How high can a retaining wall be without an engineer?

There is no single legal cut-off, but walls much above a metre, or any wall holding up a structure, driveway or steep slope, should be designed by a structural engineer. Soil type, water and loads all change what is needed. We will advise when we see the site.

Why do retaining walls crack or lean?

Usually because water builds up behind them, the foundation is too small, or the wall was not built to carry the load. Once a retaining wall starts moving it rarely stops by itself, so it is worth having it looked at sooner rather than later.

Can you level my sloping garden?

Yes. Most sloping gardens can be turned into two or three level terraces linked by steps. We look at where the soil goes, how water drains and how you want to use each level, then design walls and steps around that.

What is the best material for garden steps?

It depends on the look you want and the rest of the garden. Brick risers with slab or porcelain treads are hard-wearing and neat. Natural stone suits traditional gardens. Whatever the finish, a textured or non-slip surface is sensible for outdoor steps.

Garden Steps & Retaining Walls in Kent

Services

Turn a sloping garden into level, usable space with safe steps and strong walls.

Steps & Retaining Walls by Truly Brickwork & Construction

Much of Kent is gently hilly, and plenty of gardens slope away from the house or rise steeply at the back. Terracing with retaining walls and well-proportioned steps can turn awkward ground into level lawns, patios and planting areas you can actually use.

A retaining wall does a very different job from a garden wall. It holds back tonnes of soil and water, so it needs a wider foundation, the right construction and a way for water to escape from behind it. Steps need consistent, comfortable rise and going, so they feel natural and safe underfoot in all weather.

We build in brick, block and stone, with slab or porcelain treads, and plan the levels across the whole garden so each part connects properly.

What’s included

Survey of levels and how water moves across the garden
Design of terraces, walls and step positions
Excavation and soil management
Reinforced or wide-based footings for retaining walls
Drainage behind walls: stone backfill, pipes and weep holes
Steps with even risers and treads
Slab, porcelain or brick finishes to match the rest of the garden
Edging, planting beds or handrail positions as needed

Get a free quote 07724 730872

Options

Choosing what’s right for you.

Brick retaining walls

A smart, traditional finish that pairs well with brick houses. Usually built as a structural core with a brick face, and topped with a coping to shed water.

Sleeper walls

Timber sleepers are quicker to install and suit informal gardens and lower changes in level. Timber has a shorter lifespan than masonry and is not suitable for heavy retaining jobs.

Curved and feature steps

Curved brick steps, flared sides and built-in planters add character to a slope. They take longer to build and need careful setting out.

Slab and porcelain treads

Matching step treads to your patio ties the garden together. Bullnosed or textured edges help with grip.

Our work

Steps & Retaining Walls we’ve built.

All projects

Worth knowing

Before you start.

01
Taller walls need engineering
As a rule of thumb, retaining walls much above a metre, or walls holding up a driveway, building or steep bank, should be designed by a structural engineer. We will tell you honestly when a job needs that input.
02
Water behind the wall
Most retaining wall failures come from water pressure building up behind them. Free-draining backfill, a drainage pipe at the base and weep holes let water out and keep pressure down.
03
Comfortable steps
Steps feel safe when every riser is the same height and every tread is deep enough for a full foot. Uneven steps are a trip hazard, especially in the wet, so we set them out carefully before building.

What affects the price

The height and length of retaining walls
Whether an engineer's design is needed
Volume of soil to be dug out or moved
Materials for walls and step treads
Drainage requirements behind walls
Access for machinery and materials

Every quote is written and itemised after a free site visit.

How we work

Straightforward, from first visit to final sweep.

01
Site visit
We come out, measure up, check levels and drainage, and talk through what you want and how you use the space.
02
Clear quote
A written, itemised quote with materials, timings and what is and isn’t included. No pressure and no hidden extras.
03
The build
Proper excavation and sub-base first, then the finish. We keep the site tidy and keep you updated as we go.
04
Handover
We walk the finished job with you, clear away, and explain any aftercare so it looks right for years.

Areas

Steps & Retaining Walls across Kent.

We cover every district in Kent. Our area guides explain local ground conditions, planning and highways rules.

Medway Sevenoaks Tunbridge Wells Dover All areas

FAQs

Steps & Retaining Walls: common questions

Something else? Call 07724 730872 or send us a message.

There is no single legal cut-off, but walls much above a metre, or any wall holding up a structure, driveway or steep slope, should be designed by a structural engineer. Soil type, water and loads all change what is needed. We will advise when we see the site.

Patios

Porcelain and natural stone patios, laid level, fully bedded and built to drain.

Brickwork

Garden walls, piers, repointing and outdoor features, laid neat and built to stand.

Landscaping

Complete garden makeovers that bring paving, walls, planting and lawn together.

Planning steps & retaining walls?

Free site visits and written quotes across Kent. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll come and take a look.