​Planning a retaining wall in the Okanagan?

 

Before excavation starts, get a professional review of your wall height, drainage, base preparations, and risk factors.

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Most retaining wall failures in the Okanagan are caused by a few preventable mistakes. The problem is that many of these mistakes get buried during construction and can't be corrected later.
 

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1. Drainage (The #1 Cause of Wall Failure)​

• Drain tile installed continuously at the base of the wall

• Clean, free-draining crushed rock used behind the wall

• Filter fabric separating native soil from drainage rock

• Positive outlet for water (not trapped behind the wall)

 

Why this matters:

Water pressure destroys walls. No drainage = guaranteed failure over time.

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2. Base Preparation (Where Corners Get Cut)

• Proper excavation depth (not just surface scraping)

• Engineered base thickness matched to wall height

• Crushed aggregate base, compacted in lifts

• Base checked for level across entire wall length

 

Red flag:

Walls built on dirt, clay, or un-compacted fill.

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3. Wall System Selection (Right Product for the Job)

• Correct block system for wall height and loads

• Engineered systems used where required

• Consideration for slopes, driveways, structures, and water

• Manufacturer specs followed — not “installer preference”

 

Reality:

Not all blocks are created equal. Wrong block = short wall lifespan.

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4. Reinforcement & Engineering (When It’s Actually Required)

• Engineering reviewed for taller or loaded walls

• Geogrid installed at correct elevations

• Proper grid length and embedment

• Compaction between grid layers

 

Important:

Skipping reinforcement saves money upfront and costs exponentially later.

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Thinking about moving forward with a retaining wall?

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This is usually the point where homeowners realize they need a second set of professional eyes. 

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We offer a free retaining wall site review to identify risks before construction begins. 

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5. Construction Quality (Execution Matters)

• Blocks installed level and square

• Courses properly seated and locked

• Backfill compacted in controlled lifts

• Site access and logistics planned (no shortcuts due to access issues)

 

Truth:

Even good materials fail with bad workmanship.

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6. Contractor Red Flags to Watch For

• “We don’t need drainage here”

• “We’ve always done it this way”

• No written scope or specs

• No discussion about engineering or reinforcement

• Price seems too good to be true

 

If you hear these — pause.

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FINAL THOUGHT

 

A retaining wall is a structural system, not landscaping.

 

When designed and built properly, it should last decades.

When corners are cut, failures can happen in months or a few years.

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ABOUT CASTLE RETAINING WALLS

 

Castle Retaining Walls specializes in engineered and large-scale retaining wall systems throughout the Okanagan. 

 

Our work focuses on drainage, structural performance, and long term durability

- not cosmetic landscaping walls.