Retaining Walls

Excavation work inevitably means retaining walls. Depending on the location of the wall, its height and whether it’s in a highly visible location, there are different materials you can use: precast concrete, concrete block and timber are the most common but stone is becoming more common.

• Consider the style and feel you’re after, or whether this matters at all.
• Remember, retaining walls must be included in the building consent and signed off.
• Are the materials consistent with the look and feel of the design you want to achieve?
• Think about using masonry as a design feature. Mix and match with alternative cladding products that may feature elsewhere around your home.
• The higher your wall, the greater the need for engineering input. Speak with your designer or builder to find out if your wall requires an engineer’s design.
• You must ensure there is a suitable foundation, drainage and appropriate backfill material is used.
• As local requirements vary, check with your council for local design, resource consent and building consent requirements