Retaining Walls
Structural retaining walls that hold back slopes and create usable terraced spaces.
About this service
Retaining walls allow sloping gardens to be transformed into level, usable terraces — and they must be built to withstand considerable lateral earth pressure. We design and build retaining walls in natural stone, block, brick and timber sleepers, ensuring adequate foundation depth, backfill drainage and, where required, structural engineering sign-off for walls over 1 metre.
Natural Stone Retaining Walls
Dry-stone or mortared natural stone walls blend beautifully into garden settings and can be planted with alpines and wall plants in the joints.
Concrete Block Walls
Rendered or fair-faced concrete block is cost-effective for larger retained heights. We use Lignacite or equivalent dense block with adequate footing depth.
Brick Retaining Walls
Engineering brick retaining walls are durable and attractive — particularly suited to properties with existing brick structures that they need to match.
Timber Sleeper Walls
Oak or treated softwood railway sleepers create a warm, informal look in rural and cottage-style gardens. Suitable for retained heights up to 600 mm.
Drainage Behind the Wall
All retaining walls need drainage behind them — we install a gravel drainage layer and perforated weep pipes to prevent water pressure building up behind the wall.
Foundations & Engineering
Walls over 1 m retaining height require a proper strip foundation and, above 1.5 m, a structural engineer's design. We commission this as part of the project where needed.
Our process
A clear, professional approach on every project — so you know what to expect at every stage.
Site Assessment
We assess the retained height, soil type, surcharge load (vehicles, structures above the wall) and access to determine the appropriate wall type and foundation design.
Foundation Excavation
A concrete strip foundation is excavated to the depth determined by wall height and ground conditions — typically 300–600 mm below finished ground level.
Foundation Concrete
Concrete is poured and levelled. We wait a minimum of three days (ideally seven) before building on the foundation.
Wall Construction
The wall is built in courses with staggered joints. Weep holes or perforated pipe drainage is installed as the wall rises. Copings are set in mortar on the final course.
Backfill & Drainage
A 300 mm gravel layer is placed directly behind the wall before topsoil is backfilled and compacted in layers to prevent voids forming.
Common questions
Practical answers to the questions we hear most often about retaining walls.
Do retaining walls need planning permission?
Retaining walls in rear gardens generally fall within permitted development if under 1 metre in height adjacent to a highway, or 2 metres elsewhere. Walls over these heights or in conservation areas may need planning permission — we advise on this at the survey stage.
Why do retaining walls crack?
Cracking is almost always caused by inadequate foundations, insufficient drainage behind the wall allowing water pressure to build up, or insufficient wall thickness for the retained height. All three are avoided by correct design and construction from the outset.
Can timber sleepers retain a slope?
Yes — oak sleepers are excellent for retained heights up to 600 mm. For greater heights, sleepers need to be set as deadmen (horizontally into the bank) for stability, or you should consider a masonry wall instead.
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Learn moreReady to get started?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote on your retaining walls project. We cover Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.