Armour Stone Retaining Wall in North York, Toronto
Massive natural boulders expertly placed to create stunning, permanent retaining walls. Unmatched strength and timeless beauty for North York properties.
35+
Years Experience
500+
Walls Built
100yr
Stone Lifespan
5★
Google Rating
Massive Boulders, Lasting Beauty
Armour stone retaining walls represent the pinnacle of natural landscape engineering. These massive boulders, weighing 500 to 3,000+ pounds each, create walls of unparalleled strength and organic beauty that will outlast any manufactured alternative.
At Kenny Kim Landscaping, we've been building armour stone walls across North York and the GTA for over 35 years. Our expertise in stone selection, proper drainage, and precision placement ensures your wall will stand strong for generations.
- Hand-selected natural boulders
- Proper drainage engineering
- Terraced designs available
- Permits & engineering when required
Natural Stone Options
We source the finest armour stone from Ontario quarries, selecting each boulder for quality and character.
Ontario Granite Armour Stone
Locally sourced granite boulders with stunning natural colour variations from grey to pink. Extremely dense and weather-resistant.
- 100+ year lifespan
- Freeze-thaw resistant
- Local sourcing
Limestone Armour Stone
Classic cream to grey limestone boulders that complement traditional and contemporary homes. Natural weathering adds character.
- Timeless appeal
- Natural patina
- Versatile colour
Sandstone Armour Stone
Warm earth-toned boulders ranging from tan to rust. Unique layered appearance creates visual interest in any landscape.
- Warm tones
- Unique textures
- Natural layers
Mixed Natural Boulder
Curated selection of complementary boulder types for a natural, organic appearance that mimics natural rock formations.
- Organic look
- Custom blends
- Natural aesthetic
Applications for Armour Stone
From functional retention to decorative features, armour stone transforms any landscape.
Hillside Retention
Stabilize sloped properties and prevent erosion while creating usable terraced spaces
Driveway Borders
Define driveway edges with dramatic boulder walls that add curb appeal and structure
Garden Terracing
Create multi-level planting beds and garden spaces on sloped terrain
Property Boundaries
Natural-looking property lines that provide privacy and aesthetic appeal
Water Features
Incorporate armour stone into ponds, waterfalls, and stream beds for natural beauty
Seating Walls
Dual-purpose retaining walls that double as natural seating areas for outdoor living
Benefits of Natural Boulder Walls
Unmatched Strength
Armour stone walls can retain heights of 4+ feet without additional engineering, thanks to the sheer mass of natural boulders.
Natural Beauty
Each stone is unique, creating organic, one-of-a-kind walls that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Century-Long Lifespan
Natural stone doesn't degrade like manufactured blocks. Properly installed armour stone walls last 100+ years.
Zero Maintenance
Unlike block walls that may shift or crack, armour stone requires virtually no maintenance throughout its lifetime.
Expert Installation Process
Every armour stone wall requires careful planning and skilled execution for lasting results.
Site Assessment
Thorough evaluation of soil conditions, drainage patterns, slope grade, and load requirements to design a structurally sound wall.
Engineering & Design
For walls over 4 feet, we work with structural engineers. We create detailed plans including stone placement and drainage solutions.
Excavation & Foundation
Precise excavation to create a stable base. Installation of compacted granular base and drainage systems behind the wall.
Stone Selection
Hand-selection of boulders from quarry based on size, shape, and colour to ensure cohesive appearance and structural integrity.
Boulder Placement
Expert placement using excavators and skilled operators. Each stone is carefully positioned for maximum stability and visual appeal.
Backfill & Finishing
Proper drainage aggregate backfill, topsoil placement, and landscape restoration. Final inspection and client walkthrough.
Armour Stone Wall FAQs
How much does an armour stone retaining wall cost in North York?
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Armour stone retaining walls in North York typically range from $50 to $100+ per linear foot, depending on wall height, stone type, and site accessibility. A typical 50-foot wall at 3 feet height ranges from $7,500 to $15,000. Complex installations with engineering requirements may cost more. We provide detailed quotes during free consultations.
How high can an armour stone retaining wall be built?
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Single-tier armour stone walls can typically reach 3-4 feet without engineering. For taller walls, we either create terraced multi-tier designs or work with structural engineers for walls up to 8+ feet. Building permits are required for walls over 3.3 feet (1 meter) in most Toronto municipalities.
How long does armour stone wall installation take?
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Most residential armour stone walls take 2-4 days to complete, depending on length, height, and site conditions. Larger projects or those requiring excavation of difficult terrain may take 1-2 weeks. We work efficiently while ensuring proper installation for lifetime durability.
Is armour stone better than interlocking block retaining walls?
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Armour stone offers superior longevity (100+ years vs 50 years for blocks), zero maintenance, and a natural aesthetic that many homeowners prefer. However, interlocking blocks offer more precise lines and may be more cost-effective for certain applications. We can help determine the best solution for your specific needs.
Do armour stone walls need drainage?
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Yes, proper drainage is critical for any retaining wall. We install perforated drainage pipe and clear gravel behind all walls to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup that could destabilize the structure. This is included in all our installations.
Can armour stone be used for small garden walls?
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While armour stone excels at large-scale retention, smaller boulders create beautiful garden borders, raised beds, and decorative landscape features. We source stones in various sizes to suit projects of all scales.
Armour Stone Installation Across the GTA
We install armour stone retaining walls throughout North York, Toronto, and surrounding communities.
Ready for a Wall That Lasts Forever?
Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate on your armour stone retaining wall project.