How much does a retaining wall cost?

The cost depends on wall height, length, site access, drainage requirements, engineering requirements and the materials used. Following a site visit, we can provide a detailed quotation based on your specific project.

Do I need a retaining wall?

Retaining walls are commonly required where ground levels need to be altered, sloping sections need stabilisation, or additional usable space is required.

What type of retaining wall is best?

The best retaining wall depends on your site conditions, budget and aesthetic preferences. Common options include timber retaining walls, concrete block walls, palisade walls and engineered retaining walls.

Does my retaining wall need engineering?

Many retaining walls require engineering input, particularly where the wall exceeds certain heights or supports additional loads. We can advise what is required for your specific site.

Does my retaining wall need council consent?

Some retaining walls require consent, while others do not. Requirements depend on wall height, loading and site conditions. We can help determine what approvals may be required.

Why is my retaining wall leaning?

Leaning walls are often caused by poor drainage, inadequate foundations, rotting timber, soil movement or poor original construction.

Can retaining walls be repaired?

Yes. Many retaining walls can be repaired, strengthened or partially rebuilt without requiring complete replacement.

Why is drainage important behind a retaining wall?

Water pressure is one of the most common causes of retaining wall failure. Proper drainage helps reduce pressure and improves long-term performance.

How long does a retaining wall last?

The lifespan depends on the materials used, drainage, site conditions and construction quality. Well-built retaining walls can provide decades of reliable performance.

Can you build retaining walls on steep sites?

Yes. We regularly construct retaining walls on steep and challenging sites throughout Hawke's Bay.

Can you coordinate engineers and other trades?

Absolutely. We regularly manage engineers, excavators, drainlayers, concrete contractors and landscapers as part of retaining wall projects.

What is a palisade retaining wall?

A palisade wall uses timber or steel posts driven deep into the ground to stabilise slopes and retain soil. They are particularly effective on steep sites.

What happens during a retaining wall site visit?

We assess ground levels, drainage requirements, site access, soil conditions and any engineering considerations before recommending a suitable solution.

Do you work throughout Hawke's Bay?

Yes. Our primary service areas are Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, although we also undertake selected projects in surrounding areas.

Do you provide free retaining wall quotes?

Yes. Simply send us an email with your contact details, photos or plans if available, and we will arrange a site visit to discuss your project.

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Retaining Wall Specialists in Napier, Hastings & Havelock North

Why Choose US TO BUILD YOUR RETAINING WALLS?

Retaining walls help stabilise sloping land, prevent erosion, improve drainage, and create more usable outdoor spaces. They can also enhance the appearance and value of your property.

At Everyday Contractors, we design, build, and repair retaining walls across Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North. From garden walls to large structural retaining walls, we deliver solutions tailored to your site and requirements.

With years of experience and a focus on quality workmanship, we build retaining walls that are durable, functional, and built to last. If you're unsure which option is right for your property, our team can provide expert advice and a site assessment.

Whether your retaining wall is decorative, structural or part of a larger landscaping project, we have the experience to deliver a solution that works.

GET A FREE QUOTE

RECENT WORK

All about
RETAINING WALLS.

Retaining walls are about far more than hydrostatic pressure, engineering calculations, and council inspections. We enjoy transforming steep slopes, awkward spaces, and challenging sites into practical, attractive areas that add value to your property. From creating flat lawn areas and garden terraces to vehicle access and building platforms, retaining walls can completely change the way a property functions.

Of course, we work closely with engineers and inspectors to ensure every wall is safe and fit for purpose, but that doesn't mean retaining walls need to be boring. By combining different materials, shapes, textures, and planting, we create retaining walls that add character as well as strength. The result is more than just a wall — it's a well-designed outdoor space that is easier to use, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable to live with.

Site assessments

Retaining wall design advice

Excavation and earthworks

Drainage installation

Engineering coordination

New retaining wall construction

Retaining wall repairs

Landscaping around completed walls

Types of Retaining
Walls We Build.

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Custom Retaining Wall Solutions

Sometimes the best retaining wall isn't a standard retaining wall.

Every property is different, and not every retaining wall needs to follow a conventional design. For lower retaining walls, custom-built solutions can create attractive garden terraces, define outdoor spaces, and become a feature of your landscaping while still providing the support you need.

We regularly build custom retaining walls using a wide variety of materials, including:

Timber sleepers and posts

Limestone and natural stone

Bricks and masonry
Railway sleepers
Reclaimed materials

Landscape timbers

Whether you're after a natural rustic look, traditional stonework or a modern timber finish, we can design and build a retaining wall that complements your home, your garden and your budget.

Timber RETAINING WALLS BUILT TO LAST

Retaining walls built to last.

Timber retaining walls remain one of the most popular and cost-effective retaining wall solutions for residential properties throughout Hawke's Bay.

They offer a natural appearance that blends beautifully with gardens and outdoor living areas while creating practical, usable spaces and adding value to your property.

Timber retaining walls are ideal for:

Garden terraces

Boundary retaining

New home landscaping
Outdoor living areas
Driveway and access improvements

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Concrete Block Retaining Walls

The premium choice for strength, durability and design flexibility.

Concrete block retaining walls combine outstanding structural performance with a wide range of architectural finishes, making them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects.

Whether you prefer a modern rendered finish, textured blocks or natural stone veneers, a concrete block wall can become a feature that enhances your property's appearance while providing decades of reliable performance.

Concrete block retaining walls are ideal for:

Higher retaining walls

Building platforms

Driveways and parking areas

Premium residential landscaping

Commercial developments

Sites requiring engineered retaining solutions

Although they generally have a higher initial cost than timber retaining walls, concrete block walls offer exceptional longevity, require very little maintenance, and can add significant value to your property.

Palisade Retaining Walls

The ideal solution for steep sites and challenging ground conditions.

Palisade retaining walls are designed for sites where standard retaining walls may not provide sufficient support. Using deep-driven timber or steel posts, they offer exceptional strength and stability, making them an excellent choice for steep slopes, unstable ground and areas affected by erosion.

Palisade retaining walls are commonly used for:

Steep sections

Hillside properties

Areas prone to erosion

Landslip repairs

Building platforms

Sites requiring engineered retaining solutions

Because these walls often support significant loads, we regularly work alongside geotechnical engineers to ensure every retaining wall is designed and constructed to suit your site's unique ground conditions. This gives you confidence that your retaining wall is not only built to a high standard but is also fit for purpose.

We deliver retaining walls designed to provide long-term strength, stability and peace of mind.

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Engineered Retaining Walls

Some retaining wall projects require engineering input to ensure compliance and long-term stability.

As a general guide, walls supporting surcharge loads, such as driveways, buildings or vehicle parking, will typically require engineering design and council approval.

We regularly work with geotechnical and structural engineers throughout Hawke's Bay and attend council inspections to keep projects moving smoothly. We'll happily manage the consent process and help get everything council-approved with the minimum of fuss.

Retaining Wall Repairs & Maintenance

Many retaining walls can be repaired, strengthened or partially rebuilt, saving you thousands of dollars compared with a complete replacement. Before recommending a new retaining wall, we'll assess the existing structure and advise whether a repair is a safe, practical and cost-effective option.

Common repairs include:

Replacing damaged or broken posts

Installing new rails or sleepers

Repairing vehicle impact damage
Rebuilding collapsed sections
Improving drainage behind the wall

Replacing individual components without rebuilding the entire wall

The project shown here is a good example. A truck struck this retaining wall, breaking one of the structural posts. Rather than demolishing the entire wall, we removed the damaged post and affected timbers, installed new materials, and restored the wall to full strength. The repair was completed quickly and without fuss.

If you're worried about an existing retaining wall, we'd be happy to inspect it and provide honest advice. If a repair is all that's required, that's exactly what we'll recommend.

DRAINAGE – THE HIDDEN KEY TO A LONG-LASTING RETAINING WALL

A retaining wall is only as good as the drainage behind it.

Many retaining walls fail because water becomes trapped behind the wall. As the soil becomes saturated, hydrostatic pressure builds up, placing enormous force on the structure. Even a well-built retaining wall can crack, lean or fail if water isn't managed correctly.

Depending on your site, we may install:

Perforated drain coil

Drainage metal

Filter fabric
Surface water collection systems
Stormwater connections

Soak pits where appropriate

That's why we place so much emphasis on drainage. The right drainage system removes excess water, relieves pressure behind the wall, and helps ensure your retaining wall performs reliably for decades.

Getting A
Quote Is Easy.

Contact us

Send us an email with your contact details and a brief description of your project.

Site Visit

We'll arrange a site visit to discuss your requirements.

Detailed Quote

We will provide a detailed quotation, within a few days.

Project Schedule

Once accepted, a small deposit secures your place in our schedule.

Contract

We provide a written contract so everyone understands exactly what is being
delivered.

We Manage the entire project.

Retaining wall projects can require a few trades involved.

Through our long-standing relationships with trusted local tradespeople, we can provide a single point of contact, faster problem-solving, and less stress throughout your project.

We are happy to coordinate multiple contractors to keep your project running smoothly and help ensure it is completed on time.

SEE ALL RECENT WORK

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Let us create a space that reflects your style and enhances your living experience.

Message us now!

FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS.

Whether you need a new retaining wall, repairs to an existing structure, drainage improvements or advice on stabilising a difficult site, our team is here to help. Send us an email with your plans, photos or ideas, and we will arrange a site visit to discuss the best solution for your property. With years of experience building retaining walls throughout Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, Everyday Contractors can help you create a retaining wall that is strong, attractive and built to last.