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Free Pool Excavation Cost Guide (2026)
5-page PDF — real GTA cost ranges, permit timelines for every major city, what affects your price, 7 red flags to watch for.
Retaining Wall Construction Across Toronto & GTA
OCM designs and builds engineered retaining walls in armour stone, modular block (Allan Block, Versa-Lok, Permacon), pressure-treated cedar tie, and poured concrete across the GTA. Whether you’re stabilizing a slope, building tiered garden levels, or carving usable space from a hillside lot — we handle engineering, permits, and construction.
Retaining Wall Systems We Build
- Armour stone walls — natural Wiarton/Eramosa/Algonquin limestone for premium walls.
- Modular block — Allan Block, Versa-Lok, Permacon, Roman Pisa systems.
- Pressure-treated cedar tie walls — economical for smaller walls under 4 ft.
- Poured concrete walls for larger structural walls and basement walk-outs.
- Reinforced walls with geogrid for walls 4+ ft tall.
- Tiered terraced walls for steep lots.
- Curved walls — modular block bends easily for organic shapes.
- Wall caps and finishing details — chamfered, bullnose, or natural-stone caps.
Our Retaining Wall Process
- Site visit and slope measurement. Free, within 24 hours.
- Engineering review for walls 4+ ft tall — we coordinate with engineer.
- Permit filing for walls 1 m+ (required in most GTA municipalities).
- Excavation for footing trench and behind-wall drainage.
- Compacted granular base — 6-12 inches.
- Drainage tile behind wall — perforated pipe to daylight, the #1 wall-failure prevention measure.
- Wall construction course by course.
- Geogrid reinforcement for walls 4+ ft.
- Backfill in 8" lifts with compaction.
- Caps and topsoil for finished look.
Typical Retaining Wall Costs in the GTA
Modular block walls run $60-$120 per face foot in the GTA depending on block style and height. Cedar tie walls $40-$80/face ft (shorter lifespan, 15-25 years). Armour stone $120-$300/face ft. Poured concrete walls $150-$350/face ft. Engineering fees for 4+ ft walls add $800-$2,500. Most residential walls (typically 20-50 ft long, 3-5 ft tall) run $4,000-$22,000 total. Call 416-317-3090 for a quote.
Why GTA Property Owners Choose OCM for Retaining Walls
- Engineered for the long haul — proper drainage, geogrid, and base = 50+ year lifespan.
- Multiple wall systems — we pick the right one for your budget and aesthetic.
- Engineer coordination included for 4+ ft walls.
- Licensed, fully insured, WSIB-covered.
- Free quotes within 24 hours.
- 2-year workmanship warranty on every wall we build.
- Financing available on projects over $5,000.
Recent Retaining Wall Construction Projects
Retaining Wall Construction FAQ
Do I need an engineer for a retaining wall?
Most GTA municipalities require engineered drawings for walls 4 ft+ tall. We coordinate this for you. Walls under 4 ft typically don’t need engineering.
How long does a retaining wall last?
Properly built modular block: 50+ years. Cedar tie: 15-25 years. Armour stone: 75+ years. Poured concrete: 75+ years. The #1 longevity factor is drainage — we never skip the drainage tile.
Do walls need a permit?
Yes for walls 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and above in most GTA municipalities. We handle the permit application.
Can I build a wall right on my property line?
Usually no — most municipalities require setbacks (commonly 0.6m to 1.2m). We check the bylaw before designing.
How long does construction take?
20-50 ft of wall in modular block typically takes 4-8 working days. Engineered walls with geogrid 2-3 weeks. Armour stone slightly longer due to stone handling.
Will the wall affect my drainage?
Done right, NO — proper drainage tile behind the wall sends water to daylight. Done wrong, it creates the same problems you were trying to solve. We never skip drainage.
Related Services
- Armour Stone Installation — Premium natural-stone walls.
- Interlocking Pavers — Driveways, patios, walkways.
- Land Grading — Slope assessment and prep.
- Excavation Services — Full excavation.
- Get a Free Quote — Schedule your on-site visit.
Get Your Free Retaining Wall Construction Quote Today
Call 416-317-3090 or request a free quote online. We’ll visit your property, discuss your project, and have a written quote in your inbox within 24 hours.
Related Services in Construction Toronto
- Retaining Wall in Burlington
- Retaining Wall in Newmarke
- Retaining Wall in Vaughan
- Retaining Wall in Toronto
- Armour Stone Wall in Newmarke
- Interlocking Paver in Newmarke
- Land Grading in Bradford
- All Service Areas
in Toronto? Let’s talk.