Thinking about building a retaining wall? Whether you’re trying to tame a slope, add structure to your garden, or create flat space for a car park or patio, a well-built retaining wall can transform your outdoor space.
But before you start digging or laying blocks, it pays to be prepared.
Here’s your ultimate retaining wall checklist. It contains all the key things to consider before the build starts, so you get a result that’s safe, durable, and looks great for years to come.
✅ 1. Know Your Site
Every site is different. You really need to be familiar with the conditions so you can avoid nasty surprises.
Start by checking:
- Slope grade: steeper slopes may require engineered designs
- Soil type: clay, sandy, or reactive soils each behave differently
- Drainage patterns: where water flows during heavy rain
- Access: can machinery or materials easily reach the site?
If you’re not sure about soil stability or drainage, it’s worth having a professional site assessment done before finalising your plan.
✅ 2. Choose the Right Type of Wall
There are several popular options for retaining walls, and each has strengths depending on your goals and location:
- Concrete sleepers: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, great for straight walls
- Modular block walls: Stylish, flexible, and good for curves or tiered gardens
- Timber: Cost-effective for lower walls or temporary solutions, but less durable long-term
Ask yourself: Do you need strength or style? Do you want a wall that blends in or makes a statement? Your answer will guide your choice.
✅ 3. Plan for Drainage (Don’t Skip This!)
Poor drainage is the #1 reason retaining walls fail.
Make sure your plan includes:
- Gravel backfill to allow water to move freely
- Agg pipe (slotted drainage pipe) at the base of the wall
- Weep holes in solid walls to release pressure
- A way to direct water away from foundations, paths, or neighbouring properties
Water behind a wall adds pressure, and if it has nowhere to go, you could be looking at cracks, bulging, or even collapse down the track.
✅ 4. Check Approvals and Heights
On the Sunshine Coast, any retaining wall over 1 metre in height (or supporting a structure) generally requires:
- Council approval
- Structural engineering
- Proper boundary setbacks
Even smaller walls near boundaries may need approval, depending on site conditions and layout. A professional landscaper can help you navigate local requirements and avoid costly mistakes.
✅ 5. Know When to Call in the Pros
DIY retaining walls under 1 metre are possible for confident home handypersons. Is that you? Do you have the time or the inclination. Because, once you’re dealing with significant loads, complex drainage, or tricky slopes, it’s worth hiring a pro.
A professional installer will:
- Select the right materials
- Ensure correct drainage and reinforcement
- Handle excavation, disposal, and clean-up
- Guarantee compliance with local council and safety codes
Build It Right, the First Time
A well-built retaining wall doesn’t just hold back soil. It creates usable space, adds structure, and increases the value of your property. But getting it wrong can cost time, money, and peace of mind.
Pro tip: A solid plan saves time, cost, and stress — and gets you a better result that lasts.
Greener Landscaping designs and builds retaining walls across the Sunshine Coast, with expert advice from planning to completion. If you’re ready to get started, we’ll help you build it right the first time. Call us today on 07 4120 7807!
