Wood Retaining Wall Installation (Railway Ties / Landscape Ties)

A wood retaining wall is a classic solution for sloped yards and landscaping projects across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island. Often built with landscape ties (sometimes called railway ties), wood walls are a practical way to create level space and shape your yard. We install wood retaining walls for homeowners, stratas, and new construction projects, with a focus on safe structure and long-term performance.

Most homeowners choose a wood retaining wall because it’s the most affordable way to retain a slope and create usable yard space.

Wood Retaining Walls

Pressure treated 6″ × 6″ timber retaining walls have been installed throughout Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island for decades. Correct installation is the KEY to making timber walls last their full lifespan, which is typically 25–30 years. This includes the use of horizontal tiebacks with deadmen (which secure the wall to the earth it is retaining), and effective drainage management. Use of soldier piles can also be incorporated to allow walls to be installed where there is minimal access, or where it is critical that the landscape behind the wall is not damaged.

Biggest Pro
Timber walls are THE MOST cost effective retaining walls		Biggest Con
Timber walls are limited to a 25-30 year lifespan.

Wood retaining wall system showing tiebacks (deadmen) and drainage gravel backfill.

What people mean by “railway ties” and “landscape ties”

In residential landscaping, people use a few different names for the same type of wall. You’ll hear: landscape ties, railway ties (common wording, even when the material is new pressure treated wood), wood retaining wall ties and timber retaining wall

If you’re searching those terms, you’re usually talking about the same style of retaining wall.

Where wood retaining walls work best

A wood retaining wall is a great fit for

  • Garden beds and landscaping borders
  • Tiered yards and small terraces
  • Patios and outdoor living spaces
  • Sloped side yards
  • Projects where you want a natural look that fits wood fencing and outdoor features

The installation process

Every retaining wall project starts with the site. We review the slope, the height you need, drainage, and access, then plan the layout so the wall performs long-term. From there, the work typically includes a site review and measurements, confirming wall height and layout, excavation and base preparation, drainage planning and installation, tiebacks and deadmen as required, and finally the timber install, finishing, and clean up.

allan-block-retaining-wall-installation04

Looking for a more classic stacked block look? Explore Allan Block Retaining Walls

If you like the finished look of an Allan Block retaining wall check out our options. Concrete block retaining walls (the popular Allan Block walls) are one of the most commonly installed retaining wall systems at new construction projects. It’s a proven and effective method of retaining soil, and it’s extremely versatile for conforming to landscape and architectural designs and layouts.

Allan Block retaining walls →

We specialize in retaining wall installation

We specialize in high quality modular retaining wall systems. We are your go-to installation company for retaining walls at Stratas, High-End homes, and new Design-Build commercial construction projects. Our objective is to secure your property and create a safe, useable landscape which fulfils its potential.

The information below is provided to fully understand the considerations when installing a new retaining wall, or replacing an existing retaining wall.

We use only pressure treated timber

Pressure treated 6″ x 6″ timber retaining walls have been installed throughout Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island for decades. Correct installation is the KEY to making timber walls last their full lifespan, which is typically 25-30 years. This includes the use of horizontal tiebacks with deadmen (which secure the wall to the earth it is retaining), and effective drainage management. Use of soldier piles can also be incorporated to allow walls to be installed where there is minimal access, or where it is critical that the landscape behind the wall is not damaged.

Premium Fence installs pressure-treated timber retaining walls for homes, stratas, and new construction projects across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Getting a quote

To price a concrete retaining wall accurately, we usually book a site visit to review your space, confirm measurements, and recommend the best layout for the slope and property line.

Request a Retaining Wall Quote

Book a site visit

We’d love to help you build your wood retaining wall. Contact us for a free quote and we’ll book a site visit to review your space, take measurements, and help you choose a retaining wall solution that fits your needs and budget. Every project is different, and we’ll make sure the wall is planned and built properly for your site conditions.

Contact Us

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Greater Vancouver Area

604-576-9910

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Request A Quote

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Lower Mainland
Unit 1 – 19272 96 Ave
Surrey, BC, V4N 4C1, Canada
Call or text: 604.576.9910

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