Expert Retaining Wall Construction
We build retaining walls of varying heights, depths, and styles on the North Shore for diverse purposes. Whether you need to level sloped areas of your garden or lawn, create visual interest, or address challenging retaining requirements with tiered or tied-back retaining wall systems, we have you covered. We do the standard groundwork such as excavation, drainage and soil disposal included in building retaining walls.
Feel free to contact us to talk about your project details.
Retaining Wall Specialists North Shore, Auckland
Shaw Contracting Services is an earthmoving and retaining wall specialists Auckland. We construct all types of timber retaining walls while ensuring the structure is solid and complies with the NZ Building Code. With over 20 years of industry experience and a knowledgeable crew working on challenging sites, we’ve become the preferred retaining wall contractor in the Auckland region.
During construction, we take all precautions and pay attention to details to ensure that wires and pipes beneath the ground are not damaged, and that an adequate drainage system is included while building the wall.
Typically, we use timber poles and railing to create a standard design. However, we customise our services for specific situations such as retained garden developments or replacing a retaining wall between two boundaries.
Shaw Contracting Services also eliminates project delays by utilising our in-house equipment for building retaining walls Auckland.
The Importance of Constructing Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are essential structures in both residential and commercial landscaping, particularly in hilly regions like Auckland. By holding back soil in sloping conditions, timber retaining walls support the lateral load or pressure of the earth fill behind them. They also incorporate drainage systems to prevent water buildup, which can increase pressure and reduce the wall’s load-bearing capacity and its ability to resist sliding.
Retaining walls can be put to many uses, whether you plan a short retaining wall in a garden or a tall structure to protect against erosion.
Here are some specific applications:
- Acting as a garden planter to add visual interest and organisation to your garden.
- Providing stability on challenging sections of land before building a new home.
- Establishing boundaries alongside driveways or protecting land in commercial developments.
- Helping to prevent erosion near riverbanks or coastal areas.
- Well-retained land increases your property value.
Shaw Contracting Services has extensive knowledge and experience in a broad range of residential, commercial, and infrastructure retaining wall solutions. We are equipped to work under challenging site conditions to meet the needs of any project.
Our Installation Process
If you want the best for your property, a professionally installed retaining wall is the solution. We are happy to spend the time with you to understand your requirements and tailor our installation services to accommodate your requirements as per your site’s unique soil conditions.
- Site Assessment and Planning - The first step in constructing a retaining wall is assessing the site and planning the project. This involves understanding the soil type, slope, and drainage requirements.
- Excavation and Foundation Preparation - Excavation involves digging out the area where the retaining wall will be built. Our team of earthmovers Auckland makes sure to prepare the soil for a stable foundation.
- Building the Wall - Depending on the type of retaining wall, we carefully place and secure timber walls with precision and accuracy to ensure the wall is level and structurally sound.
FAQs
Can retaining walls be built on any type of soil?
Retaining walls North Shore can be built on most soil types, but the construction method and materials may vary based on soil stability and drainage needs. Because different soils have varying load-bearing capacities and drainage characteristics. Clay soils, for example, retain more water and exert higher pressure on retaining walls compared to sandy or gravelly soils.
How do you ensure the stability of the wall?
We carefully select backfill materials, employ proven construction techniques and reinforcement methods like tie backs or geogrid and include a proper drainage system to ensure stability.
What is the importance of drainage in retaining walls?
Proper drainage is crucial in retaining walls to prevent water buildup behind the wall. Excess water can increase pressure on the wall, potentially causing it to fail. Drainage systems, such as drain coils and backfilled gravel, help manage water flow and maintain the wall's stability.
What is the difference between a gravity wall and a reinforced retaining wall?
Gravity walls rely on their mass and weight to resist the pressure from the soil behind them, typically constructed from heavy materials like concrete or stone. Reinforced retaining walls use additional structural elements such as steel bars, geogrid, or tie backs to enhance their strength and stability.
What are temporary retaining walls, and when are they used?
These walls are used to provide short-term soil support during construction or excavation projects. They are typically removed or replaced with permanent structures after project completion.
What is a soldier pile retaining wall?
A soldier pile retaining wall consists of vertical steel H-piles driven into the ground at regular intervals, with horizontal lagging (timber, concrete, or steel) placed between them to retain soil. This type of wall is often used in deep excavations or urban environments where space is limited.
Do I need Council consent?
If your wall is taller than 1.5m and is supporting a driveway, boundary or a building, you’ll need Auckland Council consent.