Retaining Wall Removal & Replacement in Burnaby

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for a failing retaining wall is take it down entirely and build something that will last. A wall that has experienced major movement, structural concrete cracking, complete timber rot, or fundamental drainage failure is often better replaced than repaired — especially when the repair cost approaches or exceeds the replacement cost.

We handle retaining wall removal and replacement as a complete project: demolition and material disposal, site assessment and drainage design, and construction of the replacement wall. When the old wall comes down, you also get the opportunity to address whatever caused the original failure — usually drainage — so the new wall starts its life correctly.

Our crews work quickly and cleanly. Retaining wall demolition is loud and disruptive for a day or two, but we aim to minimize the time your property is in a torn-up state.

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

The replace-vs-repair decision is one we make on a case-by-case basis during the site assessment. But there are clear indicators that point toward replacement.

For block and concrete walls: major overturning (the wall has moved more than 50–75mm out of plumb), base course displacement, widespread cracking through the block (not just the face), and any evidence of footing failure. A wall with these conditions has exhausted its structural reserve — repairing individual cracks or sections won't restore the overall integrity.

For timber walls: posts that are soft, punky, or visibly decayed at the soil line; planks that are crumbling or can be pushed in with finger pressure; wall sections that have moved more than 75mm out of plumb. Timber deterioration is progressive — if one post is badly rotted, the others are not far behind.

For stone walls: complete loss of interlock (the wall has slumped rather than moved as a unit), foundation undermining due to erosion, and stone breakage that has compromised a significant portion of the face.

The cost comparison is also relevant. If remediation of an existing wall costs 70–80% of replacement, the choice is usually replacement — you get a new wall with full life expectancy, not a patched wall with unknown life remaining.

The Demolition Process

Timber wall demolition is straightforward — posts are extracted (typically with an excavator thumb or chain), planks are pulled and stacked, and the material is trucked away. Timber from a retaining wall is generally not reusable due to ground contact and soil contamination, so it goes to waste disposal.

Concrete block demolition requires an excavator with a bucket or a hydraulic breaker. Block is separated from mortar, and usable block can sometimes be salvaged. Concrete rubble is crushed or hauled to a recycling facility — concrete demolition waste is recycled at facilities in the Lower Mainland.

Natural stone demolition takes more care if the stone is to be salvaged and reused in the new wall. Fieldstone and quarried stone in good condition is worth keeping — it eliminates material cost on the new wall. Salvaged stone is stockpiled on-site during demolition.

After demolition, the exposed face of the slope is typically unstable until the new wall is built. We manage this by sequencing the work in sections — demo and rebuild one section before moving to the next — particularly on taller walls or in wet conditions.

Upgrading Materials on Replacement

Replacement is an opportunity to upgrade the wall material if the budget allows. The most common upgrade scenario: an aging timber wall being replaced with a concrete block or interlocking block wall. The block wall will outlast the property occupancy for most homeowners — it's a one-and-done investment.

The cost difference between a replacement timber wall and a replacement block wall of the same size is typically $150–$300 per linear metre, depending on height and site conditions. Spread over 30+ years of additional service life, this is usually excellent value.

We present material options clearly during the quoting process. You choose what makes sense for your budget and timeframe.