The Retaining Wall Hub
Discover the Best Suppliers and Contractors, Find Retaining Wall Solutions and Design info.
Welcome to Retaining Wall HQ
At Retaining Wall HQ you will find all the information you need to design and get your wall built. Including council regulations for your area, local suppliers and contractors and tips that no one will tell you.
We’ve showcased the walls for you so you can make an informed decision on the best Wall suitable for your site.
If your looking for the best suppliers or top 3 contractors in your area go to your areas page. You will find a link to your area throughout our site.
What Type of Retaining Wall is Best for You.
Chck through our list here and by clicking on the link you will be taken to heaps of upto date info on that particular wall.
If you are looking for Contractors or Suppliers click on a link to your area.
Concrete Sleepers
Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls are a popular choice and in most areas one of the most cost effective type of retainer wall.
Your choice of finish and colour is extensive, making concrete sleepers a popular choice for residential, commercial and industrial walls.
For all the up to date information on concrete sleepers, go to our concrete sleepers page.
For info specific to your area such as council regs, height limits, design criteria and the best local tradies, contractors and suppliers simply click on your areas link which you will find on this page and throughout the website.
Block Retaining Walls
Their are basically two types of Concrete block walls, those with mortar joints and those without joints which are dry stacked together.
You will find all the info on both types on our concrete block retaining wall page.
Timber Retaining Walls
Timber retaining walls are usually a cheaper type of wall but will not last as long as walls built with concrete products or rock.
Hardwood walls do however have a longer longevity than softwoods. Find which type of timber wall suits your site on our timber retaining wall page.
Sandstone Walls
Sandstone walls are not created equal. Find the advantages and disadvantages of building in sandstone on our sandstone walls page.
You will also find different types of sandstone that’s used in retaining walls on this page along with grades and shapes.
Rock Walls
Common types of rock used in rock walls and the advantages of building your wall in rock are shown on this page.
This and more great info on rock walls is right here using this link.
Stone Walls
Learn the difference between a stone wall and a rock wall and which type of stone wall suits your property.
We also briefly discuss the different types of stone used in retaining walls around Australia and what type of wall is cheaper.
You will find all this and more on our stone walls page.
Concrete Retaining Walls
What are the different types of concrete walls? You will find them on our concrete retaining wall page.
You will also find the pros and cons of using concrete for your wall. Some of which you may not of thought of.
Looking for contractors or information on council regulations to build your wall, go to your areas page by clicking the link to your area.
Brick Walls
Details for brick retaining walls are on our brick walls page including the different types of walls used for retaining walls and some up to date average costings.
To check if your wall needs council consent, the info for your council is on your areas page. Just click on the link on this page.
Gabion Walls
Gabion retaining walls are a cost effective way to build your wall, either residential or commercial property.
They are quick, simple and in most cases aesthetically pleasing. We have a great page of info on Gabion walls, just click the link.
DIY Retaining Walls
Building your own wall? Find the best walls to build yourself and what the legalities are?
Also some different products you can use, we have a page specifically for this at DIY retaining walls.
If you are want to know the council requirements to build a wall in your area go to your areas link found on this page.
Retaining Walls for Gardens
Looking to build a retaining wall in your garden? We’ve set aside a page specifically for the types of walls you would use in your garden landscaping. You will find it here.
To check the heights you are allowed to go to without council consent you will find the info on your areas page.
Which area of Australia is Your Retaining Wall Located
For specific information such as
- whether you require council consent to build your retaining wall
- local council regulations
- types of walls in your area
- local suppliers
- contractors or licenced tradies in your area
Go to the Find Your Area section on this page or to the Areas tab in the menu bar.
Takes you to your Areas Page
Free Measure and Quote

Free Measure and Quote from an Experienced, Licensed and Verified Contractor in Your Area.
Why Choose Us for Your Retaining Wall
Highly Experienced
Contractors who are highly experienced in their trade or field with a portfolio of previous work.
Licensed Contractors
We verify the Contractors are licenced to complete the project as specified in the applicable state.
Registered Contractors
All contractors are Registered to carry on a Business in the appropriate state. We have verified this for you.
Common Causes of Retaining Wall Failure
Here are some of the common causes of Retaining Wall Failure to watch for.
Poor Drainage
One of the leading causes of retaining wall failure is when water gets trapped behind the wall. Water should be able to escape through the wall and by drainage behind the wall.
Incorrect Footings
Footings are either built too small by inexperienced operators or made smaller to cut costs by cowboys. The problem doesn’t usually arise until the contractor is long gone.
Over Span
Supporting posts are placed too far apart or over span or reinforcing steel is not placed at the correct centres. Correct planning of the footing structure usually avoids the issue.
Inadequate Design
Often a Tradesman will design and construct a Retaining Wall. However, anything over 1 metre should be designed by an Engineer.
Incorrect Material
Using the incorrect material for the job usually causes problems down the track for eg timber not treated adequately for the requirement or using lower strength concrete.
Tradesman Cutting Corners
Tradesman usually cut corners for 2 reasons. To save time and to save money. An experienced operator knows that this usually catches up to them.
Retaining Wall FAQ
Some of the reasons for building a Retaining Wall are;
- You do not have the space to batter the bank back at approx. 45 degrees.
- The bank to be retained is close to a structure.
- Usually a boundary wall requires some sort of retaining.
- An area needs to be levelled out so as to give you more liveable/workable space.
- You need to level out an area of a slope.
Each Council does have some varying conditions so you should check your local councils specifications. However most councils in Australia allow walls upto 1 metre in height and 1.5 metres from a building or another retaining wall to be built without consent.
There are many sorts of Retaining Wall options which are grouped into 4 types.
- Gravity Walls which rely on the sheer weight of the wall to retain a bank. An example of these are Rock walls.
- Piling Walls which rely on piles being driven, bored or placed under ground. These walls are usually timber, concrete piles or sheet piling.
- Canilever walls rely on the wall being attached to a Footing. Examples are Concrete and Concrete Block Retaining Walls.
- Anchored walls rely on the wall being anchored back into the back it is retaining. These walls are usually used in Commercial or Industrial areas.
Basically a retaining wall supports a bank. If that bank can be battered back to a slope of 45 degrees you do not require a Retaining Wall.
Yes you can, unfortunately though if the wall falls over damaging people or property you are liable. Any wall over 1 metre requires an approval from your local council.
The cheapest way to retain a bank is to batter it to 45 degrees. Failing this the cheapest walls depending on height are basically
- Timber
- Interlocking Concrete Blocks
- Concrete Sleepers
- Insitu Concrete
- Rock and stone
- Concrete Blocks
- Commercially designed walls