When deciding on the choice of material you will use to build your unique retaining wall solution will depend to some degree on how you want it to look. Design components such as shape, color and texture play some key roles in this decision. Various materials, including stone, metal, and wood can be used in the construction of solid, functional and decorative retaining walls.

Choosing to construct a wood retaining wall is a great solution for reshaping a sloped yard. It can lend a real identity to your specific garden area. It’s important to remember that some materials can be used to create curves; but a retaining wall made of timber will be straight so it loses the flexibility that some other building materials offer. Stone retaining walls kind of share this trait with timber retaining walls.

Our advice is that you will need to consider this limitation and factor this in when surveying the area that requires the services of a retaining wall. There is much less flexibility in design with wood retaining walls versus a retaining wall made out of concrete. It really depends on the need for functionality and what is pleasing to your eyes and taste.

Customers always want to know what it will cost them to build a timber retaining wall. That will vary depending on the type of timber you choose to employ. A treated pine timber is going be more economical than other woods that you may want to consider. To give you an idea about cost, an average price range for materials and labour for a treated pine wall will run you somewhere between$250 to $350 per square metre. Now if you choose to go with a hardwood, for example with the benefits and lifespan of treated timbre sleepers, you can look at a range of $300 to $450 per square metre for materials and labour.

Hardwood, such as Douglas Fir, is a much better choice if you’re looking for a solution with a ground water issue, and the prospect of water contact or penetration with the wood that could likely come along with it. So, when you’re deciding on the type of wood to use, consider the environmental pressure that the wood will to endure.

A major factor to consider when thinking about choosing a timber retaining wall is the lifespan it will have. An average lifespan for treated timber can be up to 40 years. That may seem like a long time, but there's really no limit on the life span of properly installed concrete or masonry retaining walls. It all comes down to budget, need and your specific preferences.

Why Rely on Victoria Retaining Walls

It’s common knowledge that retaining walls are built for structural support, however they can be decorative as well. With that being said, it is important to employ a company with a lot of experience to build the wall. Many different companies in the Greater Victoria region, and the Saanich Peninsula have entrusted us to deliver the proper talent it takes for their unique properties and retaining wall projects.

If your existing structure has damage and is need of repair, or maybe you’re looking for a new addition we would be happy to assist you in your search for the right retaining wall contractor. It’s important to not allow existing damage to get any worse. It needs to be acted upon to have the opportunity to have an extended lifespan.

Give us a call for your next project. We’d love to help. Our number is 778-400-1582