Retaining Walls — Canberra & Queanbeyan
A retaining wall is holding back tonnes of soil and water. On Canberra's heavy clay, walls built without proper footings, ag drainage and free-draining backfill are the ones you see leaning a few winters later. We build retaining walls to last — the structure behind the face matters as much as the face itself.
Retaining Walls done properly
- Segmental block and masonry retaining walls
- Natural stone and boulder walls
- Concrete sleeper and steel-post walls
- Replacement of failing timber sleeper walls
- Ag-pipe drainage and free-draining backfill
- Garden bed walls, steps and integrated seating
How the job runs
Assess the site
We check the height, soil, slope, loads and water flow, and flag if engineering or approval is required.
Excavate & footing
Cut, compact and pour or lay a proper footing — the foundation of the whole wall.
Build & drain
Wall goes up with ag pipe and free-draining gravel behind it so water pressure can't build.
Backfill & finish
Backfill, capping and any landscaping around the wall to finish the job clean.
Common questions
Do I need approval or an engineer for a retaining wall?
It depends on the height, location and what the wall is supporting, and the rules differ between the ACT and Queanbeyan (NSW). We'll flag it at the quote stage and point you in the right direction before any work starts.
Why do so many retaining walls in Canberra lean or crack?
Usually water. Clay soils hold moisture, and without drainage and free-draining backfill behind the wall, the pressure builds every wet season until the wall moves.
Can you replace my old timber sleeper wall?
Yes. Rotting treated-pine or old railway-sleeper walls are common in established suburbs, and we replace them with concrete sleeper, block or stone walls that won't rot.
What's the best retaining wall material?
It depends on height, budget and look. Concrete sleepers are cost-effective, block and stone offer a more finished look. We'll walk you through the options on site.
Areas we cover
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you're planning and we'll come out, walk the site with you and give you a clear, itemised quote. No pressure.