Built on slope country.
The Kennebecasis Valley is retaining wall country. Rothesay, Quispamsis, and Saint John are full of sloped lots, riverfront grades, and driveways cut into hillsides — and New Brunswick's freeze-thaw winters punish any wall that wasn't built right underneath.
Glen & Dale builds retaining walls the way an excavation company builds them: proper dig-out, compacted base, gravel backfill, and integrated drainage. The stone you see is the easy part — what's behind it determines whether the wall lasts 5 years or 50.
Repairs welcome. If you've got a leaning, bulging, or frost-heaved wall, we'll assess it honestly — sometimes it's a section rebuild, sometimes it needs to come out and be rebuilt on a real base. Either way, you'll get a straight answer and a free quote.
Why build your wall with Glen & Dale?
Excavation included. A retaining wall is an excavation project first. We own the equipment — no subcontracting the dig, no coordination headaches, one crew start to finish.
Drainage done right. Water pressure is what kills retaining walls. Every wall we build gets gravel backfill and drainage designed in from the start.
Local. Based in Rothesay, serving Quispamsis, Saint John, Hampton, and Grand Bay-Westfield. See our Rothesay, Quispamsis, and Saint John excavation pages for related work.
Retaining wall FAQs
How much does a retaining wall cost in New Brunswick?
It depends on height, length, material, and site access. Timber walls are the most budget-friendly, segmental block sits in the middle, and armour stone costs more up front but lasts the longest. Every quote includes excavation, base prep, drainage, and backfill — call 506-616-9097 and we'll give you a free, no-obligation price for your specific wall.
Do I need an engineer or permit for my retaining wall?
Lower garden-height walls usually don't, but taller structural walls may require engineering and a permit depending on your municipality. We'll tell you exactly what your project needs during the quote — and handle the build to spec either way.
Why do retaining walls fail?
Water, almost every time. Walls built without proper base preparation, gravel backfill, and drainage get pushed over by water pressure and frost heave — a real factor with New Brunswick winters. We build every wall with a compacted base and integrated drainage so it stays put.
Can you repair an existing leaning or bulging wall?
Yes. Sometimes a section can be rebuilt; often the right answer is tearing out and rebuilding on a proper base with real drainage. We'll assess it honestly and quote both options where possible.
Which retaining wall material is best?
Armour stone for durability and a natural look on bigger slopes; segmental block for clean lines and tiered gardens; pressure-treated timber for budget-friendly, lower walls. The right choice depends on wall height, soil, and the look you want — we'll walk you through it.
How long does a retaining wall installation take?
Most residential walls take between one and several days, depending on length, height, and excavation required. You'll get a clear timeline with your quote.