The Sunshine Coast’s Best Retaining Walls
Using retaining walls to design and create beautiful landscapes
Retaining Walls
Your Local Retaining Walls Experts On The Sunshine Coast
Retaining walls offer a range of benefits, from improving aesthetics and property value to enhancing safety and usability. Whether you’re looking to enjoy and access your land or protect your home from the effects of erosion, investing in retaining walls can be a wise and practical decision.
Why you need retaining walls
Living on sloping land? Retaining walls allow you to terrace your garden, creating level surfaces in otherwise challenging areas. This makes your outdoor space easier to manage and mow, transforming it into a series of usable areas for enjoyment and relaxation.
More Reasons for Retaining Walls
These structures are essential for managing water flow and stopping erosion, holding back soil and providing long-term stability to your property. With the ability to withstand the elements, they ensure that your garden remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
The options for retaining walls are limitless, ranging from natural and rustic to modern and stark. You can choose from a variety of materials, including wood, natural stone, upcycled and recycled materials, sandstone, cement, and landscaping blocks, to perfectly fit your style and needs.
For optimal results, retaining walls require professional and expert design and installation. Ensure your garden’s structural features are built to last by entrusting the job to our skilled professionals.
One of the primary functions of retaining walls is to stabilize the soil and prevent landslides. They provide crucial support to areas with steep gradients, ensuring that the land remains intact. This stability is particularly important in regions prone to heavy rainfall or seismic activity, where the risk of soil movement is higher.
What can retaining walls be made from?
What you want your wall to do and how you want your wall to look are important considerations. You can make your wall out of…
- Natural Stones: Can give rustic, timeless look that blends seamlessly with natural landscapes.
- Sandstone: A popular choice that gives you a warm, natural look that complements many environments. Can be quite finished or roughly hewn. Your choice.
- Concrete Blocks: Durable and versatile, these can be used for both modern and traditional designs. You can choose “Besser” block or from the many landscape blocks of many colours and designs.
- Brick: For a classic appearance, strong structure which can also be rendered for a smooth or textured appearance.
- Timber/Wood: Ideal for a natural, rustic aesthetic. May require more maintenance.
- Gabion: Wire cages filled with rocks, combining industrial strength with a natural appearance.
- Recycled Materials: Eco-friendly options that give a unique, upcycled look.
All you have to do is match the best material for the purpose of your wall and decide on your own look and feel. We can help you make the right decisions for your property.
Installation of Retaining walls
Do I need Council approval?
Yes and no! If you do, we’ll do the paperwork and get the permits on your behalf. In many cases, council approval is required before building a retaining wall especially if you plan walls over a metre high.
Council requirements vary depending on location, the height of the wall, and the materials used. Our expert team knows the specific regulations and will obtain the necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes.
Benefits of Retaining walls
Retaining walls are more than just an addition to your property; they provide a wealth of benefits:
Improve property value and add stylish appeal to your home
Retaining walls are an excellent way to enhance the modern, visual aesthetics of your property. These walls can significantly boost your home's kerb appeal. A well-designed retaining wall not only looks great but also increases your property’s market value, making it an attractive investment for potential buyers.
Create flat lawn from sloping ground
If you have a sloping yard, retaining walls can be a game-changer. They allow you to transform uneven terrain into a usable, flat lawn. This is especially beneficial for creating a safe and functional outdoor space for kids to enjoy, kitchen gardens with raised beds, or even installing a patio or deck. By leveling out your yard, you maximize the usability of your land.
Protect the foundation of your home
Retaining walls can provide essential protection to your home’s foundation. By controlling soil movement and managing water runoff, these walls help to prevent foundation damage caused by erosion or water accumulation. This added protection ensures the long-term stability and safety of your home, safeguarding your investment.
Create more space
Retaining walls can help you reclaim space that would otherwise be unusable due to slopes and hills. By constructing these walls, you can create additional areas for planting, seating, or even extra parking. This makes your outdoor space more versatile and functional.
Prevent erosion
Erosion can be a significant problem, especially on sloped properties. Retaining walls act as a barrier against soil erosion, keeping your landscape intact. They help to control the flow of rainwater and prevent it from washing away the soil. This not only protects your garden and plants but also maintains the integrity of your property.
Manage water runoff
Proper water management is essential for maintaining a healthy landscape. Retaining walls can play a crucial role in directing water runoff, preventing water from pooling in unwanted areas. By channeling rainwater away from your home and other structures, retaining walls help to reduce the risk of water damage and flooding.
Why choose Greener Landscaping for your new retaining wall on the Sunshine Coast?
Greener Landscaping: Completely insured and licensed. We build well-engineered retaining walls to suit your specific design & functional needs.
We always clean up after ourselves.
Not many retaining wall jobs can be started and finished in a single day. We want you to have continued enjoyment of your space so keep your garden as neat and orderly as is humanly possible.
We do work on difficult access sites and steep slopes.
We have the expertise for your challenging and difficult block. Steep and sloping land is our specialty.
Professional and experienced retaining wall builders.
We’ve been building garden retaining walls for years on the Sunshine Coast and beyond, and have a stellar reputation for our professional approach, exceptional customer service and functional walls that look great.
We’ll organise all your council approvals and certification.
We'll take the stress out of the inevitable council red tape. Say goodbye to hours filling out paperwork. We'll do it for you and make sure the work complies with regulation.
No job too big, too small, too steep or too difficult.
We're experts and have the experience to install a retaining wall wherever you need one.
What kind of retaining wall do you need?
Which should you choose? Concrete, timber, block or stone retaining walls
Concrete sleepers
Durable. Textured. Coloured.
Timber sleepers
Natural beauty. Sturdy. Durable.
Blockwork
Can be rendered or finished in myriad ways to complement your home.
Gabion retaining walls
Wire enclosures with rocks or soil. A creative wall that suits all purposes.
Rock retaining walls
For the ultimate durable natural retaining wall. From hand-assembled rocks to large sandstone blocks.
Ready To Take The First Step Towards Your Dream Outdoor Space?
Contact us today to discuss your project and receive a free quote.
Retaining walls FAQs
Here are some common questions asked about Sunshine Coast retaining walls
Yes sometimes you do. In many cases (especially if over 1m high), council approval is required before building a retaining wall. The requirements vary depending on your location, the height of the wall, and the materials used. It’s essential to check with your local council to understand the specific regulations and obtain the necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes.
The best materials for building retaining walls depend on the desired look, budget, and the specific needs of your project. Common options include concrete blocks, natural stone, timber, and brick. Each material has its advantages: concrete blocks are durable and versatile, natural stone offers a classic and elegant appearance, timber provides a rustic look, and brick adds a traditional touch.
You typically need an engineer for retaining walls that exceed a certain height (usually over 1 meter or 3 feet) or when the wall will bear a significant load. An engineer ensures that the wall is designed correctly to handle the pressure of the soil and any additional forces. They can also help with obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
The lifespan of a retaining wall depends on the materials used and the quality of construction. Well-built retaining walls made from durable materials like concrete or stone can last 50 years or more. Timber retaining walls generally have a shorter lifespan, around 20-25 years, due to their susceptibility to rot and insect damage.
Yes, you can build a retaining wall next to your house, but it requires careful planning and consideration. It’s crucial to ensure that the wall is designed to manage water runoff effectively and does not interfere with the home’s foundation. Consulting with an engineer or a professional contractor is recommended to ensure the wall’s stability and safety.
The cost of a retaining wall varies widely based on the materials used, the wall’s height and length, and the complexity of the project. On average, retaining walls can cost between $250 to $700 per square meter. It’s essential to get multiple quotes from reputable contractors to understand the cost for your specific project.
For those on a tight budget, using materials like timber or interlocking concrete blocks can be a more affordable option. DIY retaining wall kits are also available and can help reduce labor costs. However, it’s important to ensure that the wall is built correctly to avoid future issues and additional expenses.
Concrete blocks are one of the most common materials used for building retaining walls. They are favored for their durability, versatility, and ease of installation. Concrete blocks can be stacked and interlocked, providing a sturdy and reliable structure for various landscape designs.
Still have questions?
Give us a call!