
Cut, retain and drain in one job
On a sloping block, the excavation, retaining walls and drainage are one system. Getting them done by the same contractor avoids gaps between trades and makes sure the wall is designed for the cut that’s actually made.
Typical work
- ✓House pad and shed pad levelling
- ✓Backyard cut and fill for lawns and patios
- ✓Driveway batters and cuttings
- ✓Spoil removal
- ✓Tight-access post-hole boring for retaining walls
Rock, clay and shale
Ground conditions vary across Wollondilly, from reactive clay to shale and rock. Rock in the excavation is one of the biggest factors in cost, so a site visit matters before a firm price is given.
Drainage and approvals
Every retaining wall needs a way for water to escape: slotted 100 mm ag-pipe in a geofabric sock, bedded in washed 20 mm aggregate, relieves water pressure behind the wall. Walls over the NSW exempt height (generally 600 mm, and at least 1 m from a boundary), or walls supporting a structure, need structural engineering and CDC/DA approval. More on retaining walls in Wollondilly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need approval for excavation?+
Cut and fill limits apply under the NSW Exempt and Complying Development Codes, and anything beyond them needs approval. Check with your builder or Wollondilly Shire Council before work starts.
Can you work on a block with tight access?+
Many contractors use smaller machines and boring rigs for tight-access sites. Mention access when you request a quote.
How Wollondilly Wall Co works
Wollondilly Wall Co is a local lead-matching service connecting Wollondilly property owners with independent, licensed structural landscapers and retaining wall contractors. When you call or send a request, we pass your details to a local builder who contacts you to arrange a site measure and quote. The builder you’re matched with is responsible for the work, its pricing and any warranties.