Sandstone Retaining Walls
All the information, Suppliers and Contractors for Sandstone Retaining Walls
Sandstone retaining walls are one of the most visually pleasing attributes that can be blended into the natural landscape.
A prominent feature in the homeowners backyard, as well as commercial sites providing a stylish finish to compliment the landscape.
Well constructed, a Sandstone wall can have a broad appeal and will add value to the property.
Not all Sandstone Retaining Walls are created the same!
Dry stacked sandstone retaining walls can be constructed using factory cut sandstone blocks or for a more rustic look, various cuts of sandstone can create a unique, original wall that won’t be replicated due to inconsistent sandstone sizes.
Especially useful in lower height retaining walls but also efficient in large wall structures, often necessitating the use of an excavator to position them.
Sandstone blocks are available in different sizes or can be pre cut to certain measurements.
The finish can include curved edges for a rustic look, a completely smooth finish, with each block the same size or a sawn cut finish.
Do you prefer the look of a textured natural finish or smooth manicured finish? Which look compliments your outdoor area? Your choice will determine the cost.
The Benefits of Sandstone Retaining Walls
The obvious benefit is the aesthetically pleasing aspect of sandstone retaining walls with eye catching natural colours and textures of sandstone a popular choice well suited to our landscape.
Abundant in quarries in Australia with an earthy luxurious finish, a well constructed sandstone retaining wall is an asset that adds value to any private or commercial landscaped property.
- Sandstone retaining walls are only slightly more expensive than small timber retaining walls but become more cost efficient the higher the wall is built.
- There are different grades of sandstone which influence the overall cost, however if you choose a dry stacked sandstone retaining wall, depending on the size of the blocks, an added bonus is that installation is fairly quick.
- Sandstone blocks can be manufactured in different shapes, including curved edges.
- Good quality sandstone retaining walls will last forever! relatively speaking
- Sandstone retaining walls can be suited to formal or relaxed backyard depending which style of sandstone block is used.
- To a degree, being naturally porous and constructed with gaps between the stone enables sandstone its own drainage although drainage is still usually required to direct excess water away from the area of the wall.
Sandstone walls are suitable in all types of landscaping from fence lines, terraced retaining walls, and sandstone feature walls.
They are popular with hotels, resorts and lifestyle communities as they provide a stylish finish.
Disadvantages of a Sandstone Retaining Wall
The main disadvantage with Sandstone Retaining Walls is they normally require heavy lifting equipment to move each stone in to place. This obviously is difficult in tight areas.
Once built it is impossible to remove the heavy blocks without hiring earth moving equipment and a contractor.
Other uses of Sandstone Blocks
If you manage to have any left over sandstone blocks they can make a great outdoor oven, fireplace, form an edge around a patio or even as a base for a garden bench.
What are the Standard Thicknesses of Blocks used in a Sandstone Wall?
Each supplier will have their own sizes manufactured on site, but many supply blocks cut to your required size. Some of the standard sizes are:
1000 x 400 x 400 weighing up to 400 kg each
1000 x 500 x 500 weighing up to about 600 kg each
1000 x 600 x 600 weighing up to 900kg each
2000 x 500 x 500 weighing up to about 1200kg each
Australian Standards Required to Build a Sandstone Retaining Wall
All sandstone retaining walls are required to be built to Australian Standard AS:4678 Earth Retaining Structures. This standard can be purchased from SAI Global or Standards Australia
Determining the Thickness of your Sandstone Wall
Your supplier will be able to advise you, and will factor in:
- The height of the wall
- Whether there is any surcharge loading above the wall – driveways, structures
- The type of soil and purpose of what the wall will be retaining
Different Types of Sandstone Finishes
Every supplier has their standard finishes to the stone. Here some examples of Sandstone finishes that are acheivable
Quarry Sawn
Sawn at the Quarry during excavation with no factory finishing. This is the stock standard finish.Rock face
Sandstone with a Rockfaced finish is split and given a protruding rough natural finish.Split Face
Sandstone is split using a mechanical press, which gives it a rough natural finish. No further work is applied.Diamond Sawn
Sandstone is first Wheel Sawn at the quarry, then Diamond Sawn in a factory which gives it a smooth finish with no or minimal wheel marks.
Gang sawn
Sandstone which has been machined to give the surface a finished but rough textured surface.Picked Finish
Sandstone facing is chipped using tools to give the surface an aged colonial chiselled look.
The following are the different types of edging
Margin Edge
Sandstone, which has been tooled to give the edges a border.Pencil Round Edge
The sharpness of the edges are rounded off.Chamfered Edge
The sandstone is given a finished bevelled edge.Bullnose Edge
Sandstone is processed in a factory to give it a smooth rounded edge. Commonly used for pool edging and stair treads.
Need Help with your Sandstone Retaining Wall
The option of sandstone retaining walls using large, solid sandstone blocks or logs is a brilliant, cost-efficient opportunity to include a sandstone wall in your property.
With minimal ground preparation and no structural footings needed, means they are quick to install and maintenance free in the long term, proving them to be a popular choice.
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Sandstone Retaining Wall FAQ
This will vary dependant on local sandstone resources but the main types are
- quarry cut A and B grade sandstone blocks which are dry stacked
- factory diamond cut blocks
- sandstone boulders
- sandstone cladding
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. State by state varies from 0.2m to 1m.
Sizes do vary between areas but the general sizes are as follows and some suppliers supply in between sizes or cut to plan.
- 400 x 400 x 1000
- 500 x 500 x 1000
- 600 x 600 x 1000
- 700 x 700 x 1000
- 800 x 800 x 1000
- 1000 x 1000 x 1000
Sandstone blocks are normally placed by excavator with a grab attachment instead of a bucket.
Find the highest point of the wall and the supplier will be able to give instructions. Any wall over 1m high will require Council consent before work commences. This height varies from state to state.