Sydney Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a structure built to hold back soil and rock that may otherwise collapse or erode away. Retaining walls are commonly used in sloped areas or where there is an elevation change, such as on hillsides and slopes. They can be made from various materials including timber, concrete, stone and masonry.

There are a number of different types of retaining wall, depending on the materials used to build them. The most common include cantilever, gabion, reinforced soil and segmental block walls. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider the purpose of the wall and your budget when selecting a retaining wall type.

Retaining walls can provide a number of benefits, including increased property value, improved soil stability, increased safety, soil erosion control, improved structural support, enhanced aesthetics and reduced noise levels from surrounding traffic. They can also be used to create outdoor seating areas, terraced gardens and water features.

The lifespan of a retaining wall depends on several factors, including the material used, its size, location and construction quality. Generally speaking, timber retaining walls can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance, while concrete and masonry walls can last up to 50 years.

We engineer, design and construct commercial retaining walls for a variety of purposes and industries including:

• Local councils
• Government departments
• Civil construction
• Mining

Our experienced retaining wall builders can create tailored wall systems to help prevent soil erosion, provide structural support and more, all backed up by exceptional professional service.

Yes, a permit is required to build a retaining wall in the state of NSW. In accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A), any project that will have an impact on a neighbour’s property or affect the natural environment must be approved by council before construction can begin. 

Retaining walls can, in some cases, require engineering certification from a professional engineer and must meet the Building Code of Australia requirements. Depending on the height and type of the wall, you may be required to get a Development Application (DA) before starting work. 

For example, if your wall is higher than 1 metre (3 feet), you will need approval from your local council. Other requirements may include the submission of a Construction Certificate, which can be issued by either an accredited certifier or a private certifying authority. 

It is important to note that different rules and regulations apply in different areas, so it is best to contact your local council for more information on building permits and the requirements for your specific project. Doing so can save you time and money in the future, by ensuring that your project is compliant with local regulations.

In NSW, a retaining wall must be engineered when it is taller than 1 meter in height or if the wall is supporting soil that has a depth of 1.5 metres or more. It may also need to be designed and certified by an accredited structural engineer if it impedes public access, safety, drainage or other development requirements. Examples of when a retaining wall may need to be engineered include for gardens, rockeries, terraces and slopes. In some cases, the height can be increased with permission from council. 

When it comes to retaining walls Sydney businesses should contact their local council or a professional engineer for detailed information.

Designing and building retaining walls for over 20 years. Our experienced retaining wall builders will advise you on the best type of retaining wall and the best materials to ensure longevity and value. 

We use the following retaining wall materials:

• Timber retaining walls
• Stone retaining walls
• Concrete blocks
• Concrete sleepers
• Shotcrete

Our team only use the highest quality materials to ensure long-lasting, reliable results.

We build retaining walls Sydney-wide and can install retaining walls anywhere in the greater Sydney area. We also offer retaining wall engineering and construction services throughout Australia. Get in touch for a quote.