RETAINING WALL BUILDERS MELBOURNE

WE EMPHASISE QUALITY – EVERY RETAINING WALL IS BUILT TO THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS

ROCK WALLS

BOULDER RETAINING WALLS

SLEEPER WALLS

MUDSTONE RETAINING WALLS

SAND STONE RETAINING WALLS

NATURAL STONE RETAINING WALLS

RETAINING WALL CONTRACTORS

How much access do we need to build rock retaining wall?

As long as it is a straight line of access, we can go as low as 700mm, it really depends on the size of machine we require for the job. If we have over 2200mm that is ideal, as we can bring in a 5 tonne excavator to dig the retaining wall and perform earthworks around the site. If the site consists of build rock, we much prefer to bring in a 5 tonne machine or greater. 

What size machines do we generally use for retaining walls?

Generally we will use the largest machines we can, to maximise the spoil removal rate. However, other factors must be taken into account, such as access, do you have power lines?, a tight access point such as a driveway. Underground services can also impact the size of machine we would use. We have machines ranging from 1.8tonne to 20tonne, excavators in that range would be used for your site cut in most circumstances. We also use bobcats, for spoil removal and grading. Truck will be used for the transport of spoil, an access will be created for trucks to enter and exit site in the site cut process.

rock wall, landscaping

Common soil types in Melbourne

Melbourne, like the rest of Australia, is far from active volcanoes, we do have some extinct volcanoes, but none that have been active for a very long time. On the surface, this appears to be a good thing. It does, however, imply that there is relatively little geological movement. Our soils are seldom replenished, and they are mostly made up of a thin layer of top soil that sits on top of deeper geological strata.

  • There are clay-rich loamy grey soils in Melbourne’s north east. Plant nutrients and humus are scarce in these soils. 
  • Shallow-dark and reddish-brown heavy clay soils with a thin loamy topsoil are more typical in the north-west. Soil structure can be improved by gypsum.
  • Heavier volcanic soils with many indigenous plants may be found near the Yarra’s mouth.
  • Dark grey sands blend with loam and clay in coastal locations.
  • There’s wet, loamy, nutrient-rich soil on the Mornington Peninsula and Dandenong hills.

“If we find rock, it can be a game changer, hard rock such as basalt and granite require using rock breakers, rock is also usually taken to different processing facilities”

Excavation Bulleen
landscaping, landscape gardening melbournes northern suburbs

How long does a retaining wall take to build?

It does depend on the size of the retaining wall and the access, but a wall with 100 sleepers will take us approx 2-3 days with our team, in good conditions. Sometimes spoil removal and earth moving can be complicated by access, so having solid access and egress from site is preferable. We may require access for trucks and loads of materials, so access is a critical piece of the retaining wall project.

What to expect once we are on the retaining wall site

On day 1 we will double check all measurements of the stone rock walls retaining walls with you and go through on site the location of the wall, mapping out and planning the wall in a consultative process.  On the same day we will run through the project with you, explaining the process and ensuring we have everything we need to start constructing your retaining wall, if there are any issues we will make you aware of them at this point, to prevent issues later on.

After the obligation free quote, we are good to go, you can leave us to build the retaining wall. You watch us work, or got to work and be amazed when you get home.

timber retaining wall

How do I know if my soil is contaminated?

If contaminants are present, it is likely we will get the soil tested to determine the contamination level. Contaminants can be, chemical waste, corrosive wastes, rubbish, oil, pesticides, petroleum products, radon, asbestos, lead, chromated copper arsenate and creosote. Your soil can be tested to determine the category of contamination. If the soil tests as a highly contaminated soil, it will be required to be taken to a licenced facility, we take care of all of the disposal of contaminated dirt.

Where do we take our excavated materials?

Soil removal or spoil removal is a key part of any excavation project, all the material excavated and graded must be removed. We take care of this, using trucks, sometimes if access is ok we will use a truck and trailer. There are plenty of dump sites throughout Melbourne, all materials are taken to a permitted off-site treatment and/or disposal facility permitted off-site treatment and/or disposal facility. In the situation the spoil removed is contaminated, this will go to an official contaminated waste facility. Rock removal, rock is taken to sites that accept rock.
Material can also be left on site if that is a requirement of the owner or builder, as sometimes some property owners have use for the excavated spoil. 

RETAINING WALL EXPERTS MELBOURNE

The Hammer Excavations rock wall builders team have been leaders in rock retaining walls and build rock walls systems for home or businesses across Melbourne for over a decade. Having fulfilled the needs of clients far and wide throughout this area of retaining walls, we continue to offer industry-leading solutions that present high-end results. 

Located in Melbournes north, we are happy to service people all over Melbourne.

As the focal point for your property, these walls are designed to draw attention, highlight natural beauty, and we know exactly how to turn heads as a wall builder with the equipment to do the job properly. Working with council requirements, your land and specific brief, we’ll create flawless environmentally friendly  results you’ll be proud to show off.

We have constructed a diverse range of retaining walls in our time that suit your budget, from sleeper retaining walls, garden edge, concrete retaining walls, rock walls, commercial retaining walls, timber sleeper, erosion control, rendered blocks, stone walls, timber retaining walls, pine sleeper retaining walls, block wall, treated pine sleeper retaining walls and the list of different landscaping solutions goes on. 

THE RETAINING WALL SPECIALISTS

At Hammer Excavations, we have spent many of our years perfecting our craft, building retaining walls on a range of layouts, some difficult areas, some hard to access. This is our job, this is what we do, we have now gained a reputation as experts in the trade, with many happy customers to vouch for us. We know the retaining wall regulations and we build to them. 
We are also capable of retaining wall repair.

  • Limestone Walls
  • Retention Walls
  • Panel & Post Wall Systems
  • Sandstone Block Walls
  • Engineered Retaining Walls
  • Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
  • Timber Walls
  • Rock Walls
  • Stone Walls
  • Retaining Wall Repair
Alex and the team at hammer excavations completed an amazing transformation of our backyard. I would highly recommend them as I was blown away with the level of professionalism, knowledge and communication of the team. Due to the steep gradient and complexities of our site Alex came up with a cost effective solution to assist with maintaining our strict budget for the project and ultimately transformed our yard into a beautiful oasis that we can enjoy for years to come. I would definitely call them again for any future excavation works I have.

WHAT ARE ROCK RETAINING WALLS?

Retaining Walls are used for aesthetic appeal, garden, drainage, to help a drainage system, to alter the landscape of your yard, to make way for landscaping, on sloping areas, to reinforce earth, to prevent land slipping, to prevent soil washing away and many other reasons.

Using stone and boulders of all sizes and shapes, concrete, concrete blocks, natural rock, concrete sleepers, steel beams, steel h beams, stone blocks and a range of materials, retaining walls are diverse.

Retaining walls can be retaining rock walls or more commercial looking concrete walls, they can be straight, curved, vertical, used as a wall, disguised as a garden bed, natural looking, residential features in housing developments, the design possibilities are endless. Every construction company in Melbourne would have built a residential retaining wall at some stage. Retaning walls can be used to take the pressure off a house block or to split the level so a concrete slab can be poured.

Rock retaining walls or Rockwall design has become a popular look across Melbourne properties. Durable, sleek, modern and low maintenance rock walls can transform your outdoor area from a boring space to a dream. Rock retaining walls are extremely functional, helping with retaining earth, water runoff and aesthetic appeal. Rock retaining walls have been added to many landscaping projects recently and are a wonderful addition to your garden or back yard.

Using a stacked boulder approach, rock walls can be made from natural rock, limestone, mud stone, brick, concrete block, river rock and just about any solid rock you can think of. Layered and stacked, these walls are strong and can hold back a huge amount of garden bed or earth.

The primary function of these walls is to strengthen a slope, to retain the earth on a steep slope, to cut a lower level, to reinforce a site cut so that a split level can be created, often for residential projects but also for large developments. 

Rock retaining walls are now also commonly used for a decorative feature, as they add a very pleasing look to any landscape design. Curved walls are used commonly as a garden feature, no matter the material used, stone, concrete block, steel, natural rock, rock boxes, gabion baskets, masonry walls and so on, they all look pleasing to the eye.

Who is building your next retaining wall?

Drainage Systems

As a retaining wall builder, it is our opinion that retaining walls can be a garden feature, but also can be part of a more practical water runoff system in your landscape construction. Retaining walls are ideal for use in drainage, with a garden bed built in they can also catch some water. You should always take erosion into account and create projects that foresee mother natures worst before it happens. Planning is important when designing a retaining wall, allow enough ground space to lay your aggi pipe if drainage is to be a part of the system.

Land Slips

On properties where land slips or land collapse are prone, a boulder wall like this is exactly what you need to maintain a safe area. A retaining wall can hold the pressure of the upper layer of land, giving you a safe space to build you home or shed or whatever construction project you have in mind. Curved walls can be built to maintain more space to build. In areas where the soil is unstable, a retaining wall is not best doe as a diy project, please consult a professional, it is absolutely critical that the retaining wall posts are deep enough and engineered to take the load of the land. Residential and commercial projects both need solid foundations, so does a retaining wall. It is also important to dial before you dig, and be fully aware of the location of all underground services before you excavate or dig post holes for retaining wall posts or h beams. Vertical steel beams used for retaining walls have been driven right through the soil and into a water pipe too many times, you wouldn’t want it to be an electrical underground service.

Retention Walls

Sometimes bored piers are drilled or foundations are laid to build a retaining wall. A certain amount of retention is engineered and the foundations usually have to have a certain amount of rock socket or bond length into the rock, to provide a solid foundation for the wall retaining load to be on point. Ground conditions can be different in different areas, from Melbourne vic to the outer Northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Concrete Block Retaining Wall

Using concrete sleepers or concrete block to build a retaining wall, we can build strong walls retaining earth for your next construction project. With our skills after many retaining walls built, we can put together concrete wall systems for you. 

Design And Construct

Your garden edge needs erosion control, aesthetic appeal, functionality among many other purposes and your outdoor space needs a finished product that looks the part.  There is a large difference between a natural stone wall, brick retaining walls, a timber sleeper wall, a sandstone retaining wall and commercial retaining walls, every retaining wall specialist knows that. It is in the design of the wall systems in which we layout the drainage and water runoff features of the retaining wall.
Having your walls designed by an expert get you a much better result. 
The wall location should be taken into account, and then based on ground conditions, materials, such as stone walls, timber retaining, treated pine sleeper, sleeper wall, block wall, steel posts, rock walls etc. 

Services

We have all the equipment and experience necessary for site cuts and site levelling works. Along with earthmoving works.

Retaining Walls are something we do regularly, we have great reviews on our work with retaining walls. 

We are available for emergency works, in the past we have been called upon to save the day with land slips and service issues.

Sometimes the ground is just too hard, let us make light work of the ground and get your fence, decking or wall built faster.

Rock just isn’t often welcome in an earthworks project, let us make light work the rock in your way.

With larger equipment at our fingertips than most landscaping companies, we have managed to provide our customers with a range of successful landscaping outcomes.

Our fleet of trucks makes Hammer Excavations a great choice for spoil removal and earthmoving.

With tight access excavation, large scale excavation and spoil removal, retaining walls and site cuts in our skillset, choose Hammer Excavations for a smooth outcome

Rock Retaining Walls

We construct attractive, cost-effective retaining walls. Larger stones and river rocks are used to provide a smoother overall effect in natural rock retaining walls. Using natural stones, boulders, and rocks in your home keeps it from looking too commercial.
Water fountains, statuary, and other outdoor décor items look great next to rock walls. These are well worth your money if you need long-term protection and a more natural appearance.
Natural stone walls may give your home a lot of character and value, as well as provide years of dependable service. Our skilled contractors will construct a beautiful new fence to protect your home.

rock wall, hammer excavations builds a large rock wall
timber retaining wall

Timber Retaining Walls

Timber is a popular choice for landscaping projects. When made of wood, retaining walls, in particular, make a substantial contribution to the environment. Timber’s natural beauty and versatility make it suitable for this project. Timber is a robust, long-lasting material that is popular for its aesthetic appeal. Your yard will benefit from a timber retaining wall.

Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls

Sleeper walls are smaller systems that are specifically designed to control soil retention. We usually make them out of wood panels and railroad ties, but we sometimes make concrete sleepers.
Regardless of whether material is best for you, we create sleeper wall solutions that last longer. Your dirt will stay in place without warping or disfiguring your walls if installed appropriately.
Some people like wood because of its lighter appearance and feel, while others prefer concrete block because of its rougher aspect. Regardless of whether style of sleeper wall is perfect for you, we always produce a high-quality product for your home.

concrete sleeper retaininig wall
sandstone retaining wall

Sandstone Retaining Walls

Sandstone blocks are ideal for preventing soil erosion and are ideal for constructing Retaining Walls. When employing our Blocks and Logs, your landscaper or wall builder’s imagination is the only limit to the design of your Sandstone Retaining Walls.
Retaining walls are the most common. Garden edging, landscaping borders, estate walls, and even civil constructions such as marine sea sandstone retaining walls are all possibilities. You may also use use them as sandstone steps, make sitting elements out of them, or use them as garden edging. Sandstone blocks truly make a beautiful retaining wall.

Treated Pine Walls

In Australia, these retaining walls have been in use for a long time. Our research indicates that these class 1 Timber Hardwood walls, which were originally constructed from original “Old Railway Sleepers,” had a reasonably average life lifetime of roughly 15 years.

Almost all modern Hardwood Sleeper walls are H4 treated these days, and according to our research, these non-class 1 Timber Hardwood walls have a life duration of roughly 10 years.

Treated Pine Log walls are an alternative to standard sleeper walls; our study suggests that for a few additional dollars up front, you can expect to have a wall that lasts twice as long as a comparably treated hardwood wall.


For some more info check out this data sheet.

treated pine sleeper retaining wall
Panel and post retaining wall systems have long been regarded as one of the most straightforward to construct. To build the wall, the concrete posts are first inserted into the ground to form the frame, and then the blocks are slid into place. The wall's interlocking block design allows it to be put together quickly and easily, ensuring years of endurance. They can also be utilized for nearly any height or size for your needs due to their ease of construction. You'll love the simple aesthetic and long-lasting performance our systems create, whether they're higher systems that decrease noise pollution or shorter walls for gardens. When you need a panel and post wall that will last for years, ours will always meet or surpass your expectations.

Panel & Post Retaining Walls

Panel and post retaining wall systems have long been regarded as one of the most straightforward to construct. To build the wall, the concrete posts are first inserted into the ground to form the frame, and then the blocks are slid into place.
The wall’s interlocking block design allows it to be put together quickly and easily, ensuring years of endurance. They can also be utilized for nearly any height or size for your needs due to their ease of construction.
You’ll love the simple aesthetic and long-lasting performance our systems create, whether they’re higher systems that decrease noise pollution or shorter walls for gardens. When you need a panel and post wall that will last for years, ours will always meet or surpass your expectations.

Block Retaining Walls

Block retaining walls are more of a do it yourself system, well, they come in easy to setup, interlocking systems. It still requires a certain level of technical knowledge, and it is certainly not for the inexperienced. But, interlocking block retaining wall systems are designed to produce a consistent look, all the blocks being the same size and shape. 

A block retaining wall provides a very neutral feel, by providing a consistent wall that repeats the pattern over and over again. Just like bricks, block walls are usually made from rectangular blocks. A block wall will usually have less load-bearing weight and should not be used to hold back large amounts of weight and earth. 

Block Retaining Wall Australia
Limestone wall Melbourne

Limestone Retaining Walls

For many people who require long-term protection and inexpensive maintenance, limestone walls are a popular choice. Limestone blocks are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also inherently flame resistant.
Solid block systems or composite blocks can be used to construct your limestone walls. Both produce a clean, long-lasting look that won’t fade and will persist for many years.
Limestone is a more expensive building material, but we can save you a lot of money on labor if you choose us as your contractor. Limestone also tends to be structurally sound for longer than other blocks, making it an excellent choice for many.

Gabion Walls

Gabion comes from the Italian word “gabbione,” which means “large cage,” which is exactly what a gabion retaining wall is. It’s made up of a series of wire mesh “cages” that keep boulders and stones in place. A gabion wall can be used as a residential retaining wall in your backyard on a smaller size.

Steel wire is used to hold the wire baskets together. Gabion walls are extensively utilized in commercial applications because they are effective and long-lasting, and they prevent soil erosion and flooding, making them a smart long-term investment. A gabion wall can be used as a residential retaining wall in your backyard on a smaller size.

gabion wall - gabion baskets melbourne

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Contact

Phone: 0433 205 321
Email enquiries - [email protected]
Accounts & Admin - [email protected]
183 Para Road, Greensborough, Victoria 3088.

Read up on sleeper retaining walls or rock retaining walls and landscape design ideas in our blog.

We operate all over Melbourne and these specific areas 
3083 | 3072 | 3113 | 3089 | 3076 | 3047 | 3064 | 3074 | 3088 | 3095 | 3757

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