7 Tips for Building the Perfect Retaining Wall with Bricks

Brick walls are not suited to every situation that requires a retaining wall. Some factors need to be taken into consideration such as

• the required strength of the wall
• the height of the wall and
• whether the wall is supporting another structure

Follow these 7 tips and building a retaining wall with bricks will become much easier

1. Consult an Engineer

Before you start building your retaining wall, it’s important that you consult an engineer. They will be able to help you determine whether a retaining wall with bricks is the best option for your needs.

If it is, they will also be able to help you design your wall. As the footing design is the most important part.

2. Consider the Design of your Retaining Wall

How you want your wall to look needs to be decided before plans are drawn. The main features to consider are

• do you want a plain straight wall
• do you require the wall to step in and out
• whether you want to use columns to break up a wall
• do you want to have indented features or “picture framing” on the wall
• would you like a coping course on top of the wall to finish it off
• is the top off the wall to be stepped down with a slope or kept at the same angle as the retained land. The angle option is more expensive as it requires much more cutting to the brickwork.

3. Get the necessary Council Permits for Brick Retaining Walls

Once you’ve consulted an engineer and designed your wall, you’ll need to get the necessary council permits. Your engineer will know whether your retaining wall requires building consent from your local council.

In most states of Australia, you will not require consent if the wall is under 1 metre in height.

Each local council does have other conditions which we won’t go into in this article.

You can check the area near you on this site for more detailed conditions and links to local councils and their conditions. Just follow this link Retaining wall with bricks

4. Choose the right Type of Brick

There are many different types of bricks available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

Some things you’ll want to consider when making your selection are whether you want a smooth or textured finish. A face brick or to use commons and render over them.

The colour of the mortar joints can completely change the look of the wall as well.

Also how the joints are finished,

• whether you want a round iron finish, which compresses the mortar to a smooth concave joint
• a raked look which removes the outside 10mm of mortar leaving the joints indented from the face of the brick
• or a flush look where the bricklayer cuts the mortar off with a trowel and that is the finish
• there are other options which you should talk to your bricklayer or supplier about. The above are the main 3 finishes.

5. Choose a Construction Method

There are several different ways to build a retaining wall with bricks. The method you choose will depend on your needs and the design of your wall.

For walls over 1 metre, your engineer will discuss the best method with you. For walls under a metre consult with your bricklayer.

The most common methods are:

1. Brick columns filled with steel reinforced concrete
2. Solid brick walls that are usually 230mm, 350mm or 470mm thick. Or a selection of these sizes used for different heights of the wall.
3. Two brick skins form a cavity and are filled with steel reinforced concrete

6. Drainage

One of the most important aspects of your retaining wall is drainage. Inadequate drainage is the main reason that most retaining walls fail.

There are two types of drainage you’ll need to consider:

Surface Drainage – This type of drainage prevents water from pooling above your wall. It is especially important if you have natural drainage from a neighbouring property, as this water should be removed as quickly as possible.

Dish drains are often used to redirect the water to a stormwater drain.

Subsurface Drainage – This drainage takes the water from behind your wall and redirects it to a stormwater drain. This is the most important item of your wall and should never be left out behind  brick retaining walls.

The drainage usually consists of a perforated plastic pipe (an AG Line which allows water in) running the full length of the wall and connected to onsite drainage.

The ag line is usually encased in a cloth sock to stop sediment from entering the line. Stone, which is suitable for drainage is then placed behind the full height of the wall and around the drainage line.

Weep holes – Often weep holes are also installed within the wall to allow excess moisture to escape. Your bricklayer will have a full understanding of this.

7. Lighting and Electrical Planning

If you’re planning on using lights or power points in or around your retaining wall, it’s important to plan for this before construction commences.

Conduit can then be placed in the footings and brick walls to allow for cables to be run to the required area.

8. Hire a Professional

While it’s possible to build a retaining wall with bricks yourself, we always recommend hiring a professional bricklayer or mason. This is especially true if your wall is over 1 metre in height, as it’s important to make sure the wall is structurally sound.

A professional will also be able to advise you on the best type of brick and construction method for your project, as well as advise with any council permits that may be required.