Why Retaining Wall Contractors Matter
Got a slope in your backyard? Dealing with poor drainage or soil that just won’t stay put? A retaining wall might be what your property needs. But putting one together isn’t just stacking some pieces and hoping they hold. It takes the right layout, smart drainage, and materials tough enough for the rainy months and summer heat we get around the Lower Mainland.
We finished a project in Port Moody where a sloped backyard was eating up space the family couldn’t use. They wanted a flat area for their kids to run around. We built a stone retaining wall with drainage underneath—and it totally changed the yard. Now it’s dry, flat, and usable. It’s jobs like that that make us proud to be doing this kind of work.
What Services Do Retaining Wall Contractors Offer?
Retaining wall projects aren’t always simple. Most retaining wall contractors handle extra landscape and hardscape tasks too. At Premier Grounds Contracting Ltd., we offer:
- On-site walkthroughs and design ideas that fit your property layout
- Full wall builds using poured concrete, timber, natural stone, or concrete blocks
- Drainage systems to stop water pressure from messing with the wall
- Repairs and upgrades for walls that are shifting, cracking, or past their prime
- Decks, stairs, paver paths and garden tie-ins to create an outdoor setup that works
In places like Burnaby, Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam, we often combine walls with patios, curbing, or lawn trims so everything flows together and feels more finished.
Types of Retaining Walls and Which One Suits You
The type of wall you’ll need depends on your yard’s shape, the soil, how you want it to look, and what kind of budget you’re working with. Here are some go-to options:
- Segmental concrete block walls: A staple choice—strong, clean-looking, and quick to set in place.
- Natural stone walls: Rugged and timeless. They take more time and care, but the result is worth it if you’re after that old-school style.
- Timber walls: Works fine for short walls on a budget. They don’t last forever, though, especially in damp spots.
- Poured concrete walls: Super sturdy and great for tall or complicated areas. They’re built all in one pour, which makes them solid through and through.
Here in Coquitlam, with the mix of clay soil and tons of rainfall, we often suggest segmental concrete blocks with strong drainage setups. They last well and don’t lose their clean edges like other materials sometimes do.
When Is the Best Time to Build a Retaining Wall?
If the ground’s not frozen solid or waterlogged, you’re good to go. That usually means we’re working from March through October. Cold, frozen ground doesn’t pack properly—and poor compaction means weaker foundations, which isn’t good news for a wall that should last decades.
If you’re planning something for spring or summer, booking a few weeks in advance makes things easier. Want to add a deck, path, or garden space at the same time? Doing it all in one go can save time and cut down on repeated work.
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost?
Every home is different, so prices definitely vary. But just to give you an idea, retaining walls made of stone or concrete blocks usually run between $30–$60 per square foot. That includes all the digging, base layers, labor, and drainage. Timber’s cheaper upfront, but the lifespan isn’t the same.
The fastest way to get a solid number is to have us swing by and take a look. That way, we can see what’s really going on and talk through how to handle it. Just give us a call at (778) 235-0996—quotes don’t cost anything, and there’s no pressure.
Permits and Regulations for Retaining Walls in Coquitlam and Nearby Areas
If your wall is taller than a metre—or about 3 feet—you’re likely going to need a building permit. Cities like Burnaby and Coquitlam also ask for engineering reports or drawings, especially for anything near sidewalks or boundaries.
We take care of all of that for you. You won’t have to deal with forms or inspections—we handle it so everything lines up with the city’s rules and your project doesn’t get stuck in limbo. Want to read more? The City of Coquitlam Planning and Development page and Burnaby Building Permits info are worth checking out.
Tips for Maintaining Your Retaining Wall
Keeping your wall in good shape is easier than fixing a big problem down the road. Here are a few quick ways to keep things solid:
- Clear out leaves, plants, and anything else trapped up behind the wall
- Watch for signs of shifting, leaning, or cracking—it’s way easier to fix early
- Make sure drainage stays open and doesn’t get blocked
- Reseal stone or concrete surfaces every handful of years so water doesn’t creep in
A well-built retaining wall, when looked after, should last 20 years or more with barely any issues!
How Premier Grounds Contracting Ltd. Stands Out
We’re not fancy. What makes us different is how straight-forward we are. We show up on time, we talk things through in plain words, and once we start, we make sure the finished job is something that holds up. We’ve worked on enough retaining walls to know that people value honesty more than anything.
Take a big build we did over in Surrey. There was a retaining wall plus some deck and tree removal. The homeowner told us what stuck out most wasn’t even how the wall turned out—but that we kept them in the loop the whole time. No guessing or wondering. That’s the kind of service people around here count on when they hire retaining wall contractors.
Thinking of getting going? Reach out at (778) 235-0996—we’re happy to chat or stop by.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Wall Contractors
How long does it typically take to build a retaining wall? Small ones can be done in a few days. Bigger walls—especially with add-ons or poor weather—can stretch over a couple weeks.
Can I get a retaining wall that matches my home’s style? Totally. Different materials and patterns let you make the wall match the feel of your home or landscaping.
Do retaining walls help with soil erosion? Big yes. That’s one of their main jobs—keeping soil from washing away where there are slopes or bad drainage.
What maintenance is needed for timber retaining walls? Watch for rot, pests, or warping. These types of walls need a little more attention and might need rework sooner than block or stone walls.
Can retaining walls include built-in lighting or seating? Yep. We can work in benches, lights, or planters—but it’s best to talk about it early before we start construction.
Is drainage really that important behind retaining walls? 100%. Skipping drainage is one of the fastest ways to end up with a broken wall. We always build it into the plan.
Are retaining wall permits expensive or complicated to get? Depends on your area. But we handle that stuff to keep it simple and legal for you.
Will a retaining wall increase my property’s value? Often, yes. They boost yard space and make your place look more taken care of—and buyers notice that.
What is the average lifespan of a retaining wall? You’re usually looking at 20 years or more, as long as it’s built right and gets a little upkeep now and then.
Is it better to DIY or hire professionals for retaining walls? You might be able to pull off a short garden wall on your own. But for the big stuff—and anything that needs drainage or permits—real retaining wall contractors are the way to go.
