When it comes to landscaping on uneven terrain, protecting your property, or creating beautiful outdoor features, retaining walls are often essential. But not all retaining walls are the same — and sometimes, a simple stacked stone wall just won’t cut it. This is where engineered retaining walls come in. If you’re planning a major landscaping project in Calgary or surrounding areas, understanding when you need an engineered wall — and choosing the right contractor, like Simply Stone — can save you major headaches and expenses down the line.
What Is an Engineered Retaining Wall?
An engineered retaining wall is a structure that has been designed, calculated, and approved by a professional engineer to safely retain soil, support changes in elevation, and withstand external forces such as water pressure, frost, and ground movement.
Unlike basic landscaping walls, engineered walls involve:
- Site-specific soil analysis
- Structural calculations
- Drainage system planning
- Load-bearing design requirements
In many municipalities — including Calgary — retaining walls that exceed a certain height (often around 1.2 meters or 4 feet) must be engineered by law to ensure safety and long-term stability.
When Do You Need an Engineered Retaining Wall?
You’ll likely need an engineered retaining wall if any of the following apply:
- The Wall Will Be Over 4 Feet Tall: Municipal regulations typically require engineering for taller walls to ensure they can safely bear the additional load and resist tipping or collapsing.
- You’re Building on a Slope or Hillside: Steep terrain increases the forces behind a wall. An engineered design will properly account for soil pressure and slope stability, preventing costly failures.
- The Wall Will Support Structures or Driveways: If a retaining wall is holding back earth near a house foundation, driveway, pool, or patio, it must be engineered to handle dynamic loads, not just soil weight.
- Challenging Soil or Drainage Conditions: Clay soils, sandy soils, high water tables, or poor drainage can significantly affect wall performance. Engineered walls include drainage systems that help manage water and prevent wall damage.
- Municipal Permitting and Safety Requirements: In many cities, including Calgary, a permit is required for walls over a certain height, and engineered drawings must be submitted as part of the approval process. For more information on engineered retaining wall permits in Calgary, read our “Do I Need a Permit for Engineered Retaining Walls in Calgary” blog.
What to Expect During the Retaining Wall Construction Process
When you choose Simply Stone for your retaining wall project, you can expect a seamless, fully managed experience. We start with an on-site consultation to assess your property and goals, followed by a detailed design phase that balances beauty and structural strength. If needed, we handle all engineering approvals to meet local building codes.
Once approved, we move into site preparation, ensuring proper grading and drainage before construction begins. Our skilled team then completes the construction with precision and high-quality materials. Finally, we perform a full inspection to ensure your wall meets engineering standards and exceeds expectations. With Simply Stone, you get expert project management and a stunning result, built to last.
Why Choose Simply Stone for Your Retaining Wall Project?
At Simply Stone, we specialize in creating beautiful, durable, and fully compliant retaining walls that stand the test of time. We work closely with experienced engineers to ensure every wall is not only attractive but also structurally sound, safe, and built to meet all local building codes. When you choose Simply Stone, you benefit from expert installation with meticulous attention to detail, access to high-quality materials and a range of stunning design options, seamless coordination with licensed engineers for permitting and compliance, and reliable project management to keep your project on schedule and within budget. Whether you need a small decorative wall or a large engineered structure, our team is here to bring your vision to life — safely, beautifully, and built to last.
Engineered retaining walls are more than just an aesthetic choice — they’re a critical investment in the safety, stability, and long-term value of your property. If you’re planning a project that involves major elevation changes, heavy loads, or challenging conditions, don’t take chances with a basic DIY wall. Trust the experts at Simply Stone to design and build a retaining wall that protects your landscape and enhances your outdoor living space for years to come. Call Simply Stone today at 403-281-7605 for a free consultation!