Timber Retaining Walls
Retaining walls do the hard work of holding back soil, creating level ground, and preventing erosion on sloping sections. We build timber retaining walls across Whangārei and Northland that are designed to last and engineered to handle the load they’re carrying.
A retaining wall that’s not built properly can fail, and when that happens, it’s not just inconvenient. It can damage property, create safety issues, and cost a lot to fix. That’s why getting the engineering right from the start matters. We work with engineers where required, use appropriate timber treatments for Northland conditions, and build walls that do their job without problems.
From small garden walls to larger structural retaining, we handle the design, consents, and construction. If your property has a slope or you need to create usable flat areas, a well-built retaining wall makes all the difference.
Our Retaining Wall Services
Retaining walls come in all shapes and sizes, and the approach varies depending on the height of the wall, soil type, drainage, and what’s sitting above or below it. We build retaining walls that suit your site and meet engineering requirements.
Garden & Landscape Retaining Walls
Low-height retaining walls work well for creating terraced gardens, defining boundaries, or levelling out smaller sections of your property. These are often straightforward builds that don’t require engineering, but still need proper drainage and solid construction to avoid movement over time.
Structural Retaining Walls
Higher walls or walls holding back significant loads need engineering. We work with structural engineers to design walls that can handle the pressure, then build them to spec. This includes deep footings, appropriate bracing, and drainage systems that prevent water buildup behind the wall.
Driveway & Access Retaining
If your driveway is on a slope or you need to create a level area for vehicle access, retaining walls provide the solution. These walls often carry additional load from vehicles and need to be built with that in mind. We make sure they’re strong enough for the job and constructed to last.
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilisation
Northland gets its share of heavy rain, and sloping sections can suffer from erosion if left unchecked. Retaining walls help stabilise slopes, prevent soil movement, and protect your property. We design walls that handle water properly and keep the ground where it should be.
Our Process – From Site Assessment to Completion
Building a retaining wall involves more than just stacking timber. There’s site assessment, engineering if required, council consents, and careful construction. We handle all of it, so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Site Assessment & Planning
We start by looking at your site. How steep is the slope? What’s the soil like? Where does water go when it rains? These factors determine what type of wall you need and how it should be built. If engineering is required, we’ll bring in the right people early on.
Engineering & Consents
Retaining walls over a certain height or carrying specific loads need to be engineered and consented. We coordinate with structural engineers to get the design sorted and handle the council consent process. Once approvals are in place, we’re ready to build.
Construction
Foundations are critical. If they’re not deep enough or not properly compacted, the wall can shift. We dig to the right depth, use appropriate materials for the base, and build the wall to engineering specs if required. Drainage is installed as we go to prevent water pressure building up behind the wall.
Final Inspection & Sign-Off
For consented walls, we arrange the council inspection to get final sign-off. Before we finish up, we make sure drainage is working as it should and the site is left tidy. If there’s any maintenance you need to be aware of, we’ll run through it with you.
Why Build Your Retaining Wall with Us?
Retaining walls need to be built right, or they’ll cause problems. We’ve been building them across Northland long enough to know what works in different soil types, on different slopes, and in varying weather conditions.
Engineered for Northland Conditions
Northland soil varies a lot. Some areas have clay that holds water, others have sandy soils that drain quickly. We take this into account when planning your wall. Timber treatments also matter. Coastal properties need higher-grade treatments to handle salt exposure, and we make sure the right materials are used.
Proper Drainage Systems
Water is the biggest enemy of retaining walls. If it builds up behind the wall, pressure increases and the wall can fail. Every retaining wall we build includes proper drainage, whether that’s agricultural drains, weep holes, or gravel backfill. Water needs somewhere to go, and we make sure it gets there.
Licensed & Certified Builders
As Licensed Building Practitioners and members of New Zealand Certified Builders, we’re qualified to handle retaining wall projects from start to finish. We know the building code requirements, work with engineers when needed, and build to the standards that keep walls standing long-term.
Experience with Council Consents
Navigating council consents can be a headache if you’re not familiar with the process. We’ve done it plenty of times, so we know what documentation is needed, how to work with engineers, and what council inspectors look for. We handle the paperwork so you don’t have to.
Understanding Retaining Wall Requirements
Not all retaining walls are the same. Some are straightforward builds, others need engineering and consents. Here’s what you need to know.
When Engineering is Required
Generally, walls over 1.5 metres high need to be engineered. Walls carrying additional loads, like driveways or buildings above them, also require engineering regardless of height. If your wall falls into this category, we’ll arrange for a structural engineer to design it and provide the calculations council needs.
Timber Treatment Levels
Timber retaining walls need to use treated timber rated for ground contact. The treatment level depends on your location. Coastal areas or properties with high moisture need higher-grade treatments. We use H5 or LOSP-treated timber as appropriate to ensure your wall lasts.
Maintenance & Longevity
Timber retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years or more if built properly with the right materials. Maintenance is minimal but worth doing. Keep an eye on drainage to make sure it’s not blocked, and check for any movement after heavy rain. If you notice anything unusual, get it looked at early before small issues become big ones.
Need a Retaining Wall? Let’s Talk
If you’re dealing with a sloping section or need to create usable flat ground, a retaining wall is likely the answer. Get in touch and we’ll come and have a look at your site. Whether you need a small garden wall or a larger structural build, we’ll talk you through the options and get you sorted.
