Natural sandstone is the most Sydney of building materials. It is in our harbour foreshores, terraces and older gardens, and a well-built sandstone retaining wall looks better every year. It is also heavy, demanding to build properly, and unforgiving if the footings and drainage are wrong.
Types of sandstone retaining wall
Sawn sandstone block walls
Large, regular blocks cut to size, laid in courses. They suit formal gardens, driveways and modern homes, and are the most common choice for engineered sandstone walls.
Split-face or rock-face blocks
Blocks with a natural, rough face for a more rustic look, often used in bush and coastal settings.
Natural boulders and rockery walls
Irregular stone placed for a natural landscape look. Best suited to lower walls and garden terracing.
Sandstone cladding
Sandstone veneer fixed to a reinforced block or concrete wall. This gives the sandstone look on taller walls where a structural core is needed.
Design considerations
- Height and load. Taller walls, and walls holding up driveways, pools or buildings, need engineering.
- Batter. Many sandstone walls lean back slightly into the slope for stability.
- Footings. A solid concrete footing or well-compacted base on good ground. Sandstone is heavy and will settle on poor ground.
- Drainage. Ag pipe, clean aggregate and geotextile behind the wall, with gaps or weep holes for water to escape.
- Stone quality. Dense, well-quarried sandstone weathers far better than soft stone.
What drives the cost of a sandstone retaining wall
- Wall height, length and whether engineering is required.
- Block size and finish: sawn, split-face or natural.
- Access for machinery to lift and place heavy blocks.
- Excavation, rock removal and spoil disposal.
- Drainage, footings and any council approval.
- Capping, steps and feature details.
Sandstone generally costs more than concrete sleeper or timber walls, but lasts far longer and adds real value to a property.
Approvals
As a general guide in NSW, low walls up to about 600mm are often exempt from approval, while taller walls usually need a complying development certificate or development application with engineering. Rules vary by council and site, so check before you build.
Repairing old sandstone walls
Older sandstone walls often lean or bulge because they were built without drainage. Many can be dismantled and rebuilt with the same stone, plus proper footings and drainage. See our guide to leaning retaining walls.
Build it once
See our sandstone retaining wall service or book a free site assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a sandstone retaining wall last?
A well-built sandstone wall on proper footings with good drainage can last for generations. Stone quality and drainage are the biggest factors.
Is sandstone more expensive than concrete sleepers?
Usually, yes. Sandstone costs more in materials and labour, but it lasts longer and many homeowners prefer its natural look.
Do sandstone walls need drainage?
Yes. Drainage behind the wall is essential for every retaining wall, including sandstone, to stop water pressure building up.
