Stone Retaining Walls

About Stone Retaining Walls

One of the main uses of a retaining wall is to prevent erosion on hillsides, but these structures offer much more than that. Erecting a retaining wall alters the landscape, often improving both its function and curb appeal. Stone retaining walls, or a series of them, form an appealing transition barrier between two or more ground levels. Turning a slope into a cascade increases the slot's utility and, consequently, its value. More flat ground means more space for gardening, patio zoning, outdoor activities, and others.

Benefits of Stone Retaining Walls

• More landscaping space available: Stone retaining walls form and define terraced areas, suitable for different purposes, from planting to lounging. A series of plots surrounded by small retaining walls can act like raised garden beds, perfect for segmented plant cultivation.

• Retaining walls feature both aesthetic and practical value: Apart from convenience, stone landscaping also provides stunning visual effects. Natural stone retaining wall is versatile, and looks great in all variations, from rustical dry stone walling to modern designer art. Consequently, increasing both safety and curb appeal reflects on the market value of the property as a whole.

Usage of Stone Retaining Walls

Stone Landscaping Provides A Sturdy Property Boundary Marker

Sometimes a fence is not enough to make a durable, clear boundary between properties, or inside them. A stone retaining wall is a barrier that animals or unwanted visitors will not overpass with ease.

Stone Garden Walls Slow Down Soil Erosion

Heavy rains and flash floods can trigger a lot of soil erosion, especially on sloped land. Not only that it leaves pockmarks and messy areas, but in more extreme cases can be dangerous for the entire property. Depending on the conditions, there are several variations of stone retaining walls that can help to prevent such issues.

Garden Walling Blocks Help With Flood Control

Unexpected floods can cause a good deal of property damage. Stone walls can resist a lot of force, stop or slow down the water and protect the nearby area. For the same reasons, they are frequently used as a barrier between the land and the sea.

Types of Stone Retaining Wall Material

Natural Stone Retaining Wall

The best materials for natural stone retaining walls depend on the location. For instance, the ideal choice of material for a sea wall is the rock that naturally occurs in the wet, salted areas, In other words, the kind that features the right qualities to act reliably for a long time. Similarly, for the locations with harsh winters and loads of snowfall, the best stone will be the one that won't crack and change after prolonged exposure to frost.

The easiest way to build a natural stone retaining wall is the so-called dry-stack method, without footings and mortar as a binder between the rocks. These walls also drain well, which allows them to fulfil all functions.

Dry Stone Retaining Walls

"Dry stone wall" refers to a variety of structures raised with no mortar to keep the system together. Instead, the rocks are strategically placed and fit to be held there by gravity. While it may sound like a temporary solution, an adequately built dry stone retaining wall will actually outlast its counterparts. One reason is that this kind of structure can flex slightly, which results in less cracking. Also, dry stone retaining walls will not easily fall apart, as sometimes happens to standard walls after the mortar wears away.

Dry Boulder Walls

This style is ideal for rustic, colonial, and English-style gardens. Dry boulder wall is a variation of dry stone retaining wall and a natural solution to a grade change. One disadvantage is that dry boulder walls design is less efficient in controlling the water flow. Since it's more pervious, the water accumulates in the interior, which can destroy its integrity over time.

Consent for Retaining Wall

Retaining wall construction of up to 1.5m does not require a  building consent, as long as it doesn't support any additional load or surcharge. Otherwise, a building consent is necessary, and the structure must comply with the New Zealand Building Code requirements. 

If you need help to decide what kind of stone retaining wall to raise, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various Stonemasons professionals professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.