We specialize in building beautiful and functional retaining walls.
Retaining Wall Solutions for Sloped Properties in Nanaimo
Retaining walls are a great way to enhance both the look and function of your landscaping. Commonly used as a solution for sloping and uneven properties, retaining walls let you carve out functional outdoor spaces into sloping properties that can be suitable for garden areas, sections of lawn, patios and more. Made out of a variety of building materials retaining walls can compliment your landscaping and increase your properties curb appeal.
Hudson Procter Contracting is a full service general construction contractor serving Nanaimo and the mid-Vancouver Island area. We specialize in the design and construction of retaining walls using rock, block, and concrete for both residential and commercial property owners.
NATURAL STONE WALL
ALLAN BLOCK WALL
CONCRETE WALLS
LARGE LOCK-BLOCK
Retaining Walls & Building Permits in Nanaimo
In the Nanaimo area retaining walls that are over 1.2 meters (3.9ft) in height will require a building permit. In addition any retaining walls over 1.2 meters (3.9ft) in height must be designed and signed off by a geotechnical and structural engineer to ensure the wall is properly constructed for your site conditions. An exception applies to the permit for “terraced or tiered” retaining walls where the distance between terraces is equal to or greater than twice the height of each terrace. This does not account for any covenants that might be on your property.
Retaining Wall Material Choices
There are many different materials to build your retaining wall from, we’ve just listed some of the more popular in our area because of their availability. If you have an idea for a retaining wall and you’d don’t see the materials listed here please give us a call or use our contact form and we’d be happy to source them for you.
Natural Stone “Boulder” Retaining Walls: Boulders make a very strong statement and much like gravity blocks their sheer size is what gives them an edge as retaining wall construction material.
The natural look of stone if appealing and no two boulders will be alike giving you a very unique appearance to your wall. Retaining walls built with boulders will require the use of an excavator. Boulders are purchased by the ton and are available in good supply locally.
Landscaping “Allan” Block Retaining Walls: This is probably one of the most common retaining wall materials because of it’s pleasing looks, availability and affordability. Landscaping blocks are usually used to build retaining walls that are under 3′ – 4′ feet in height. They are available in different shapes with decorative colors and even texturing.
The stackable blocks are made of concrete and have a decorative finish on the front side and then a small lip on the back. The lip fits into the block below it to form an interlocking joint that can withstand the external forces of your soil and fill pushing against it. The blocks are often slightly wedge shaped to make it easier to create curved retaining wall designs.
Concrete Retaining Walls: For a very modern and clean look many property owners choose to use concrete for their retaining walls. When using concrete we must construct wood forms so that the concrete can be poured or pumped into the retaining wall form.
Walls with many complex curves or that are very long can require extensive formwork which is quite labor intensive. One of the benefits to concrete is that it can be colored or even stamped on the outer surface to enhance the appearance and make it appear like stone blocks, or wood or other materials.
Gravity or “Lock” Block: These are a very popular retaining wall choice for large retaining walls either spanning for a great distance or over several terraces.
The large rectangular concrete blocks are stacked on top of each other and through gravity and the eventual settling of the surrounding soil they make an excellent retaining wall.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for your next retaining wall project in the Nanaimo area.
