Rockfall Retaining Wall & Concrete Courtyard in Napier
- Oct 2, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Robert’s Napier home sits at the bottom of a tall, steep limestone bank. After heavy rain, rocks would occasionally break free and tumble into the backyard. The poor ground conditions also left the area difficult to use and maintain.
Everyday Contractors built a timber retaining wall with space behind it to catch and contain falling rocks before they reached the usable part of the backyard. We then prepared the ground, installed drainage and laid new concrete surfaces.
This project shows how the retaining wall and concrete courtyard were constructed to make the backyard safer, tidier and considerably more useful.
#1 Excavation for retaining walls and concrete in Napier
Digger clearing rocky ground for retaining wall and concrete construction in Napier Excavated hillside with removed rocks prepared for retaining wall and concrete work in Napier Timber posts installed for retaining wall construction during backyard project in Napier
You can see a collection of the fallen rocks in this middle picture.
The ground is limestone and proved to be a nightmare to dig. There were numerous boulders that we would need to either break with the rock breaker or dig out by hand. The auger on the digger was not heavy enough to cut through them.
#2 Timber retaining wall construction in Napier
Timber retaining wall constructed to stabilise slope and catch falling rocks in Napier Close view of retaining wall posts and timber structure built for hillside support in Napier Completed retaining wall creating level backyard area and preventing rock movement in Napier
You can see a collection of the fallen rocks behind the wall already.
Assembling the retaining wall was relatively straightforward once the posts were securely in place. We deliberately left a space between the wall and the slope to catch and contain any rocks falling from the bank.
Take a look at other retaining wall solutions on our retaining walls page
#3 Site preparation for concrete slab and drainage in Napier
Excavation work removing soil to create proper fall for concrete slab beside retaining wall in Napie Tracked loader transporting excavated soil during concrete preparation work in Napier backyard proje Backyard area levelled and shaped to allow drainage fall for concrete installation in Napier
Removing soil
We needed to create the right levels before bringing in basecourse and compacting the whole area. All the soil was pulled up by the digger, carried out on the skid steer and dumped with the truck.
Soil was removed to create the correct fall for drainage, ensuring water flows away from the concrete surface and prevents pooling.
#4 Drainage installation before concrete work in Napier
Drainage pipes installed beside house to prepare for concrete work in Napier backyard project Contractor installing drainage system and trenching for concrete slab and retaining wall in Napier Underground drainage pipe set up to manage water flow before concrete installation in Napier
Plumbing - setting up drains
Due to levels of the site we had to install a set of double drains to take water from the back yard down the side of the house to the street and out onto the kerb. When working with concrete we often have to work with plumbers to ensure the water is collected or moved away sensibly.
We work with plumbers every other week so it is easy to fix drainage issues. See examples of other jobs on our plumbing page
#5 Concrete installation and exposed aggregate finish in Napier
Concrete area set out with fall lines marked for drainage before pouring slab in Napier Finished exposed aggregate concrete patio installed by contractors in Napier backyard Exposed aggregate concrete driveway with drainage channel installed in Napier
Concrete
After the basecourse was compacted, the concrete was delivered and placed the same day. The following day, the top layer of sand and cement was washed off to expose the stones. This finish is known as exposed aggregate. Our concrete laying team did a fantastic job.
Finished Retaining Wall and Concrete Courtyard
The completed project gives Robert a much safer and more practical backyard. The timber retaining wall creates a barrier between the steep limestone bank and the usable outdoor area, while the space behind the wall provides somewhere for loose rocks to be caught and contained.
We also installed drainage and replaced the poor, difficult-to-maintain ground with exposed aggregate concrete. Robert now has a tidy, durable courtyard that is easier to use and maintain throughout the year.
By completing the retaining wall, drainage and concrete work as one coordinated project, Everyday Contractors was able to address both the falling-rock problem and the condition of the backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a space left behind the retaining wall?
The gap was left deliberately to catch and contain rocks that may fall from the steep limestone bank. Without this space, falling rocks could strike the wall directly or continue into the usable courtyard.
Does the retaining wall stabilise the entire hillside?
No. The wall was built as a barrier to help catch loose rocks falling from the bank. It was not intended to stabilise the entire hillside. Every steep site is different and should be assessed before deciding on an appropriate solution.
Why was concrete used in the backyard?
The existing ground was poor and difficult to use. Exposed aggregate concrete created a durable, level and low-maintenance courtyard while making the backyard considerably more practical.
Why was drainage included in the project?
The property sits below a steep bank, so controlling surface water was an important part of the work. The drainage helps direct water away from the new courtyard and reduces the amount of water collecting around the retaining wall and concrete.
When do you need a retaining wall?
Sloping backyard
Soil or rocks falling
Uneven ground
Creating level outdoor areas
You are welcome to explore other similar job on our Concrete works page
Do you need a quote for your home project?
For all enquiries, please send us an email to info@everydaycontractors.com or click the button below to request a quote. We will respond to your request later the same day. The more details you can provide about your project in your message, the more accurate and helpful our response will be. All quotes are prepared and delivered by email for your convenience.
For every job, we also produce a clear written contract to ensure transparency and peace of mind throughout the process.
You are also welcome to give us a call at 021 0415 486 for any questions or requests you may have regarding your next project.
