Garden Wall Builders Leeds
Retaining walls and garden walls across Leeds and West Yorkshire, built on proper foundations with drainage behind them so they stay standing.
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Retaining walls in Leeds
A retaining wall holds back soil where the ground changes level. Most of the retaining walls we build are part of a wider landscaping or patio project, where part of the garden has been dug out to make a level area and the higher ground behind needs holding in place.
They're built in concrete, brick, block, natural stone, timber sleepers or gabions, and they can be a feature in their own right. Planting along the top of a retaining wall can look stunning.
Retaining walls we've built
Concrete gravel board retaining walls
Reinforced concrete gravel boards make a strong, cost-effective retaining wall for modest changes in level. The boards slot horizontally between concrete posts set in concrete, holding the soil back and leaving a level surface in front. Because each board is large, a gravel board wall goes up quickly.
They're durable and long-lasting, and a fence can often be fixed on top of the same posts. Where more height needs retaining, we'd build a brick, block or stone wall instead.
Types of retaining wall
The type of retaining wall is more about how it resists the soil than what it looks like.
Gravity walls
Rely on their own weight, so they're built from heavy materials such as stone or large concrete blocks. Most garden ones are no more than about 1.5 metres high.
Cantilever walls
An L-shaped wall where the weight of soil on the base slab keeps the upright stem in place. Used where more height has to be retained, and designed by an engineer.
Sleeper walls
Timber sleepers give a natural look and are a good low-cost option for lower walls if properly treated.
Natural stone and gabions
Stone looks superb but costs more in materials and labour. Gabions are steel wire cages filled with stone, used decoratively or to retain soil.
Brick and block garden walls
Brick and block walls can be single or double skin, and the bond and thickness depend on the height and how much soil the wall holds back. Stone usually looks better than brick but costs more. Depending on the height and load, there are plenty of other options, and we'll help you choose.
Lower decorative walls often end up doing some retaining too, once soil is built up behind them, so we build them with that in mind.
How we build a retaining wall
As with most garden building work, the parts that matter most are the ones you can't see. The taller the wall, the deeper the foundation needs to go. Be wary of a quote that's noticeably cheaper than the rest: the savings are usually made below ground, and fixing a failing retaining wall costs far more than building it properly the first time.
Drainage is vital. Most walls don't let water through, so we put a layer of gravel directly behind the wall to let water drain down rather than build up and push against it, and for some materials a membrane as well.
For most garden walls up to about 1.2 metres, a good foundation and quality mortar are enough. Above that we'd recommend an engineer's design, or stepping the wall in two or more lower tiers.
Retaining wall questions answered
Can concrete gravel boards be used as a retaining wall?
Yes, for modest changes in level. Reinforced concrete gravel boards between concrete posts set in concrete make a quick, cost-effective retaining wall. For higher ground we'd build a brick, block or stone wall.
How high can you build a retaining wall?
For a garden we'd ideally keep a wall to about 1.2 metres. Higher is possible with deeper foundations, thicker construction and an engineer's design, or by stepping the garden with two or more lower walls, which can look very effective and gives more room for planting.
What is the strongest option for a retaining wall?
It depends on the height and the ground. Options include a double-skin wall, deeper foundations or a cantilever design. We'll recommend the right one at the survey.
What affects the cost of a retaining wall?
Height, length, material, access for deliveries and how much work there is around the wall, such as trees or shrubs to work around. Because there are so many variables, we visit the site before giving a fixed price.
Why does drainage behind the wall matter?
Water building up behind a wall pushes against it and is one of the most common reasons walls lean or fail. A gravel layer behind the wall lets water drain away.
Get a free retaining wall quote
Send us a photo of the slope and its rough length and height, or call 0113 519 1919 to arrange a free survey.