How to Choose a Retaining Wall

Why Choosing the Right Retaining Wall Matters

A retaining wall is one of those landscaping features that combines function with beauty. On one hand, retaining walls prevent erosion, provide structural support, and create usable outdoor space. On the other, they add curb appeal, define areas like garden beds and patio spaces, and bring finishing touches to a landscape design.

But in Winnipeg, choosing the right retaining wall isn’t just about style. Harsh winters, spring melt, heavy clay soils, and freeze-thaw cycles put unique stress on walls. Without proper drainage and professional installation techniques, retaining walls can shift, crack, or fail over time.

That’s why it’s so important to know how to choose a retaining wall that’s right for your home. At North Coral Landscaping, we specialize in custom retaining wall design and installation that blend seamlessly into your outdoor space while standing strong against local soil and climate conditions.

Understanding the Purpose of Your Retaining Wall

Every wall has a job to do. Knowing its purpose helps determine the right wall material, wall structure, and installation method.

• Erosion control: Retaining walls prevent soil behind the wall from washing away during rain or spring melt.
• Levelling slopes: They create flat, usable areas for yards, driveways, or patios.
• Garden beds & tiered gardens: Walls are perfect for adding raised planters or multi-level landscaping.
• Defining outdoor living spaces: They can frame a fire pit, edge a patio space, or divide areas of the yard.

It’s also important to understand the difference between structural vs. decorative retaining walls.

• Structural walls provide essential support, holding back soil and handling significant pressure build up.
• Decorative walls are more about style and aesthetic preferences, often lower in height and built to enhance landscaping.

Learn more on our Retaining Walls & Elevations service page.

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Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Retaining Wall

a) Site Conditions

Your site conditions dictate much of the design. Soil type, slope grade, and drainage requirements are critical. In Winnipeg, walls must be designed to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, heavy clay soils, and spring melt. The soil behind the wall expands and contracts as it freezes, which is why the right wall base and frost line depth are essential.

b) Function & Load Requirements

Is your wall supporting a driveway or just holding a small garden bed? Height, load, and ground contact all matter. A wall supporting heavy loads requires reinforced concrete or structural retaining wall block systems, while lighter walls might be built with timber walls or natural stone. Don’t forget local building codes—some projects require permits depending on height and structure.

c) Style & Aesthetic

Your retaining wall should enhance curb appeal while blending seamlessly with your home and landscaping. Walls can:

• Match your home’s architecture.
• Integrate with patios, walkways, or tiered gardens.
• Use different materials (stone, wood, concrete blocks) to achieve rustic or modern looks.

Popular Retaining Wall Materials & Their Pros and Cons

Choosing the right retaining wall material is one of the most important steps. Here are some popular options North Coral works with:

• Concrete Blocks / Segmental Systems
  Durable, versatile, and designed for structural integrity. Wall blocks can be stacked in the first row and reinforced for taller walls. Great for both functional and decorative projects.
• Natural Stone
  A premium, timeless look that adds unmatched aesthetic appeal. Natural stone blends seamlessly into landscapes, though it comes with a higher cost.
• Boulders
  Perfect for a rustic look and natural landscapes. Boulders provide structural support but are often used for lower walls or accent features.
• Timber Retaining Walls
  More budget-friendly and quick to install. Timber walls work well in garden spaces but have a shorter lifespan due to ground contact and exposure to moisture.
• Poured Concrete Walls
  Strong and long-lasting, poured concrete retaining walls provide excellent structural integrity. They require proper installation techniques to handle water buildup and soil pressure.

Winnipeg Climate Considerations

Winnipeg’s climate makes retaining walls especially challenging. Without planning, you risk significant damage from frost heave, water buildup, or shifting soils.

• Proper drainage is critical: Drain tiles, weep holes, and gravel backfill prevent water from building up behind the wall.
• Frost-resistant foundations: Walls must extend below the frost line for stability.
• Seasonal maintenance: Clearing snow and checking for drainage issues prolongs a wall’s lifespan.

At North Coral, we design and install walls to withstand the extremes of Manitoba’s weather, ensuring your investment lasts for decades.

Avoiding Common Retaining Wall Mistakes

DIY projects are appealing, but DIY retaining walls often fail due to avoidable mistakes:

• Lack of proper drainage leading to water buildup and wall failure.
• Choosing the wrong materials for the height or load.
• Improper installation of the wall base and first row, without understanding soil engineering.
• Not planning for future landscaping changes, like patios or fire pits.

Professional installation avoids these issues by ensuring structural support, proper installation techniques, and compliance with local building codes.

Why Work With a Professional Landscaping Company?

Retaining walls require more than stacking blocks or wood—they require experience. With North Coral, you benefit from:

• Local expertise and knowledge of soil conditions and impact of frost.
• High-quality materials from local trusted suppliers like Barkman Concrete and Reimer Soils.
• Custom designs tailored to your property’s needs, whether it’s structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.
• Years of proven experience, ensuring your retaining wall blends seamlessly into your landscape and lasts for decades.

North Coral’s Retaining Wall Process

We follow a proven step-by-step process for every project:

1. Site assessment & consultation – Reviewing soil, slope, and drainage.
2. Custom design options – Selecting wall material, layout, and style.
3. Expert installation & quality control – Ensuring proper installation techniques, structural integrity, and drainage solutions.
4. Aftercare and maintenance guidance – Helping you protect your investment long-term.

Learn more about our Process and Design-Build Landscaping Services.

Conclusion

Choosing the right retaining wall means balancing site conditions, material options, style, and Winnipeg’s climate and soil challenges. It’s not just about stacking blocks or timber—it’s about creating a wall structure that provides structural integrity, prevents erosion, and enhances your outdoor space for years to come.

At North Coral Landscaping, we specialize in retaining wall design and professional installation that withstands Manitoba’s climate while adding beauty and functionality to your yard. Love your yard again!

👉 Request a consultation today to start your project.
👉 Visit our Retaining Walls & Elevations service page.
👉 Browse our Gallery for inspiration and see how we’ve transformed outdoor spaces across Winnipeg.

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