape rather than simply creating a decorative surface.

How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Nanaimo?

The cost of your retaining wall can vary considerably because the visible wall is only one part of your project.

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

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

If your retaining wall includes curves, tiers, steps or changes in elevation, these can also increase the amount of work involved.

A larger or more complex retaining wall on your property may require engineering, which should be established before your final construction cost is determined.

We provide you with a detailed estimate after looking at your property, access and site conditions and understanding what your retaining wall needs to accomplish.

Retaining Walls for New Homes

You may need retaining walls around your new home because construction can create substantial changes in elevation across your property.

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

Your project may require additional excavation to reach suitable ground before we can properly construct the retaining wall base.

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

How Long Does a Retaining Wall Last?

A properly constructed retaining wall on your property can remain functional for decades.

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

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

Water collecting behind your retaining wall can also create considerable pressure. Providing appropriate drainage and free-draining backfill helps manage that water and protect your 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. A retaining wall can be one of the most effective ways to improve your steep or difficult landscape.

If your Vancouver Island property has significant slopes, uneven grades, rock or limited access, retaining walls can divide these areas into more manageable levels and create usable space for your gardens, lawn, patios, pathways and other landscape features.

Difficult access to your property doesn’t necessarily prevent us from constructing a retaining wall, but it can change the equipment and construction method required.

If your property is particularly steep, your retaining wall may also require additional excavation, drainage or reinforcement.

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

Why Is Drainage Important Behind a Retaining Wall?

Drainage is one of the most important considerations when we build a retaining wall on your property.

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

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

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

Your drainage requirements will vary with the retaining wall, soil conditions, surrounding grades and property, so we consider drainage as part of your retaining wall construction rather than as an afterthought.

Does a Retaining Wall Need Engineering?

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

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

Where engineering is required for your retaining wall, we need to construct it according to the appropriate design and specifications.

We establish this during the planning stage rather than after construction has started.

Can an Existing Retaining Wall Be Replaced?

Yes. If you have an older retaining wall, it can deteriorate, move or begin to lean over time.

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

If your original wall failed, it is important to understand why before we replace it.

We consider the condition of the base, drainage, soil, surrounding grades and water movement before constructing your replacement wall. Correcting the underlying problem can be more important than simply replacing the visible wall.

We also consider access and disposal because your old wall and potentially some of the material behind it may need to be removed before we can begin construction.

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.

Your retaining wall is often connected to other parts of your landscape, including excavation, drainage, grading, patios, walkways and gardens. Our landscape construction experience allows us to consider how your retaining wall fits into your 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 your sloped and difficult property
• Detailed project estimates
• Licensed and insured landscape construction

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

Planning a Retaining Wall in Nanaimo?

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

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

Call 250.436.2235 to discuss your retaining wall project.