Rock Retaining Walls for a Sustainable Australian Landscape
Rock Retaining Walls explained including where to find suppliers and installers.
The Stunning Appeal of Natural Rock Retaining Walls
Natural rock walls date back thousands of years and will continue to feature well into the future as a favourable option for the private garden as well as commercial installations in Australia.
Built to last, no maintenance is required, no two rock walls are the same.
Functional natural rock retaining walls are environmentally friendly.
Whether its purpose is defining a terraced lawn or providing retaining walls through careful placement of rocks or large boulders, one would have to agree that the beauty of a well built rock wall only accentuates its natural surroundings.
Commercial Rock Retaining Walls
Less like rocks and more like boulders are commonly used for Commercial or Industrial installations.
Well utilised in subdivisions over a large scale of land that require engineered rock retaining walls. Also a popular option as rock walls in areas to hold banks around waterways or lakes.
Residential Rock Retaining Walls – The majority not for the DIY!
It can be said that visually the difference is noticeable between the homeowner putting together a stone retaining wall using hand sized rocks, or enlisting the services of a qualified professional.
For larger rocks or boulders, from design through to construction will require the services of structural engineers, also excavating equipment is needed for placement of the rocks.
Remembering that the result by using the experienced tradesperson will be far superior in all aspects visually, structurally, and also take out the guesswork for you.
Get started with one of our qualified tradespeople here: they will be more than happy to give you a no obligation FREE quote.
Common types of Rock found in Rock Retaining Walls in Australia
Some of the more common rock built in to Rock Walls:
- Sandstone
- bush rock
- bluestone/basalt
- limestone
- granite
- porphyry rock
The design of Rock Retaining walls depends on the purpose for which it is built, the soil type (sand, gravel, clay or dirt) upon where it will be built.
Rock walls are one of the heaviest walls relying on gravity to keep it in place, by placing the first layer using the largest rocks.
Disadvantages and Advantages of Rock Retaining Walls
The main disadvantages to Rock Walls is that machinery is usually required to lift the rock into place. The machinery requires an adequate area to move, therefore making it difficult to build in tight areas.
Some of the advantages are as follows
- a concrete footing is not required
- the walls are able to “move” which makes cracking a non issue
- the walls will not hold or dam water
- longevity, they will not rot, warp, split or crack allowing a rock wall to last considerably longer than other materials
- termites are not an issue
- most rock walls are easy on the eye and aesthetically pleasing.
Gabion Rock Walls
Gabion Walls feature a reinforced wire cage to house the rocks. These are easy to install with the option of adding a timber top as a seat as an example. Find more information on Gabion walls here
Cost versus Sustainability for Rock Walls
Expect to pay a little more for some larger style boulder rock walls, including extra for labour and design costs but the attractiveness of a stunning rock wall is a huge factor.
They will last a lifetime, won’t need maintenance, adding value, style and a finished look to complete your landscaped property. Whereas timber retaining walls for example are not always much cheaper, prone to rot, split, and termites love to make their homes in them.
Remembering that rock walls designed right will add value to your property, so it takes a bit of thought behind making sure the design, construction and cost are all factored in – this is where a professional is recommended!
Rock Retaining Wall Standards and Authorities
Rock retaining walls should be built to the Australian Standard 4678 Earth Retaining Structures which can be purchased at Standards Ausralia
You can also find information at the Drystone Walls Authority of Australia, although this information is more for stone walls not rock walls.
Free Quote for your Rock Retaining Walls
Make an investment in rock retaining walls for your property …….we invite you to obtain a no obligation free quote from one of our experienced contractors or suppliers in your area here:
If you feel rock walls are not for you, you will find all types of retaining walls on our home page here.
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Rock Retaining Wall FAQ
Most rock walls are dry stacked due to the size of the rocks and consist of boulders or cut stone. Smaller rocks can be laid in place with a mortar joint between them. Mostly this method is a veneer over a stable wall as a feature.
Each Council does have some varying conditions so you should check your local councils specifications. However most councils in Australia allow walls upto 1 metre in height and 1.5 metres from a building or another retaining wall to be built without consent.
Rock being a natural product varies in quality and type form area to area. The following are some of the general rock used in a wall;
- Bush Rock
- Sandstone
- Bluestone
- Limestone
- Basalt
- Schist
No, the weight of the rock forms what is called a Gravity Wall. Sometimes the larger rock is used in the base of the wall.
You can but larger rocks require an excavator with a grab instead of a bucket to manouvre the rock into place.