Brick and Stone Garden Walls in Ottawa: What a Quote Should Show
Too few published prices to quote a range
Freestanding walls only; retaining walls are covered on ottawapatios.com (published Ontario contractor pricing, 2025–26; yours will differ)
Reviewed 2026-10-01 · how we set these ranges · rules for every masonry job
We found no usable published prices for freestanding brick or stone garden walls, so this page sets out what the price depends on, the height rules that may apply, and what each quote should show.
What a quote should show
| Line | Published figure | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Length and height | Ask | The measurements the quote is for |
| Footing | Ask | How the wall is founded |
| Stone or brick | Ask | Type and source |
| Mortared or dry-laid | Ask | The method and the top finish |
| Disposal | Ask | Excavated material and old wall |
Rules specific to this job
A wall that delineates a boundary or restricts access may count as a "fence", which on residential property is limited to 1 m in a front yard and 213 cm in any other yard, and 75 cm in the corner and driveway visibility triangles. Ask the City whether your wall counts.
Fence By-law 2003-462 s.4, s.5The hardscaping licence by-law names retaining walls, steps, walkways and patios and excludes fences; it does not say where a freestanding garden wall falls.
Licensing By-law 2002-189
Permits, the hardscaping licence, contracts, disposal, cold weather and dust apply to every job: see the shared rules.
Ask before you sign
- The height at each end, measured from grade
- How the footing is built
- Mortared or dry-laid, and how the top is finished
- Whether the City has said the wall counts as a fence
- What happens to excavated soil
More on this work: Brick & Stone Garden Walls
Quick answers
Is a wall that holds back soil a garden wall?
No. A wall that holds back soil is a retaining wall, a different job; ottawapatios.com covers retaining walls.
Want this done at your place?
Tell us about your brick or stone job and we'll send it to local Ottawa masons, who reply by email. We send it out to local contractors for you. Free, no pressure.