Types of Retaining Walls: What Works Best in Halifax & HRM

Retaining walls play a major role in managing slopes, improving drainage, and creating usable outdoor space across Halifax, Bedford, Sackville, and Hammonds Plains. At Kynock Resources Limited, we support retaining wall projects with excavation/sitework services and the bulk stone, gravel, and soil needed to build them properly.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common types of retaining walls used in Nova Scotia.

1. Gravity Retaining Walls

Best for: Small to medium residential projects.

Gravity walls rely on their weight to hold soil back. They’re built from:

  • Natural stone

  • Concrete blocks

  • Armour rock

Easy to install and great for landscape features, garden beds, and small structural changes.

2. Interlocking (Segmental) Retaining Walls

Best for: Higher residential or light commercial walls.

These walls use engineered concrete blocks that lock together. With proper 1" crushed gravel, drainage stone, and geogrid, they handle more height and pressure than basic gravity walls—ideal for HRM’s freeze–thaw climate.

3. Reinforced Retaining Walls

Best for: Large grade changes and development projects.

Using geogrid, steel, or engineered footings, reinforced walls are common for:

  • Multi-unit developments

  • Roadwork

  • Commercial sites

These typically require skilled excavation, drainage prep, and engineering.

4. Armour Stone Retaining Walls

Best for: Premium aesthetics and tough conditions.

Armour stone walls are durable, natural-looking, and perfect for steep slopes, lakefront properties, and high-drainage areas. Pair well with Kynock’s bulk stone and gravel products.

5. Timber Retaining Walls

Best for: Smaller-budget residential projects.

Timber walls are affordable but have a shorter lifespan compared to stone or concrete.

Materials You’ll Need (Available at Kynock)

  • 1” crushed gravel for bases

  • Drainage rock for behind-wall drainage

  • Landscape fabric & geogrid

  • Topsoil for final grading

  • Stone & gravel for surrounding areas

Located right on Hammonds Plains Road, we make bulk loading quick and easy for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors.

Start Your Retaining Wall Project With Kynock

Whether you need materials, excavation, or full sitework, our team supports residential, commercial, and development projects throughout HRM.

📞 Contact us today for pricing or project advice.