Retaining Walls - Canberra
Commercial and Domestic Retaining Walls Built and Repaired in Canberra.
Search for Purpose Built Retaining Walls in Canberra
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Building or DIY Retaining Walls in Canberra
The purpose of a retaining wall is not just to contain the soil behind it but also to create extra level space in your landscape, especially when the land is sloped or restricted in size.
Depending on your chosen design, a retaining wall constructed well using quality material can become a real focal point of your garden landscape.
At Retaining Walls HQ, you will find:
- innovative ideas
- unbiased advice
- useful tips
- helpful links for your retaining wall project.
On our website you will be able to source the following for your Retaining Walls in Canberra:
- A link to your local council to ascertain whether you need council consent
- What type of retaining wall is required for your landscape
- Whether the type of retaining wall will require an engineered design
- Innovative designs for retaining walls
- Whether the retaining wall is a suitable DIY
- General information on different types of retaining walls
- Which main materials are mainly used in building retaining walls
- Advantages and disadvantages of certain types of retaining walls
- The most cost effective retaining wall options available
- Make a connection with one of our trusted licensed registered tradespeople
Before you Begin Designing a Retaining Wall in Canberra
When it comes to the right advice regarding council requirements or building approval we know the importance of getting it right so here is a basic guide.
There are different regulations for different types of banks that are retained. Following is a basic guide, for the full explanation go to the following DA Self Exemption Check.
The following criteria are for walls that are cut into the bank, walls that have extra fill added to level a slope or a combination of both.
Cut in Walls
Cut-in retaining wall means a wall, where its purpose is to retain an embankment cut below natural ground level. It does not need development approval if:
- the wall is not more than 1.2 metres above natural ground levelon the lowest side of the wall
- the wall is not higher than 0.4 metres above natural ground level within 1.5 metres of the side and rear boundaries
- the wall is not higher than 0.4 metres above natural ground level between a front boundary and a building line for the block.
Fill Retaining Walls
Fill retaining wall means a wall where its purpose is to retain soil above natural ground level. It does not need development approval if:
- the wall is not more than 1 metre above natural ground level on the lowest side of the wall
- side, front and boundaries are 0.4 metres as for cut in walls.
Combination walls need to apply to both sets off criteria above.
These are the basic criteria for Retaining walls in Canberra, for a full list go to the Self Exemption Check here
Still not sure? Contact one of our local contractors for clarity.
Building Retaining Walls in Canberra Requires Experienced Tradies
Here is why Retaining Wall HQ is a great place to get your Canberra Retaining Wall project underway.
- We remove the guesswork by connecting you with one of our qualified tradespeople selected by us.
- All of the contractors listed are tried and trusted professionals in their field offering advice and expertise to make sure the job is completed to a high standard from start to finish.
- The contractors are experts calling on their experience to provide constructive ideas to help you choose a retaining wall suited to your property and budget.
- All tradespeople are licensed and ready to start work in your local area.
Council Link
The Main Types of Retaining Walls in Canberra
Concrete Sleepers Canberra
This solid humble concrete sleeper is building a popular reputation as a cheaper alternative that should stand the test of time.
If you thought of having timber but were put off because timber won’t last as long, then concrete sleepers are here to showcase the look of timber, even slate and stone options! All available in different colour shades, with smooth or rough edge finishes.
Combined with the knowledge that concrete sleepers are strong, termite proof and durable while allowing for extra loading from driveways and structures above makes them a hard option to go past.
Suppliers and Contractors for Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls in Canberra
Rock Retaining Walls Canberra
Boulder rock walls are a type of gravity wall that relies on the weight of the rocks to anchor it down. Rock Walls are free draining but drainage is usually added to divert water away from the wall to avoid fine material washing through it.
There are many types of rocks available that include naturally sourced bush rock, sandstone, granite and basalt.
If you like this for your retaining wall design contact one of our experienced contractors who specialise in rock retaining walls in Canberra.
Suppliers and Contractors for Rock Walls in Canberra
Sandstone Retaining Walls Canberra
Its not hard to understand why sandstone is the material of choice favoured in Australia’s backyard. Available in different shapes or boulders easily adaptable to any size retaining wall.
Expect a stunning visual, solid in structure able to withstand all of natures weather extremes. As with all retaining walls proficient drainage is required to prevent water mark stains on the beautiful stonework.
Don’t get started until contact is made with a preferred sandstone retaining wall installer in Canberra who has the experience and design flair to provide the sandstone retaining wall of your dreams!
Suppliers and Contractors for Sandstone Retaining Walls in Canberra
Stone Walls Canberra
The beauty of stone retaining walls is once they are erected they should last a lifetime needing no maintenance. While the cost may be a little more than other options, adding a stone retaining wall can add a stunning feature to the property owners landscape.
Each region has their own quarry and the stones are different from each area, meaning no two stone walls are exactly the same.
For a stunning stone wall contacting a licensed tradesperson experienced in stone wall installation is recommended to get the desired finish.
Suppliers and Contractors for Stone Walls in Canberra
Gabion Walls Canberra
Although most of you would have seen rock walls with wire mesh surrounding them alongside the motorway, you probably didn’t know that they are called Gabion Walls.
Rocks are placed inside a galvanised steel mesh cage, providing a quick and easy retaining wall installed without the need to add footings first! These Gabion walls are becoming on trend!
The walls are able to be constructed to different heights by placing cages on top of one another. Adding foliage designed to trail down over the side is just one design idea you can add to make a feature wall out of the Gabion retaining wall.
Suppliers and Contractors for Gabion Walls in Canberra
Concrete Block Retaining Walls Canberra
Any angle and most curves can be accomplished when building in concrete block for that trendy designer feel.
Reinforced concrete block walls are built to last for decades, are resistant to termites and rot and are generally maintenance free.
Walls can be built as a coloured oxide version, rendered and painted or used as the structural base for a stone cladded wall.
For further info contact one of highly experienced contractors for a free no obligation quote… coming soon
Suppliers, Contractors and Licensed Tradesmen for Block Walls in Canberra
Pre Cast Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Dry stacked blocks that are manufactured to a certain shape and size that fit together without using mortar.
Concrete footings are not required making this a quick and easy retaining wall to build.
Suppliers and Contractors for Pre Cast Concrete Block Retaining Walls in Canberra
Concrete Retaining Walls Canberra
Reinforced concrete walls can be made to be the strongest type of retaining wall for any height of wall. They will also outlast most other types of retaining walls.
Concrete retaining walls in Canberra are built to any size, angle or shape for that custom design look.
They can be left as a natural finish and designed to show the formwork joints or rendered and painted to any colour. Some walls are being ground down to expose the aggregate as a feature.
Concrete walls can also be cladded with virtually any material such as stone, tile, timber, to produce a different feature. What’s your feature?
Licensed Tradesmen, Suppliers and Contractors for Concrete Retaining Walls in Canberra
Timber Retaining Walls
There are many options to consider when deciding on timber retaining walls and whether they are the right fit for your property. Consideration is given to the cost, desired look, ease of construction and the structural purpose.
Treated pine is the cheapest option available for a retaining wall in Canberra. Railway sleepers are a hardwood option that are hard to go past but it comes with a premium price range.
Licensed Tradesmen and Contractors for Timber Retaining Walls in Canberra
Brick Retaining Walls Canberra
Brick walls in Canberra are still viewed as another popular option as they are maintenance free, resistant to termites, will not rot or rust and are resistant to fire.
Brick walls can be built into virtually any design with a little imagination by using the large range of colours and finishes available.
Curved or angled brick walls also add another design concept to what was once a traditional type of retaining wall.
Licensed Tradesmen, Suppliers and Contractors for Brick Walls in Canberra
Areas Serviced in Canberra
- Belconnen
- Canberra Central
- Gungahlin
- Jerrabomberra
- Majura
- Molonglo Valley
- Tuggeranong
- Western Creek
- Woden Valley
Why Choose Us for Your Retaining Wall in Canberra
Highly Experienced
All of the Contractors are experienced in the field they are advertising and will be able to show previous work.
Licensed Contractors
We have done the checking for you, making sure contractors hold a license to carry out the work specified in the appropriate state.
Registered Contractors
All contractors are Registered to carry on a Business in the appropriate state. We have verified this for you.
Canberra 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.
You need council consent if the wall you are building is over 1.2 metres high. There are other conditions which you should check.
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
Select one of our Experienced Tradies to Construct your Retaining Wall in Canberra
Retaining Wall HQ provide a vast selection of Retaining Walls in Canberra that is wide and varied. It can be confusing with all the options we have presented you with.
This is why we encourage you to contact one of our preferred contractors who by sharing their knowledge and experience can work with you to get the retaining wall you really want.
You can have confidence that they are fully licensed to carry out the required work to a high standard and registered to do business in their state.