Stone retaining walls are a beautiful addition to any property. They can be used to beautify gardens, stabilize slopes, and create level surfaces.
There are many different types of stone retaining walls, each with its own benefits.
Building a stone retaining wall can be a daunting task. It is important to get it right the first time so that your wall lasts a lifetime.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about building the perfect stone retaining wall.
We will cover the different types of stone walls, the benefits of each type, and whether or not stone retaining walls are a costly option.
Finally, we will discuss how to build a stone wall correctly, so that it is stable and lasts for years to come.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about stone retaining walls or for more you can go to our stone walls page.
What is the difference between a Stone Wall and a Rock Wall
This can be a contentious topic as stone and rock often comes from the same material. Ie basalt, sandstone and others can be called a stone or a rock.
The easy way to remember, is that if the material in the wall can be placed by hand, then it’s a stone wall.
If machinery is required to build the wall because the material is of a large sizing then it’s a rock wall.
Do you Require Council Consent to Build a Stone Retaining Wall
All states around Australia have their own regulations regarding what, where and how a stone retaining wall can be built on your property.
If the stone wall retains soil of any type then it is classed as a retaining wall and you must abide by your local councils regulations.
On saying that, most of the councils in Australia require building consent when the wall is over 1 metre in height.
There are lots of regulations as you would expect, to find the basic rules of your council go to your areas page on our website where the main regulations are specified, or contact your local council.
Which Type of Stone Retaining Wall is Best for You
There are different types of stone retaining walls, each with its own benefits. It is important to choose the right type of wall for your needs.
Some walls are better suited for stabilizing slopes, while others are better for creating level surfaces.
There are four main types of stone retaining walls;
Dry Stack Stone Walls
Dry stack walls are the simplest type of stone wall.
They are made by stacking stones on top of each other without mortar. This type of wall is not as sturdy as a mortared or concrete wall, but it is the cheapest and easiest to build.
This type of wall is great for the home handyman.
Mortared Stone Walls
Mortared walls are made by two methods
- laying the stones in a bed of mortar and jointing the stones in layers or
- stacking the stones and then tooling the joints between them.
Laying the stones in a bed of mortar is more sturdy than a dry stack wall, but it is also more expensive and difficult to build.
Reinforced Stone Walls
There are several ways to build reinforced stone walls as follows
- Vertically extend steel reinforcing from the concrete footing and build it into the wall.
- Design the wall with stone columns which has steel reinforcing through the centre of the column
- Build two skins of stone and fill the central cavity with reinforced concrete.
The benefits of a reinforced stone wall are the added strength of the wall itself due to steel reinforcing plus and the wall is attached to the footing.
Stone Cladded Walls
Stone cladded walls are made by first building a reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete block wall, then attaching a facing of stone to the wall.
The stone can be either natural-sized stone or larger slabs cut to approx 20mm thick.
The benefits of using a Stone Retaining Wall
Stone retaining walls are not only beautiful, but they also have several practical benefits. Some of the most important benefits of using a stone wall include:
- Stability – Retaining walls built in stone are extremely stable and can withstand a great deal of pressure. This makes them ideal for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion.
- Strength – Built correctly, stone walls are very strong and can hold up even in extreme weather conditions.
- Durability – Stone walls are incredibly durable and can last for many years with little maintenance.
- Versatility – Stone walls can be used for a variety of purposes, from stabilizing slopes to creating level surfaces.
- Cost-effective – Stone retaining walls are often more affordable than other types of retaining walls especially if you build them yourself.
Are Stone Retaining Walls Costly?
As with most things in life, the cost of a stone retaining wall varies depending on the size, type, and complexity of the wall.
However, in general, stone walls are more expensive than other types of retaining walls such as timber or dry-stacked concrete blocks.
That said, a well-constructed stone retaining wall can last for many years with little maintenance, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
The Cheapest Type of Retaining Wall
One of the cheapest retaining walls is a dry-stacked stone wall that you build yourself.
This depends on the cost of the stone and the height of the wall but a low retaining wall that does not require a footing, built with stone sourced yourself, is the cheapest way to go.
The Legalities of Building Your Own Stone Wall
Previously we mentioned council regulations, these must be adhered to as if you do not there are consequences
- If you build a wall without consent when it is required, you are liable if the wall falls and damages your property or others and will not be insured.
- If the wall is not built to standards, falls and damages somebody, you may be looking at a criminal suit against you
We write this only to make you aware, so please check with your local council.
Built Correctly a Stone Retaining Wall will last a Lifetime
When it comes to any type of construction, it is important to ensure that the work is done correctly to maximize the lifespan of the finished product.
This is especially true for stone walls, which can last for many years with little maintenance if built correctly.
If you are interested in installing a stone retaining wall on your property, it is important to first consult with a professional to discuss the best way to go about it.
Several factors need to be taken into account when building a stone retaining wall, including the size and shape of the wall, the type of stone used, and the slope of the land.
A professional can help you design a stone retaining wall that is not only beautiful but also stable and durable.
They can also help you select the right type of stone for your wall and ensure that it is built correctly to minimize the chances of failure.
So, if you are looking for a long-lasting, cost-effective solution for your retaining wall needs, a stone retaining wall is a wise choice. Just be sure to consult with a professional before you get started!
You will find more information on a stone retaining wall on our stone walls page.
Or, if you require council information, suppliers and contractors go to your areas page.
