“Retaining walls” are a type of structure that stabilise slopes and create level areas for landscaping, construction, and other purposes. In residential and commercial properties, these walls help prevent erosion, control runoff, and improve curb appeal.
If you need a retaining wall for your property, where do you get started? Luckily if you’re in Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, or the Central Coast, we’ve got you covered. We can help you design and build a retaining wall that is both aesthetic and functional. Learn more about our process below.
Assessing the Purpose and Functionality of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls can help Australian homeowners:
- Create stunning landscape designs, like terraced gardens, water features, and other attractive outdoor features.
- Prevent soil erosion by stabilising slopes. Sloped properties are susceptible to erosion, leading to property damage and safety hazards.
- Create usable outdoor spaces by levelling out patios, decks, and outdoor living spaces.
Meanwhile, in commercial settings, retaining walls can help:
- Manage large-scale earth retention for parking lots, building foundations, etc.
- Improve visual appeal by creating attractive and functional landscapes for commercial properties.
- Ensure structural integrity of buildings located on uneven terrain.
Material Selection
Are you ready to start installing a retaining wall on your residential or commercial property? The first step is to pick a material.
Brick Retaining Walls
Brick walls can withstand Australia’s harsh climate, including extreme heat and heavy rainfall. Unlike timber, they won’t rot or suffer from termite infestation, so they’re a perfect, long-lasting option for retaining structures.
Modern brick retaining walls typically don’t exceed 470mm in thickness. A solid brick wall has a minimum width of 230mm, which is good enough to retain most commercial and residential structures.
Other than that, these walls have a timeless and elegant appeal that suits any type of property. Since brick is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, it’s easy to personalise your retaining wall according to your needs and your home’s exterior.
Blockwork for Retaining Walls
Blockwork is a great option for larger-scale projects since this material is known for its strength, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. These blocks are typically made from concrete, which can easily withstand heavy loads. The best part is that they don’t rot or succumb to pests like termites.
Blockwork is generally more affordable than brick, too. If you want to install an extensive retaining wall for a commercial property, blockwork may be the best choice. Plus, it’s available in all sizes, shapes, and colours, so you won’t be limited to a plain grey.
Key Design Considerations for Aesthetic and Functional Retaining Walls
Before you decide to install a retaining wall in your home, keep these factors in mind.
Height and Structure
When designing a retaining wall in Newcastle, Maitland, or the surrounding areas, you’ll need to comply with local regulations and safety requirements. In New South Wales (NSW), a retaining wall can typically be constructed up to 1 meter (1000mm) high without any council approval.
However, this may vary based on specific local council regulations and the nature of the site.
Other than that, retaining walls in NSW must be positioned at least 900mm away from property boundaries. This distance helps prevent encroachment on neighbouring properties and ensures stability.
The footings for retaining walls should be robust enough to support the wall’s weight and the soil behind it. Generally, they should be at least twice the width of the wall and approximately 4 to 6 inches deep.
Aesthetic Appeal
Retaining walls can be just as beautiful as they are functional. Consider these design elements to amp up the aesthetic appeal of your retaining wall:
- Curved retaining walls
- Mixed materials, such as timber and stone
- Landscaping integration with plants and other landscaping features
- Using retaining walls as focal points
Functionality and Longevity
A well-designed and constructed retaining wall will provide many years of service.
If you opt for a brick retaining wall, you can make it last longer with a properly functioning drainage system to prevent water buildup and erosion. Meanwhile, concrete blockwork walls can last over 50 years – perfect for sloped or heavy-soil areas.
If you’ve decided to design and build a retaining wall in Newcastle, Maitland, or the surrounding areas, the best course of action is to work with experienced professionals, like us! Get in touch today to chat to us about your project, and how we can help.
