Retaining Walls & Hardscaping

Retaining walls and hardscaping built to manage Ottawa's challenging terrain and soil conditions, where the Ottawa River valley's heavy clay soils, steep lot grades, and deep frost line create unique engineering demands. Every retaining wall we construct accounts for Ottawa's 1.2 to 1.5 metre frost line with foundations that extend below the freeze zone, preventing the wall displacement and cracking that shallow footings cause after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Ottawa experiences over 50 freeze-thaw events each winter, and walls must flex or resist these forces depending on their construction method. We build with interlocking concrete block, natural stone, poured concrete, and timber, selecting materials based on wall height, soil pressure, and aesthetic goals.

Walls over one metre in height require engineered drawings stamped by a licensed Ontario professional engineer, and City of Ottawa building permits are mandatory for walls affecting grading near property lines or public infrastructure. Proper drainage behind retaining walls is critical in our clay soils, where water pressure builds rapidly during spring snowmelt and summer storms. Every wall includes drainage aggregate, filter fabric, and weeping tile connected to a positive outlet.

For properties in heritage districts such as the Glebe, Sandy Hill, or Centretown, wall materials and capping details are selected to complement the historic streetscape. Our hardscaping services also include walkways, steps, planter walls, fire pits, and seat walls that integrate with your patio and landscaping design.