Brick Retaining Walls
Methods of Construction, Designs, Costs, Suppliers and Tradies we’ve got it all!
Brick Retaining Walls – What you need to know
Brick walls are a popular choice as they are durable, able to withstand Australia’s harsh climate, will not rot or suffer from termite infestation, plus a huge variety of different bricks are available on the market.
Often the choice of building brick retaining walls are influenced by other factors such as:
- Whether it is legally viable for your properties needs
- Brick retaining walls require a strong structural footing to support the weight of the soil
- Depending on the height, the brick wall may need to be structurally engineered with prior council approval
- Require the services of a qualified tradesperson to complete the project to council Specifications
- the cost
Can you match the Existing Bricks on the House for my Brick Retaining Walls?
In the 70’s through to the early 90’s a lot of suburban backyards used bricks to build matching fences and brick walls.
These days a lot of residents prefer a contrasting look, so they do not appear to be as popular.
Matching bricks all depends on the age of your dwelling and if the bricks are still being manufactured today.
Depending how high your brick retaining wall is, it may look a bit too matched, or too much of the same look, if you choose the same bricks, but this is a personal choice.
Brick Walls Enhance the Natural Landscape
There are multiple styles, colours and finishes that all add to the natural earthy feel of a brick wall allowing it to showcase as a feature wall or blend seamlessly into the background.
It really comes down to your preference and lifestyle choice.
Some of the Methods to Build Brick Retaining Walls
Solid Brick Wall
Minimum width is 230mm which is the length of a standard brick. Walls vary in thickness with modern day walls not usually exceeding 470mm thick as alternative products give a higher strength ratio.
Concrete Block with Brick Veneer Wall
This wall is constructed using concrete blocks with the bricks placed over the top as a veneer. The strength of the wall is in the reinforced concrete blocks filled with concrete; the bricks are aesthetic.
Brick Facing
Bricks are cut to 10 – 20mm thicknesses and glued to a structurally sound concrete or concrete block retaining wall.
How high can you Build Retaining Walls without Council Consent?
Each state and council have their own criteria but in the majority of states, retaining walls need prior building approval unless they meet the following criteria:
Less than (1) one metre high and further than 1.5 metres to a building or another retaining wall.
Only supports the soil behind the wall, nothing above. Ie load surcharge from driveways, structures etc
What is the Average Cost of Brick Retaining Walls to Build?
This is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string?! As a general guide contractors are charging up to $250/m2 for labour, plus the cost of your materials.
When costing a brick retaining wall there are many factors that contribute to the overall final cost:
- Whether the services of a structural engineer are required to design it
- The height and length of the structure
- Which material you choose, brick or brick veneer and blocks
- Labour costs
- Any drainage requirements/excavation costs
There is a lot to consider so it is important to feel confident when asking for a quote that all legal requirements as well as contractual obligations are met and finished to a high standard.
At Retaining Wall HQ we connect you with qualified licensed tradespeople selected for their expertise in building brick retaining walls. For a FREE no obligation quote in your area, simply go to your area here:
If brick retaining walls are a little out of your budget go to our home page and choose a cheaper type of retaining wall. In particular, timber, concrete sleepers, rock or stone or gabion walls are all a cheaper version than brick walls.
Handy Bricklaying Industry Links
Think Brick Australia – Represent clay brick and paver manufacturers in Australia
Masonry Contractors Australia – Information on contractors and industry news
Standards Australia – National standards for Earth Retaining Structures and Brickwork
Contractors, Suppliers, Bricklayers and Tradies in your area – Takes you to your locations page on this website to find the best in your area.
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Brick Retaining Wall FAQ
Brick Retaining Walls are not the cheapest option either in a domestic or commercial applications. Brick Walls were widespread but now other products have proven to be a better option. Areas where Brick Retaining Walls are used include some of the following;
- feature walls
- matching existing walls
- garden and landscaping
- as a veneer over a stronger concrete retaining wall.
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. You should check with your local council.
Concrete footings are required for brick retaining walls, often with vertical steel reinforcing bars tying into the wall. In the past footings were built out of bricks but due to strength issues this technique is no longer used in the majority of walls.
A standard brick is 230mm in length and that is the minimum thickness a brick retaining wall should be. Some walls go to 350mm (1 1/2 bricks) any wall required to be thicker than this is usually built from concrete with a brick facing or veneer.
Yes a brick retaining wall does require drainage to be installed behind the wall and often weep holes through the wall.
If a brick retaining wall is leaning forward it is usually a sign that the wall is failing, this can be for the following reasons;
- inadequate drainage behind the wall
- tree or plant roots pushing the wall over
- inadequate foundation support
- incorrect footing size
- excess loadings above the wall ie driveways, carports etc.
- incorrect thickness of the wall
- poor construction
The wall has failed, so it is best to find the cause of failure and attend to that area. Once the wall starts to lean it will not go back into position on its own.
If the footings are ok ie failure was caused by tree roots or drainage issues the bricks can be pulled down and re laid after rectifying the problem. If the problem was a loading issue a stronger wall will need to be built.