Retaining Walls

The right material depends on your budget, the look you want, and how much soil the wall needs to hold back. At Point Grey Masonry, we build with four proven options and will help you choose the best fit for your property.

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Natural Stone Walls

Natural stone is the premium choice for beauty and longevity. Each wall is hand-fitted by a mason, so no two are alike. Stone blends naturally into West Coast gardens, handles Vancouver’s rain very well, and needs very little maintenance. It can be dry-stacked for an informal, free-draining look or mortared for a more formal finish. Stone typically costs the most, but it adds lasting character and value to your property.

Best for: feature walls, front yards, heritage homes, and anyone who wants a wall that lasts for generations.

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Allan Block Walls

Allan Block is a manufactured concrete block system made for retaining walls. Each block has a rear lip that locks it into the course below and sets the wall slightly back into the slope, so it resists soil and water pressure. Because the wall is dry-stacked on a compacted gravel base with drainage stone behind it, water can pass through instead of building up. The system suits straight walls, curves, corners, steps and terraces, and the block faces come in several colours and textures, including stone-look finishes.

Best for: sloped yards, terraced gardens, and larger walls that need strength at a sensible cost.

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Concrete Block Walls

Concrete block is a strong, practical, budget-friendly option. Reinforced and grouted block walls are very robust and suit taller walls and structural applications. On their own they have a plain look, but they make an excellent core for stone veneer, stucco or a decorative cap, giving you the appearance you want at a lower cost than solid stone.

Best for: taller or larger walls, driveways, boundary walls, and projects where strength and budget come first.

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Brick Walls

Brick brings warmth and a classic, timeless look. It works well for low retaining walls, raised planters, steps and walls that need to match brickwork on your home. The colour is part of the brick, so it never needs painting, and individual bricks and mortar joints can be repaired over time. Brick walls are built by hand, one unit at a time, on a solid footing, and finished with a cap to keep water out.

Best for: low walls, planter beds, and traditional or heritage properties.