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Retaining Wall Contractors in Calgary
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Retaining walls keep soil, rocks, and other materials in place, preventing erosion and land movement. They are a great addition to of many landscape designs, providing stability to sloped terrain, protecting against soil erosion and creating level ground for more usable areas.
There are several types of retaining walls: precast retaining wall blocks, natural rock retaining wall stones, garden retaining walls, and wood retaining walls.
Precast Retaining Wall Blocks
Precast retaining wall blocks are made of concrete and are designed to interlock to form a strong and long-lasting retaining wall. These blocks are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for greater flexibility in designing the retaining wall to meet specific requirements. The blocks can be arranged in various patterns to produce various textures and appearances.
The ease of installation is one of the most significant benefits of precast retaining wall blocks. The blocks’ interlocking design makes installation simple, and they can be assembled quickly without the use of any special equipment or tools.
Furthermore, because precast retaining wall blocks are resistant to weathering, they require little maintenance over their lifetime.
Boulder Retaining Wall Installation
Natural rock retaining wall stones are a popular retaining wall material. They have a natural, rustic look and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Natural rock retaining wall stones are quarried from the earth, giving them a distinct character and texture that cannot be duplicated.
The durability of natural rock retaining wall stones is one of their most significant advantages. They are weather resistant and can withstand significant weight and pressure. Furthermore, because they are natural, they blend in with the surrounding landscape, giving it a more cohesive and natural appearance.
Natural rock retaining wall stones can be difficult to install due to their weight and irregular shape, necessitating specialized equipment and professional installation. They are quarried from the earth and in turn can are usually more cost when compared to other types of retaining wall materials.
Garden Walls
Garden retaining walls are used to create raised garden beds, resulting in a more visually appealing and functional landscape. They are typically constructed of a variety of materials such as natural stone, brick, and concrete blocks.
Garden retaining walls can be used to create a wide range of designs, from simple functional structures to elaborate ornamental features.
The ability of garden retaining walls to create a more visually appealing landscape is one of their most significant advantages. They can be used to add depth and interest to the garden by creating levels, terraces, and focal points.
Garden retaining walls can also serve a practical purpose by allowing for better drainage and soil quality.
There are some drawbacks to using garden retaining walls. They are mostly designed for aesthetics and may not be as strong or long-lasting as other types of retaining walls.
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Wood Retaining Walls
Wood retaining walls are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a more natural and rustic look. They are typically made of pressure-treated wood, which is rot and decay resistant. Wood retaining walls come in a variety of styles, such as horizontal and vertical planks and logs.
The versatility of wood retaining walls is one of their most significant advantages. They can be made to fit into a wide range of landscapes and styles, from rustic to modern. Furthermore, wood retaining walls are relatively simple to construct and do not require specialised equipment or professional installation.
The drawbacks to using wood for retaining walls is the wood may warp, rot, or become infested with insects over time, compromising the retaining wall’s stability.
Wood is a natural material and it requires more upkeep than other types of retaining walls. To protect the wood from the elements it is recommended to apply a linseed oil to help provide longevity.
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Consider the specific needs and requirements of your landscape when selecting retaining wall landscaping materials. The slope of the terrain, the weight and pressure that the retaining wall must withstand, and the overall aesthetic of the landscape are all factors to consider.
As a professional landscaper and retaining wall contractor we will assist you in determining the best design and materials for your project.
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How high can a retaining wall be in Calgary before it needs engineering?
In Calgary, any retaining wall 1.2 metres (approximately 4 feet) or higher requires a building permit and engineer-stamped structural drawings. This height is measured from the lowest point of ground to the top of the wall.
Even walls under 1.2 m may still need engineering if they carry surcharge loads (like driveways, structures, or heavy fill), involve poor soil or drainage, or are part of a tiered/terraced system.
When walls exceed the 1.2 m threshold or when site conditions add complexity the City of Calgary mandates that a professional engineer design and certify the wall for safety and long-term stability.
Can you build a retaining wall on top of another wall?
Yes, but only under the right conditions. Building a wall on top of another wall (a tiered or stacked retaining wall system) is allowed in Calgary only when the design is engineered to safely manage the combined loads.
Even if each individual wall is under 1.2 metres, the City can classify the entire system as a single structure, which may trigger the need for engineering approval and a building permit.
Proper spacing, soil conditions, drainage management, and surcharge loads all determine whether tiered walls are safe and compliant. Without engineering, stacked walls can fail due to pressure buildup or poor drainage, so professional design is strongly recommended for any multi wall system.
Tip: The rule of thumb is to ensure the seperation between walls is every 1 foot up needs 2 feet back.
Why do Retaining Walls Fail?
Retaining walls fail when the forces behind them become greater than the wall can safely resist. The most common causes include poor drainage, which allows water to build up pressure behind the wall, and incorrect installation practices such as insufficient base preparation or improper backfill materials.
Using the wrong type of block, inadequate geogrid reinforcement, or building on unstable soil can also lead to movement or collapse.
In Calgary’s freeze-thaw climate, walls are especially vulnerable if they are not designed to handle water, shifting soils, and seasonal ground expansion. A properly engineered design, quality materials, and correct installation methods are the best protection against premature failure.