Retaining walls
Retaining walls are a common fixture of most Wellington properties. They’re a great way to bring order to otherwise undulating or downright perpendicular sections. The degree of your incline will dictate the size, style and function of the retaining wall.
Design options:
— Rendered block walls
— Timber retaining walls
— Structural retaining walls
— Retaining wall finishing options
— Sleeper walls
Rendered block walls
These walls start with a reinforced masonry block wall, which is then waterproofed and rendered (plastered) with a sand cement plaster.
The finished result is a clean modern aesthetic that ties in well with a wide range of landscaping finishes.
For non-structural block walls, see Fences.
Timber retaining walls
Modern domestic retaining walls are most commonly constructed from treated pine because of its durability, longevity and versatility.
Depending on the height, purpose and loading behind the wall, vertical posts or poles can be square or round, of varying gauges (thicknesses), with the horizontal retaining boards attached behind or in front.
Boards can be rough sawn or dressed, with an arrised edge to enhance the delineation of the boards, or a flat/square edge to give a more seamless looking wall.
Capping can be attached to the top of the wall to create a flat shelf.
Sometimes it is necessary to build a balustrade or fence on top of the wall for fall protection.
Structural retaining walls
Structural retaining walls are commonly constructed from treated pine because of its durability, longevity and versatility.
The vertical poles are usually round and embedded deeply into the ground with a substantial concrete footing. The horizontal retaining boards are usually attached behind the poles.
Often it is necessary to build a balustrade or fence on top of the wall for fall protection.
Retaining wall finishing options
The primary concern when installing a retaining wall is that it is safe, fit for purpose and structurally sound. Unfortunately this often means function over form: huge SED timber poles and chunky rough sawn pine boards. However all is not lost, there are ways to ‘dress’ a functional retaining wall. Painting the timber is an easy, popular way to dress a wall. Planting can be very effective - try planting cascading plants at the top, or climbing plants, native shrubs or trees at the base.
Another way to dress a structural wall is to double clad it. That is to clad over the top of the structure with a more dressed timber (such as hardwood or recycled railway sleepers) to hide all that lies behind.
Sleeper walls
Depending on the height, purpose and loading, sleepers can be used to create a retaining wall. Installed horizontally or vertically, sleepers can introduce a rustic chunky aesthetic to the landscaping.
Explore more landscape design options
See retaining walls in our projects
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steps | decks | walls | fences | paths | garden | ...
Brooklyn
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