Retaining Walls - Wollongong
All the info required to build a Commercial or Residential Retaining Wall in Wollongong
Searching for Retaining Walls in Wollongong
If you are you looking for Retaining Walls in Wollongong we have provided a useful guide with important links to your local council, suppliers and contractors included on this page..
Connect here with trusted, qualified tradespeople, our experts in the trade, who will be happy to provide a FREE no obligation quote.
Are you Building or DIY a Retaining Wall in Wollongong
The original purpose of a retaining wall is not just to provide a structure to contain the soil behind it, but to also allow the property owner to create extra level usable space in the landscape.
This is especially true when the land is sloped or cramped in size. Depending on your chosen design, a retaining wall constructed well using quality material can become a standout feature admired for many years in the garden landscape.
At Retaining Walls HQ, we share with you:
- innovative ideas
- unbiased advice
- useful tips
- important links for your retaining wall project.
Within our website you will be able to source Retaining Walls in Wollongong:
- click on the link to your local council
- Structural requirements for your retaining wall for your landscape
- Will an engineer be necessary for the 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 budget friendly retaining wall options available
- Make a connection with one of our trusted licenced registered tradespeople
Important to know before starting a Retaining Wall in Wollongong
When it comes to the right advice regarding council requirements or building approval, we know the importance of getting it right, see the link below.
Council consent is required to build a retaining wall if all of the the following is not fulfilled;
- not be cut or filled more than 600mm below or above existing ground level where the wall is within 900mm from a side or rear boundary
- not cut or filled more than 1 metre if the setback is greater than 900mm from any side or rear boundary.
- if it is carried out, constructed or installed in a heritage conservation area or a draft heritage conservation area—be located in the rear yard
- at least 40m from a natural waterbody
- not redirect the flow of any surface water or ground water or cause sediment to be transported onto an adjoining property
- be separated from any retaining wall or other structural support on the site by at least 2m, measured horizontally
- have adequate drainage lines connected to the existing stormwater drainage system for the site
These are the basic criteria for not requiring council consent to build a retaining wall in Wollongong. Please talk to the local council for a full disclosure. Go here
Any retaining wall in Wollongong over a meter in height must be designed by an Engineer.
Still have questions? Contact one of our local contractors for clarity and peace of mind.
Building Retaining Walls in Wollongong - Connect with the Experts
The many reasons why Retaining Walls Wollongong is a great place to get your retaining wall project underway includes:
- Connect with one of our qualified tradespeople selected by us, remove the guesswork!
- All of the contractors listed are licensed professionals in their field bringing a wealth of advice and expertise to make sure the job is completed to a high standard from design stages to the finished wall.
- 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 licenced and ready to start work in your local area.
Categories
Suburbs Serviced in Wollongong
- Albion Park
- Albion Park Rail
- Austinmer
- Avondale
- Balgownie
- Barrack Heights
- Barrack Point
- Bellambi
- Berkeley
- Blackbutt
- Bulli
- Cataract
- Clifton
- Coledale
- Coalcliffe
- Coniston
- Corrimal
- Cringila
- Dapto
- Dunmore
- East Corrimal
- Fairy Meadow
- Farmborough Heights
- Fernhill
- Figtree
- Gwynneville
- Helensburgh
- Kanahooka
- Keiraville
- Kembla Grange
- Kembla Heights
- Koonawarra
- Lake Heights
- Lake Illawarra
- Mangerton
- Marshall Mount
- Mount Keira
- Mount Kembla
- Mount Ousley
- Mount Pleasant
- Mount Warrigal
- North Wollongong
- Oak Flats
- Otford
- Port Kembla
- Primbee
- Russell Vale
- Scarborough
- Shellharbour
- Springhill
- Stanwell Park
- Tarrawanna
- Thirroul
- Towradgi
- Unanderra
- Warilla
- Warrawong
- West Wollongong
- Windang
- Wollongong
- Wombarra
- Woonona
- Yallah
Why Choose Us for Your Retaining Wall in Wollongong
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Licensed Contractors
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Registered Contractors
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Wollongong 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.
Council consent is required in Wollongong for any retaining wall;
- within 900mm from a side or rear boundary that is over 600mm in height or
- 1000mm if the retaining wall is greater than 900mm from a side or rear boundary
- any retaining wall over 1000mm in height must be designed by an engineer.
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
The Main Types of Retaining Walls Wollongong has to Offer
Sandstone Retaining Walls Wollongong
Sandstone retaining walls are among Australia’s favourite materials as they provide a stunning visual addition, that is durable, negative to termites, all prerequisites that add value to any property.
Suppliers each have their own pre cut shapes and sizes, however sandstone blocks can be usually be cut in any size to suit the height of the wall to be built.
Sandstone used in retaining walls in Australia are graded into A grade and B grade. B grade being the cheaper option.
Installing sandstone with a dry stacked method allows quick installation without the need for footings.
As the grain between each sandstone differs meaning no two walls are the same – each is unique! They feature well with sandstone suppliers being widely abundant in Wollongong.
See if your property fits all the criteria by contacting a reputable sandstone retaining wall specialist here; coming soon
Suppliers and Contractors for Sandstone Walls in Wollongong
Stone Retaining Walls Wollongong
Dry stacked stone walls are the easiest to build as the stone is placed together in a way to lock themselves in forming a solid wall, but this is not the look everyone prefers and this is where a mortared look comes in.
Some stone walls may look like they are dry stacked but actually have concrete reinforced with vertical steel rods through the centre. This allows retaining walls that are higher to be built stronger lasting up to a lifetime.
Frequently sought varieties of stone include limestone, schist, granite, limestone, slate or marble and all can be adapted to a dry stacked or mortared wall with standout results.
Suppliers and Contractors for Stone Walls in Wollongong
Rock Retaining Walls Wollongong
If you are searching for a natural rock retaining wall expect the finish to be unstructured rustic. Rock walls are usually built with machinery placing the rock together so as to lock it in forming a dry stacked retaining wall.
Because of the small gaps in between the rocks, this allows for extra movement as the rocks settle meaning this style of rock wall removes the worry of cracks appearing.
They also rarely require footings. Usually the bottom two layers consist of the larger rocks. There are plenty of rock choices such as natural bush rock, sandstone, basalt and granite to name a few of the most common.
If you are keen for a rock retaining wall for your design, contact one of our experienced contractors who specialise in rock retaining walls in Wollongong.
Suppliers and Contractors for Rock Walls in Wollongong
Brick Retaining Walls In Wollongong
Bricks in the past have been widely used in Wollongong and retaining walls are often built to match the existing brick where possible.
Another alternative is to choose a brick from the many different colours and textures available to act as a feature wall on the property.
These walls are maintenance free usually lasting for decades if built well, are termite resistant, will not rot or rust and also to some degree resistant to fire.
Design options are available with the walls able to be built as a curved wall, angled or sloping and with columns added for extra strength.
Licensed Tradesmen, Suppliers and Contractors for Brick Walls in Wollongong
Timber Retaining Walls
Timeless classics a Timber sleeper retaining walls are still abundant in Australian landscapes in recent times.
They have endless design possibilities by choosing different timbers, adding in steel uprights is just one of the many styles.
While the cost may factor in to your decision, as your timber retaining wall will be in view a good design is important to add value to your home.
Both low garden bed retaining walls and higher timber retaining walls are easily adapted to any landscape encompassing the natural aesthetic only timber can provide.
Choose a solid hardwood timber for maximum effect.
Licensed Tradesmen and Contractors for Timber Retaining Walls in Wollongong
Concrete Sleepers Wollongong
Concrete sleepers when constructed in to a retaining wall serve many purposes other than structural stability. They are robust, but easily adaptable to many heights and load bearing limits.
They have a sleek look, neat and tidy blending in while adding an admirable feature to any landscape depending on which finish is preferred.
Consider the surrounding landscape before choosing between stone effects, timber looks or slate effect to get the maximum impact.
Your local retaining wall specialist can offer advise and ideas from design stages through to the completed retaining wall. Click here to connect: coming soon
Suppliers and Contractors for Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls in Wollongong
Pre Cast Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Pre cast concrete blocks come in many different shapes, sizes, colours and names with most suppliers in Wollongong having a different name for basically the same thing.
Most dry stacked concrete blocks fit together and can usually be only placed in the correct position and without the need for mortar, so you cannot go wrong.
Great for that professional look or DIYers.
Concrete footings are not required using a compacted base instead. The concrete blocks have also been engineered to achieve a certain height without the need for special engineering.
Suppliers and Contractors for Pre Cast Concrete Block Retaining Walls in Wollongong
Concrete Retaining Walls Wollongong
Reinforced concrete retaining walls can be built to any size, shape or angle allowing the designer to go to town. It doesn’t just have to be a bland concrete wall, features can be designed into it.
They are particularly good for boundary walls as they can be built in tight areas and will not rot or rust and are resistant to termites and fire.
These walls can last over one hundred years if built to specification and will outlast most other retaining walls being one of the strongest types of retaining wall for any height.
Finishing the wall is open to the imagination, but are often left natural showing the formwork joints, ground down exposing aggregate, rendered, painted to match any colour scheme or cladded with other material such as stone or rock facing.
Contractors and Licensed Tradesmen for Concrete Retaining Walls in Wollongong
Concrete Block Retaining Walls In Wollongong
The different look you can achieve with a concrete block wall is endless with a large amount of colour variations including the standard grey, white, black, orange, cream and off white to name a few.
Textures to the face of the blocks also vary considerably with some of the faces being smooth, ground, rockface, splitface, sandstone and shotblast finishes.
These walls are a good maintenance free choice to consider for your retaining wall. For further help with your choice see our local contractors and suppliers ready to quote for your wall.
Suppliers, Contractors and Licensed Tradesmen for Block Walls in Wollongong
Gabion Walls Wollongong
Give your outdoor area a modern makeover with the addition of a Gabion retaining wall.
The simple process of filling a wire mesh cage with rocks or stones is easily adaptable to low height retaining walls or the cages can be stacked one on top of the other.
Straight up vertical or terraced to cover a slope if more height is required.
Gabion retaining walls are becoming more widely used in residential and commercial areas as a feature wall. They are quick and easy to install as they require no concrete footings.
There are endless design possibilities that can be added such as garden foliage between the gaps in the rock or stone, lighting, or what about a unique way to install a firepit?
Suppliers and Contractors for Gabion Walls in Wollongong
Trust a licensed Tradesperson for your Retaining Wall from Wollongong
Retaining Wall HQ provide a vast array of Retaining Walls in Wollongong that are wide and varied.
Determining the correct retaining wall for your particular site depends on different contributing factors about what may or may not be allowed.
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.
Retaining Walls HQ are confident that you will find the necessary tradesperson here that is fully licenced to carry out the required work to a high standard and registered to do business in their state.