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Retaining walls · Hamilton & Halton
Retaining Wall Contractors in Hamilton, Burlington & Oakville
A landscape construction company building retaining walls that hold up to Ontario freeze-thaw cycles, heavy clay soil and demanding grades.
Est. 2020200+ projectsUnilock / Techno-Bloc / Cambridge wall systems
Quick answer
Antoine Landscape Contractors builds armour stone, segmental block, natural stone, terraced and garden retaining walls across Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington and Oakville. We assess grade, drainage, soil, access and approvals before providing a written quote.
Last updated: September 2026 · Reviewed by Joseph Antoine, OwnerPurpose with structure
What a retaining wall does
Holds back soil on slopes
Stops erosion and soil loss
Creates flat, usable yard space
Manages drainage and runoff
Adds levels and landscape structure
Choose the right system
Six retaining-wall solutions
Armour Stone
Large quarried limestone blocks for substantial grade changes and a rugged, enduring landscape.
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Interlocking Block
Engineered segmental wall systems with clean lines, curves and coordinated caps.
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Natural Stone & Boulder
Dry-stacked stone and boulder walls for organic garden, cottage and country settings.
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Tiered & Terraced
Multiple shorter walls that turn steep slopes into planted, usable outdoor levels.
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Garden & Seating Walls
Low decorative and double-sided walls that define spaces and add built-in seating.
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Repair & Replacement
Diagnosis and responsible rebuilding for leaning, bulging, cracked or poorly drained walls.
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Guided selection
Which wall is right for you?
Side-by-side
Compare wall types
| Wall type | Look | Best for | Relative cost | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armour stone | Rugged, monumental | Large grades | $$$–$$$$ | Estate slopes |
| Interlocking block | Clean, consistent | Versatile engineered walls | $$–$$$ | Backyards and entries |
| Natural stone / boulder | Organic | Naturalized settings | $$$–$$$$ | Gardens and gentle slopes |
| Tiered / terraced | Layered | Steep properties | Varies | Usable levels |
| Garden / seating | Decorative | Definition and seating | $–$$ | Patios and beds |
| Repair / replacement | Site-dependent | Failed existing walls | Varies | Structural correction |
Our differentiator
How we build walls that last
Drainage is the number-one reason retaining walls fail. Trapped water creates hydrostatic pressure, carries away soil and amplifies frost movement. We build the base, drainage and wall as one system.
- 01
Site assessment & layout
We measure grades, inspect access, identify loads and map how water currently moves.
- 02
Excavation
Unsuitable soil and failed material are removed to create room for a stable wall system.
- 03
Compacted Granular A base
The granular base is placed and mechanically compacted in controlled lifts.
- 04
Leveling pad & buried first course
The first course is precisely leveled and set below finished grade to lock the wall in place.
- 05
Drainage tile & clear stone
Perforated tile and free-draining stone relieve water pressure behind the wall.
- 06
Geotextile separation
Filter fabric keeps fine clay and soil from clogging the drainage zone.
- 07
Geogrid where designed
Reinforcement extends into compacted soil where wall height and site loads call for it.
- 08
Courses & setback
Each course follows the specified bond and batter so forces move safely through the wall.
- 09
Adhered caps
Cut caps complete corners and curves with a clean, secure finish.
- 10
Final grading
Finished grades send surface water away from the wall and protect the completed system.
Inside the system
Explore a properly built wall
Animated drainage path
Perforated drain tile
A perforated pipe at the base collects water and carries it to a safe outlet.
Local ground knowledge
Built for Hamilton conditions
Heavy clay soils
In Ancaster, Stoney Creek and other clay-heavy pockets, separation fabric and a free-draining zone help keep fines from contaminating the base.
Freeze-thaw cycles
Adequate excavation, compacted base and a clear drainage path limit the water that drives winter movement.
Permits & engineering
Know the requirements before excavation
Under the Ontario Building Code, a retaining wall over 1 metre (about 3 feet 3 inches) of exposed height can be a “designated structure” when it is beside public property, building access, or property open to the public. Those conditions—not height alone—determine that provincial classification.
Exposed height is measured from finished grade at the base to finished grade at the top—not the buried footing. Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville also have site-alteration and grading rules that can apply to lower walls. We flag likely requirements and coordinate engineered drawings when required.
Always confirm current, property-specific requirements with your municipality and applicable conservation authority.
Read the retaining-wall permit guide →Repair insight
See why replacement changes the whole system
Materials & suppliers
Systems selected for the site
We install wall systems from Unilock, Techno-Bloc and Cambridge, plus quarried armour stone and carefully selected natural stone. Product choice follows structure, access, architecture and the finish you want—not a one-system-fits-all sales approach.
Clear scope
What’s included in every quote
Site assessment
Written itemized quote
Drainage plan
Permit and engineering check
Final cleanup
Owner-reviewed resources
Retaining wall guides
Complete outdoor spaces
Pairs well with
Straight answers
Retaining-wall FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Under the Ontario Building Code, a retaining wall over 1 metre (about 3 feet 3 inches) of exposed height can be a designated structure when it is adjacent to public property, access to a building, or property where the public is admitted. Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville grading or site-alteration rules may also apply to lower walls. Always confirm requirements with the local building department.
How tall can a wall be without engineering?
There is no single safe height rule for every private wall. Height, slope, soil, loads, tier spacing and location all matter. We flag permit or engineering needs during assessment and coordinate drawings when required.
What wall is best for a sloped backyard?
Segmental block works well where a compact engineered system is needed; armour stone suits broad natural landscapes; terraced walls can create multiple useful levels. The best option follows access, soil, height, drainage, style and budget.
How long does installation take?
Small garden walls may take a few days. Larger reinforced, armour-stone or terraced systems take longer due to excavation, drainage, compaction and access. Your quote includes a realistic schedule.
Why do retaining walls fail or lean?
Poor drainage is the most common cause. Water pressure, an inadequate base, frost heave, missing reinforcement and unexpected loads behind the wall can all contribute.
Can you include steps or lighting?
Yes. Steps, pillars, seating, caps and low-voltage lighting can be coordinated with the wall design.
Can you replace an old timber wall?
Yes. We remove and dispose of deteriorated timber or railway ties, correct the base and drainage, then rebuild with an appropriate stone or block system.
Local retaining-wall contractor
Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington & Oakville
Hamilton
Hamilton MountainAncasterDundasStoney CreekWaterdownBinbrookFlamboroughWestdaleKirkendallGlanbrook
Burlington
AldershotBrant HillsTyandagaMillcroftApplebyLaSalle
Oakville
BronteGlen AbbeyRiver OaksPalermoOld OakvilleKerr Village
Start with the site
Plan a retaining wall that belongs in the landscape.
Tell us where the project is and the wall style you are considering.