Timber pole retaining walls
A practical, versatile system for residential, rural and hillside sites, subject to site-specific design and loading.
Retaining Wall Builders Christchurch
Retaining built around the site.
Complete retaining-wall delivery from excavation and failed-wall removal through to construction, drainage, backfill and a clean finished site.
Tricky and steep sites are our specialty.Access, engineering, excavation, drainage and construction considered as one complete retaining project.
Complete retaining-wall construction
The wall is only one part of the job.
A retaining wall has to suit the ground, loads, drainage, access and the structures around it. We assess each project individually rather than forcing every site into the same solution.
Earthworks Construction Ltd constructs retaining walls throughout Christchurch, including Cashmere, Huntsbury, Sumner, Lyttelton, Governors Bay, Banks Peninsula and difficult Port Hills sites.
Engineering coordinationWe can work with your engineer or help coordinate design and consent requirements.
Earthworks includedExcavation, access, spoil, foundation preparation and backfill kept within the scope.
Drainage consideredSubsoil drainage, free-draining backfill and outlets planned around the site.
Failed-wall replacementExisting wall removal and temporary site management can be incorporated.
Retaining systems
The right wall for the load and ground.
Final selection depends on height, surcharge, soil, water, access, engineering and the finish required.
Concrete retaining walls
Engineered reinforced solutions where strength, durability, height or structural loading demands it.
Concrete block retaining
A durable architectural finish suited to visible residential and landscape retaining applications.
Flex MSE retaining
Vegetated reinforced-earth solutions for selected slopes, waterways and projects requiring a softer finish.
Pile-driven retaining
Driven-pole solutions for wet or unstable ground where conventional augered holes may not be practical.
Site-specific retaining
Custom systems coordinated around structural loads, difficult access, steep terrain and consented designs.
Complete delivery
From existing ground to finished wall.
Keeping the earthworks and wall construction together reduces handover problems and makes responsibility clear.
01
Engineering and consent coordinationAssess design requirements, surcharge, boundaries, services and approvals.
02
Failed-wall removal if requiredExisting materials removed and the site made safe for reconstruction.
03
Excavation and foundation preparationAccess, cuts, holes, footings and spoil movements completed.
04
Retaining-wall constructionWall built to the approved system, levels and project requirements.
05
Drainage and backfillDrainage installed and suitable material placed behind the wall.
06
Site tidy and handoverSurplus material removed and the surrounding site left ready for the next stage.
Retaining projects
Built across Christchurch’s difficult ground.
Examples from residential, hillside and engineered retaining projects around the region.
Timber retaining wallCashmere / Port Hills
Steep-site retainingLyttelton / difficult access
Engineered constructionExcavation through to backfill
Consent and design
When does a retaining wall require engineering?
Height is only one factor. A wall may require engineering or consent because of surcharge from a building, driveway, vehicle area, steep slope or other load near the wall. Boundary position and site conditions can also affect requirements.
We can work from existing plans or help connect the project with suitable engineers and related consultants.Replacement walls
Failed walls need more than like-for-like replacement.
The cause of movement—drainage, embedment, loading, deteriorated materials or ground conditions—needs to be understood before rebuilding. Removal, temporary stability, access and the replacement sequence must be considered together.
Our earthworks capability allows the old wall and surrounding ground to be managed as one project.Retaining-wall questions
What should be checked first?
Height, loading, drainage, ground conditions and access determine far more than appearance alone.
Do I need building consent?
It depends on wall height, surcharge, location and site conditions. Walls supporting additional loads can require engineering and consent even when under 1.5 metres. Obtain site-specific advice before proceeding.
Which retaining-wall type is cheapest?
Timber is often the most economical solution, but the correct system depends on the site, loading, design life, access and finish required.
Can you remove an existing failed wall?
Yes. Existing wall removal, spoil cartage, excavation and replacement construction can be included in the scope.
Do you complete drainage and backfill?
Yes. Drainage and suitable backfill are integral parts of a retaining project and can be completed with the wall construction.
Do you work on steep Port Hills sites?
Yes. Difficult and steep sites are a major part of our experience, subject to site assessment and safe access.
Retaining Wall Builders Christchurch
Start with the site, height and what the wall supports.
Call or text Trent with the address, photos, approximate dimensions and any plans. We can establish the practical next step for your retaining project.