Sandstone Blocks Are the Perfect, Time Tested Choice for Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains the soil behind it. There are many types of materials that can be used to create retaining walls like concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timber, rocks or boulders. Some are easier than others to use, others have a shorter life span, but all must retain soil. In order to build the proper type of retaining wall, there are a few important issues to consider. 

For example, is the soil sand, clay, or something in between? What is above the wall: a driveway or something heavier like a pool? Will the ground above or below the wall be level or sloped? What is the height of the wall? All of these factors will indicate whether you need a gravity retaining wall or a geogrid reinforced retaining wall.

Gravity retaining walls are walls that depend on their own weight and setback to retain the soil, and are typically lower in height. 

Reinforced retaining walls use some type of reinforcement to give more strength to the structure, thereby improving its ability to retain the soil behind it. These types of walls typically require an engineer for the design and a certified contractor for the installation.

Common retaining wall products include railroad ties or treated timbers as well as wall stones, natural stones, bricks and concrete block.

We love to use sandstone blocks for retaining walls, for loads of different reasons. 

Sandstone is a natural product which works in pretty much any design or style you can imagine. It comes in such a variety of gorgeous earthy tones and contrasts beautifully with foliage, timber and other pebbles, stones pavers or tiles. Depending on where the sandstone was sourced, it can also have stunning patterning through the surface, which makes is a perfect choice for design statements in your home or garden.

Sandstone blocks are absolutely perfect for wall building because of their squared off dimensions and flatter surfaces. The larger sized stones are much squarer again, with flatter faces. 

We are able to advise with regard to the type and quantity of sandstone you need to complete your project, as well as deliver it, and even organise a licensed contractor to install it for you. It couldn’t be easier.

Sandstone is a timeless material which actually looks better with age. It is created over millennia, and will remain standing long after we are all gone.