Retaining
wall
Expert Retaining Wall Builders in Calgary
Retaining Wall Calgary
Calgary’s Top Retaining Wall Builders
Retaining walls are an excellent way to maximize the usable space in your landscape. By evening out slopes and creating additional flat areas, retaining walls can transform your yard into a more functional and visually appealing outdoor space.
At Clover, we build all retaining walls according to manufacturer specifications and stand behind every wall with a craftsmanship warranty. With our years of experience, we’re confident that your retaining wall will be built to last, using the best materials and the most effective design to ensure long-term stability and beauty.
What Our Retaining Walls are Built On
Every retaining wall we build starts with a proper base designed specifically for the project. Since each wall is unique, the level of structural design and base preparation will vary to meet the specific requirements of your project.
For walls under 4 feet, the preparation is less complex, requiring up to 6-8 inches of crushed aggregate base for stability. Walls over 4 feet tall require more advanced preparation, including up to 10 inches of compacted aggregate and often a buried row of structural material to ensure durability.
In addition to the base, walls over 4 feet need toe drains and GeoGrid layering. Toe drains are installed at the base row, backfilled with wash rock and landscape cloth to prevent dirt infiltration. The GeoGrid layers are installed every 2 feet, serving as anchor points to prevent heaving and maintain the structure’s integrity over time.
To create a perfectly level foundation, the sub-base is compacted and levelled in 2-inch layers, with a final layer of 10mm limestone for precise levelling. Depending on the material used, we often fill the wall with drainage rock, enhancing both structural integrity and drainage performance.
What Kind Of Retaining Wall Do I Need
Whether you’re replacing an old retaining wall or adding a new one to enhance your landscape, we begin by surveying your property to determine the height, material, and structural design that best suits your needs. Using advanced surveying tools like laser levels and altimeters, we ensure your wall is built specifically for your unique landscaping.
For properties with sloped lawns, we can tier your landscape with multiple retaining walls or construct a single, taller engineered retaining wall to maximize space and functionality.
Depending on the soil conditions and the height of your wall, we may also recommend involving a structural engineer to ensure your retaining wall is designed for long-lasting stability and customized to your home’s unique conditions.
The Right Material for Your Retaining Wall
Retaining walls can be built from a variety of materials, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the most affordable options is wood, but it’s prone to rot and failure over time, especially under pressure—even if anchored or “deadman anchored”.
For shorter walls or low-pressure applications, Vertical Stackstone is a popular choice. Its stackable design works well in these situations, offering a clean, natural look. However, for taller walls or those needing to withstand higher pressure, a stepped retaining wall system is the best solution.
Our stepped retaining wall systems combined with GeoGrid fabric provide exceptional strength and longevity. The GeoGrid is installed in layers to anchor the wall securely, preventing the earth behind it from shifting or heaving forward. For added durability, engineered stone walls feature caps glued down, creating a stable and long-lasting structure.
These high-quality building practices ensure a sturdy, well-designed retaining wall that will stand the test of time and enhance your landscape for years to come.
Aesthetic Retaining Walls
Not only do we want your wall to be structurally sound, we want it to be a stunning feature in your landscape. Retaining walls will add colour, depth, and texture to your landscaping. We will work with your vision and our expertise to choose a material, layout, and design that will match the aesthetic, budget, and design you’re looking for.
Retaining Walls in Calgary
Our Process:
- Free Consultation We begin with a free on-site consultation at your property. Our experienced estimators will discuss your ideas and preferences, ensuring that we understand your vision while also working within your budget.
- Property Surveying Next, our team conducts a comprehensive survey of your property using advanced surveying tools (altimeters, laser levels, and gps grade plotting). This step allows us to take precise measurements of the areas and grades, providing us with the essential data needed for planning.
- Expert Guidance With the survey data in hand, we offer our expert recommendations on selecting the right materials, layout, and design style. Our goal is to create a landscape that is not only visually stunning but also functional and affordable for your lifestyle.
- Customized Estimate Based on our discussions and the insights gathered, we will prepare a detailed estimate tailored specifically to your needs. This estimate outlines all aspects of the project, ensuring transparency and clarity.
- Scheduled Estimate Review: To ensure you fully understand the estimate, we offer a scheduled estimate review either via video call or in person. During this session, we explain how we arrived at the estimate and break down all the details, so you feel confident and informed.
- Project Scheduling Once you approve the estimate, we will work with you to set a start date for the project. This is where the exciting transformation of your outdoor space begins!
- Project Execution Upon your approval, our skilled team gets to work. We take pride in our professionalism and efficiency, ensuring that the project is completed on schedule. Throughout the execution phase, we maintain open communication to keep you updated on progress and address any questions you may have.
- Final Walk-through After the project is completed, we conduct a final walk-through with you. This step allows you to review the work and ensures that everything meets your expectations. We value your feedback and are committed to your satisfaction.
- Craftsmanship Warranty: We stand behind our work with a craftsmanship warranty, ensuring the quality of our installations. This warranty is a testament to our confidence in our work and is how we have built our strong reputation and word-of-mouth growth. After the project is completed, we conduct a final walk-through with you. This step allows you to review the work and ensures that everything meets your expectations. We value your feedback and are committed to your satisfaction.
Proudly Serving Calgary and Surrounding Areas
Our clients trust us for our expertise and commitment to excellence. Read testimonials from satisfied customers to learn more about our work.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Hear directly from our clients about their experience working with us. Watch the testimonial and explore more reviews on Google.
Retaining Walls FAQs
Walls vary depending on height and materials. Engineering, drainage, and access affect price.
Taller walls may. We identify engineering or permit needs upfront.
In Calgary, you generally need a permit for a retaining wall when it holds back 1.2 m (4 ft) or more of soil — or when multiple walls close together add up to 1.2 m+ total height. Geogrid fabric is also added for stability on taller walls.
Proper drainage prevents pressure buildup and failure. Proper gravel backfill and drainage construction extend wall life.
Decades with correct construction, structural prep determines longevity. We like to say you could drive a car into our walls!
Not with proper base prep. We build for Calgary freeze‑thaw conditions.
We match function, budget, and design goals to your preference.
If the wall is failing, no. We need to tear down the wall and build it on a proper footing to ensure durability. Some cosmetic repairs are possible on certain wall systems.
Yes — especially on sloped lots. They add usable yard space and visual structure.
Absolutely. Tiered walls improve drainage and aesthetics.
Landscape Construction Calgary
Comprehensive Services
- Custom Patios & Walkways
- Retaining Walls
- New Build Landscaping
- Artificial Turf
- Foundation Preparation
- Material Selection & Installation
- Grading & Drainage Solutions
- Irrigation
- Bobcat Services
- Trees & Planting
- Decks & Fences
- Sod Installation
- Commercial Landscaping Solutions
- Landscape Lighting
- Water Features
Start Your Project With Us!
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Clover Landscaping Ltd. for expert landscape construction services in Calgary. Let us help you bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and personalized service.