Retaining Wall

Retaining Wall

At Ridler Landscapes, we design and build functional and stylish retaining wall to manage water runoff and enhance the visual appeal of your yard. Depending on the needs and style of the landscape, we construct them using concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, rocks, and natural stones. 

During the design phase, we assess your environment, soil condition, and whether the ground is sloped or even to determine the best position for placement. We ensure that retaining walls we build are structurally sound to support the land and contribute to the overall look and feel of the garden.

Call us at 027 341 0037 to get a quote.

Retaining Wall Wellington - Design & Build Services

Homeowners often face challenges with soil erosion and sloped terrains that make gardening and other outdoor activities difficult. Retaining walls effectively address these issues by stabilising the soil, managing water runoff, and transforming uneven landscapes into usable garden spaces. 

By choosing Ridler Landscapes for your retaining wall needs, you ensure a durable structure that enhances the usability and safety of your yard. Our expertise allows us to tailor each wall to fit the specific needs and aesthetics of your property. 

Whether you're looking to prevent erosion, create level areas for planting, transform steep slopes into functional terraces, redirect water flow away from your property, or simply enhance your outdoor space, our skilled team employs high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship to build durable and enduring retaining walls.

Gravity Retaining Walls

Gravity retaining walls are a type of structure designed to resist the lateral pressure of soil or fill material. These walls rely on their own weight (stone, concrete, or other heavy materials) to resist pressure from the earth behind them.

They are simpler in construction and often used for shorter landscaping Wellington projects where the height of the soil needing retention is not excessively high—generally up to about 3 to 4 metres.

Anchored Retaining Walls

This type uses anchors—steel cables or rods —for additional support against the lateral pressures of the soil. The anchors are driven deep into the soil or rock behind the wall and secured by mechanical means. These walls are particularly useful in situations where the wall must support a significant amount of earth or when space constraints prevent the use of wider, more massive structures. Anchored walls are excellent for a hillside garden or larger terraced areas in a backyard.

Gable - Dutch Gable - Scotch Gable

Gable pergolas are roofed pergolas which include variations like Dutch Gable and Scotch Gable, distinguished by their pitched roofs —they provide excellent ventilation and greater clearance. The architectural design of these pergolas allows for more effective water runoff and can be tailored to mirror the roofline of your home, creating a cohesive look.

Whether opting for the symmetrical pitch of a traditional Gable, the extended ridge of a Dutch Gable, or the stepped appearance of a Scotch Gable, these pergolas add a dramatic touch to your garden, boosting both the visual appeal and the functional value of your outdoor space.

Open Top

Open-top pergolas are an excellent choice if you want to filter sunlight while keeping the top of the structure open. These pergolas serve as perfect frames for outdoor lighting, climbing plants, or hanging pots, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your garden. Their primary function is to define and differentiate various areas within an outdoor space, making them extremely versatile.

Whether you're looking to highlight a hot tub, frame a cosy lounging area, showcase a charming alfresco dining spot around your outdoor kitchen, or create a distinct separation between a children’s play area and adult entertainment spaces, open-top pergolas provide both functional and decorative benefits.

If you are interested in building any of these types of pergolas, contact Ridler Landscapes at 027 341 0037. We’ll discuss your design vision and suggest the right materials for your pergola. Our team will make sure to fulfil all your requirements.

Frequently Asked Pergola NZ Questions

Where should I place a Pergola in my garden?

There are several ideal locations for a pergola in your garden. Placing one over a path can create a charming archway adorned with climbing plants and/or lighting, or a lengthy structure that stretches the full length of the path.

Positioning a pergola over a patio provides excellent shade for a seating area, enhancing relaxation and comfort. For smaller gardens, installing it against a fence is beneficial as it provides a striking focal point, whether it’s to shade a seating area, frame a piece of art or a mirror, create a gateway, or enhance privacy.

Does installing a pergola increase home value?

Generally, a pergola can increase your home’s desirability to potential buyers, provided it is well-placed and well-maintained. If you plan to sell your home within a few years, consider the needs of future buyers. For example, a pergola in the centre of a small garden might limit play space for children, which could be less appealing to young families. Also, consider the impact of any additional features like paths or patios under the pergola.

Do I need to anchor my pergola?

Yes, anchoring your pergola is essential. We recommend securing it with cement to ensure stability. For those in sheltered areas who prefer not to use concrete, anchoring the pergola deep in the ground, similar to a fence post, might be sufficient, especially with lightweight climbing plants. However, it’s wise to consult with professional landscapers at Ridler Landscapes to make an appropriate choice.

Can I customise the look?

Absolutely, pergolas are highly customisable. You can choose from different materials, colours, and finishes, add features like lighting, fans, or heaters and decorative elements like curtains or integrated planters to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Do I need a building consent to build a pergola in NZ?

Whether you need building consent to build a pergola depends on several factors, including the structure's size and specifics. Generally, a pergola that is open on all sides and does not have a roof is considered a non-building structure and may not require building consent.

However, if the pergola exceeds certain dimensions, has roofing material that makes it more like a building (such as a solid roof), or is attached to a dwelling, then building consent from your local council might be necessary.

How big can I build a pergola without a permit?

You can construct a pergola up to 2.5 metres high along a boundary or up to 3 metres high elsewhere without requiring resource consent. If the pergola is adjacent to your house, it's advisable to match the height to that of your ground floor's top. If not, the height can be adjusted according to your preferences. Choosing a lower ceiling height, about 2 metres, can create a more cosier atmosphere.