Retaining Walls & Level Changes in Farnham

Why Farnham Gardens Need Retaining Walls

Typical reasons include:

• Steep gradients common in The Bourne, Frensham and parts of Wrecclesham.
• Uneven or sloping lawns that limit day-to-day usability.
• Multi-level patio designs for modern indoor–outdoor layouts.
• Correcting drainage direction away from the property and thresholds.
• Creating raised beds and planting zones that double as seating or edges.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

1. Sleeper Retaining Walls

Common in modern gardens and naturalistic designs around Farnham.

• Durable treated softwood or oak.
• Installed with steel or timber posts and concrete footings.
• Ideal for 0.3–1.0 m height changes and raised planters.

2. Blockwork & Rendered Walls

Strong, clean and ideal for contemporary Farnham homes.

• Engineered blockwork construction.
• Steel reinforcement where needed.
• Weep holes for drainage relief.
• Rendered finish or clad with stone/brick slips.

3. Brick Retaining Walls

Perfect for period homes in central Farnham, Crondall and Tilford.

• Classic decorative appearance.
• Can be tied into existing house brickwork.
• Often finished with coping stones or bullnose units.

4. Gabion Walls

Excellent where slopes are significant or drainage is a challenge.

• Rock-filled steel baskets.
• Highly permeable and very stable when correctly detailed.
• Can be planted into for a softer, more natural look.

5. Stone-Faced Walls

A premium choice for character properties in Frensham, Rowledge and The Bourne, where the face of the wall is visible from key rooms and seating areas.

Correct Drainage Behind Retaining Walls

Without proper drainage, retaining walls can fail prematurely. In Farnham’s mixed soils, relieving water pressure is especially important.

• Perforated drainpipe behind the wall (French drain) laid to a fall.
• Clean gravel backfill to create a drainage zone.
• Geotextile separation layer to prevent fines clogging the stone.
• Weep holes at appropriate intervals where water needs to escape.

Building Safe & Long-Lasting Walls

Our process typically includes:

• Excavation down to stable, undisturbed ground.
• Concrete foundations sized correctly for wall height and loading.
• Mechanical compaction of backfill in layers.
• Integration of drainage pipework and outlets.
• Structural reinforcement or engineer-designed details where required.

For taller structures, or where walls are near buildings, boundaries or driveways, we will usually recommend involving a structural engineer to confirm sizing and reinforcement.

Terracing & Multi-Level Gardens

Farnham gardens often benefit from being divided into functional levels, especially on steeper plots:

• Upper dining terraces close to the house.
• Mid-level lawns for play or general use.
• Lower relaxation or firepit zones with more shelter.
• Dedicated, level play areas for children.

Well-planned level changes help maximise usability, manage drainage and create more interesting views back towards the house.

Steps, Access & Level Changes

Steps connect the different levels and must be safe, comfortable and well-lit where needed.

• Riser height: usually 150–170 mm for comfortable use.
• Tread depth: typically 300–350 mm or more.
• Consistency: all risers the same height to avoid trip hazards.
• Surface finish: slip-resistant materials and subtle falls for drainage.
• Lighting: options for step lights or low-level wall lighting.

Costs for Retaining Walls in Farnham

• Sleeper walls: £220 – £350 per linear metre.
• Block + render walls: £350 – £550 per linear metre.
• Brick or stone walls: £450 – £750 per linear metre.
• Gabion walls: £300 – £500 per linear metre.

Final costs depend on access, wall height, engineering requirements and how the structure ties into patios, steps and surrounding landscaping. Our Farnham landscaping costs guide gives a broader overview across full garden schemes.

Areas We Cover

Farnham · Lower Bourne · Wrecclesham · Rowledge · Frensham · Upper Hale · Heath End · Runfold · Tilford · Crondall · Ewshot · Boundstone

Planning Level Changes or Retaining Walls?

If your Farnham garden needs terracing, walling or structural groundworks, we’d be pleased to visit, review the levels and suggest practical, safe options.

Request a Site Assessment

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