Category Archives: Empire Walls

The Empire Walls team recently completed a retaining wall replacement in Langwarrin, for a client that was in need of a backyard freshen up!

The existing retaining wall was looking a little worse for wear and was well due for replacement, as you can see in the below before picture.

Our team came in to clear the space, ready for a brand-new retaining wall to be constructed.

Using concrete sleepers and galvanised steel uprights, our team constructed a set of new walls and steps to create a split level, useable area for our client.

Plenty of space has been created for new greenery and turf which will be a great feature in our client’s yard.

The new set of retaining walls and steps will last for many years to come!

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

If you are in need of a new retaining wall, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Empire Walls recently completed a job for a client in need of a retaining wall replacement in Frankston. The existing wall had deteriorated, and the front yard garden bed was in need of some support and freshen up.

Take a look at the before picture below,

Empire Walls constructed a brand-new wall using galvanised steel uprights and treated pine timber sleepers, check out the finished job below!

Not only does the new wall look amazing and improve the street appeal of this property, but it will also last our clients for years to come.

Hot Tip

Council approval is sometimes required when you’re installing a retaining wall. Make sure to gain approval through your local council to avoid any issues.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

If you are in need of a new retaining wall, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

When it comes to choosing the right retaining wall for your space, the choices out there might seem overwhelming. Read along for a few of our tips and some info to help with your decision.

What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a stabilising structure that supports earth and soil laterally so that it can be held at different levels on each side.

What is the purpose of a retaining wall?

Retaining walls are designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion and slope failure. They are used to create flat or terraced spaces for landscaping, gardening and recreation. Many homeowners choose to have a retaining wall built to create a neat and defined space in their yard.

What materials can I choose from?

Depending on your specific needs and preferences, these are some of the options available:

• Timber sleepers with timber or galvanised steel uprights
• Concrete sleepers with galvanised uprights
• Reinforced besser block
• Brick
• Stack stone
• Segmental block

To ensure your retaining wall is fit for purpose, ask your local retaining wall specialist to assess your specific needs and make a recommendation on materials best suited in terms of safety, functionality, performance, and design.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

Contact us for a free quote and consultation today!

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Is your retaining wall looking a bit worse for wear these days? There comes a time where every retaining wall will need to be replaced. Here’s how to tell when your retaining wall needs replacing.

A retaining wall is a professionally engineered stabilising structure designed to hold sloping earth and soil in place. If the wall fails, soil collapse can put your property at risk and ruin the aesthetic of your garden.

Many property owners are unaware how integral these walls are to the overall health of their property. It is vital to maintain and regularly check your retaining wall, and to understand their role in the protection of your home.

So, what should you look for?

• The wall is titled forward, or has a bowed appearance
• The appearance of sloping or uneven floors, decks and outdoor living spaces
• Cracks or crevices are starting to appear in the wall
• Cracks or crevices are appearing in the adjacent flooring
• The face of the wall is crumbling
• One section is separated from the surrounding structure

If you notice your retaining wall showing any of these signs, it would be best to call in a registered retaining wall builder to inspect it for you.

What causes a retaining wall to fail?

• The issue could be related to the material used – for example, a timber retaining wall may warp and/or rot
• Poor drainage, which can also mean the soil becomes too heavy for the wall to hold any more
• The wall may have come under stress factors that it wasn’t originally designed to cope with
• The retaining wall in place may not be best suited to the circumstances
• Poor workmanship
• The age of the retaining wall, all retaining walls will need to be replaced at some point

Usually, the safest option is to tear down the existing retaining wall and replace it completely. Your retaining wall specialist will advise you on what will be best for your property and garden.

It is crucial to remember that tearing down and replacing a retaining wall isn’t a weekend DIY project. It is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure the safety of yourself and your property isn’t compromised. They will be able to assess the site-specific issues you are having and make recommendations on how best to proceed.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Empire Walls Heads to Frankston South- Retaining Wall Replacement.

Empire Walls recently headed to Frankston South to replace an aged retaining wall running along our client’s driveway.

As you can tell by the pictures below, the existing wall was quite old and had started to deteriorate. The garden bed was no longer supported, and the overall appearance was looking a bit sad.

Our team came in and constructed a new smooth concrete sleeper retaining wall for one very pleased client.

The pictures below show how much the visual appeal of the driveway and front garden has improved, a brand-new inviting entrance to the property.

Now that the retaining wall has been replaced by Empire Walls, the front garden and plants will be supported for many years to come!

Hot Tip

Council approval is sometimes required when you’re installing a retaining wall. Make sure to gain approval through your local council to avoid any issues.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

Empire Walls recently completed a job for a client in need of a retaining wall replacement in Mount Martha. The existing wall had deteriorated, and the split-level backyard was in need of some support.

Take a look at the before picture below,

Empire Walls constructed a brand-new set of walls using galvanised steel uprights and concrete bluestone sleepers, check out the finished job below!

We were able to help bring our clients dream space alive by creating a useable area, perfect for entertaining and with plenty of space for the whole family.

The yard is now ready for some new turf and plants to finish off our client’s vision.

Hot Tip

Council approval is sometimes required when you’re installing a retaining wall. Make sure to gain approval through your local council to avoid any issues.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

If you are in need of a new retaining wall, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

The desire for fresh, homegrown, organic food continues to inspire people to grab a shovel, dig up a vegetable plot and get planting. Check out our guide to starting your own vegetable patch. Even though it may look complicated, most vegetables are quite easy to grow!

Where to plant

The most critical starting point for your vegetable patch, is deciding where to place your crops so they have the best chance of success. Pick an unsuitable position and you’ll be fighting an uphill battle from day one.

Climate

Spring and summer vegetables need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Any less and you’ll find harvests and plant quality will decrease. You will also be more likely to have problems with pests and diseases if plants are lacking light.

Space

Be sure to allocate adequate space for the vegetable you want to grow, without creating an area that’s too big for you to manage. Starting small can often pay off in the long run.

Soil

The better the soil, the better the harvest. If you can get the soil quality right from the beginning, your plants will be sure to flourish.

Your soil should be nice and crumbly, easy to dig, and rich with organic nutrients. It is also important that water can drain from the soil freely.

Using an improved soil mix bought from a garden supplier may save you a lot of time and stress if you find your soil is too dry and crumbly. To really help your plants thrive you could also opt for an organic soil blend or vegetable growing mix.

What to plant

The best starting point when you’re deciding what to plant is to look at the vegetables you use most or find the hardest to source.

If you’re stuck on deciding what to plant, have a chat to the team at your local garden centre. They’ll be able to give you advice on what seeds or seedlings are best for your area at that time of year.

Maintenance

The more love you put into your vegetable garden, the better the result! A little time spent on a regular basis will see you getting great returns.

Using a high-quality fertiliser will help nourish your soil and vegetables. Keep an eye out for pests, especially caterpillars and be sure to water your vegetable bed regularly especially during warm and dry weather.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post for more landscape and gardening inspiration!

As winter approaches, many gardeners begin to slow down the maintenance of their lawns and gardens. We get it, it’s cold outside! There is still plenty of gardening to be done over the colder months, keep reading for our tips on caring for your garden in winter.

Plant some winter veggies

There are some vegetables that grow well in winter, such as cauliflower, brussels sprouts, carrots, garlic, radishes, and lettuce. Radishes can grow even when temperatures are below freezing. Strawberries are a great option as one of the only fruits that can grow in winter!

Winter is also a great time to grow some herbs. Thyme, rosemary, mint, and sage are all grow perfectly in the winter months.

Get pruning

To help your plants and trees grow more effectively come springtime, spend some time pruning any dead leaves or branches in the winter months. Winter pruning is particularly important for roses and deciduous trees. Other trees to prune during the winter months include frangipanis, gardenias, hydrangeas, and ornamentals.

Fertilise your citrus trees

Citrus trees produce their fruits during the cooler months, so winter is a good time to feed these trees with a citrus fertiliser. Your trees will produce more fruit, providing you with plenty of delicious citrus to get through winter.

Watch your watering!

It’s important to water plants during the winter however be careful not to overdo it as this can lead to root rot. Water your garden only when necessary and always check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry. If possible, set up drip irrigation so you can set the watering schedule ahead of time.

Stuck trying to think of an idea to improve the appearance of your small front or back yard? Often a small retaining wall can make a big difference!

It doesn’t take much to improve the visual appeal of a small space, a retaining wall will not only prevent soil erosion, but it will also create useable land for planting and entertaining.

Take a look at one of our recent jobs below, this small retaining wall has greatly improved the street appeal of our client’s property.

Before;

After;

These beautiful trees would eventually have toppled over after the original retaining wall started to deteriorate.

Replacing with a small concrete sleeper retaining wall has not only improved the aesthetic of this area, but it will also make sure these trees will be around to surround the basketball court for many years to come.

About Empire Retaining Walls

Licensed and registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Adam Ilic of Empire Retaining Walls has been a trusted service provider of the Mornington Peninsula for more than 12 years. Each of our clients receive personalised service and a custom solution. We take great pride in delivering top quality workmanship made of the finest materials.

To ensure the integrity of your design, contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

* Call Adam on 0421 573 001

* Email us at empirewalls@live.com.au

* Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

To find out more about our service areas, please visit empirewalls.com.au.

If you’re a homeowner wondering how to increase the value of your property, look no further! Chances are you’re hoping your property will one day be worth more than you paid for it.

Here are our top tips on how you can add value to your property and increase the visual appeal of your yard.

1. CALL IN EMPIRE WALLS TO BUILD A RETAINING WALL

If you have a sloping or uneven yard, installing a retaining wall will level out the terrain to make it more accessible, prevent soil erosion and improve drainage in the event of flooding after heavy rain.

A retaining wall can make a stunning landscaping feature, improving the overall aesthetic and taking an average backyard to the next level! Or create a beautiful front yard that stands out from your neighbours, a retaining wall will increase privacy, add visual appeal and may reduce noise.

Below is a concrete sleeper stacked stone wall we recently completed for a very happy client.

2. CARE FOR YOUR LAWN AND GARDENS

There is nothing worse than an overgrown and messy looking yard that is in desperate need of some love and care. Spending the time to maintain and care for your lawn and plants will massively improve the aesthetic of your property and may even boost your mood!

Looking out the windows or pulling up in your driveway to see a beautifully maintained and well-presented garden will be sure to put a smile on your face.

It will also help if you decide to sell your property, the resale value will be higher with a well-kept yard and will leave a lasting impression for potential buyers.

3. A NEW COAT OF PAINT

The easiest and most cost-effective way to freshen up your home is with a new coat of paint. Marks and general wear and tear on your walls can often make your home feel a little drab and in need of an update.

All white is a popular choice to help freshen up and increase the value of your home, redo a few rooms or maybe the whole house for a completely new look.

It’s often the smallest of changes that have the biggest impact, we hope you have some exciting new ideas to implement into your own home and garden!