Ever wonder if those pretty decorative retaining walls are just for show or if they are doing anything? However, for all of those Australians, particularly for those living in places like Blackwood and the Adelaide Hills, where sloping blocks and erosion can be rife, this is an important question.
Retaining walls are not only decorative and beautiful in your garden, but they are also there to hold up and support the soil to keep it from giving.
What Are Decorative Retaining Walls?
A decorated top retaining wall company serves the purpose in style. These are not just your standard boring walls; they will hold back soil and look great doing it! Typically, the materials used to construct arches are stone, brick, timber with a covering of a variety of materials that can vary from concrete blocks to tile.
In brief: they are attractive and put in a lot of work to discourage soil movement.
Do Decorative Retaining Walls Really Keep Your Garden Safe?
Yes. Provided it is installed properly, decorative retaining walls are as strong as regular retaining walls. They are useful for retaining garden soil, stabilising raised beds and creating a garden terrace at sloping sites.
In places such as Blackwood and the Adelaide Hills, where there are many steep inclines, these walls are not only useful but also necessary.
How Do They Work?
A properly designed and well-built decorative retaining wall accomplishes much more than just holding back soil — it also manages water flow and protects surrounding features like garden beds, paths, and driveways. The process usually involves:
- Excavation & Base Works – You want a strong base, on the level.
- Constructing the wall – Selecting the right materials and design for your project.
- Drainage Installation – Including pipes or gravel to drain water off.
- Backfill & finish – Backfilling the wall and finishing it off.
Top Materials for Decorative Retaining Walls
Which one you should go with will ultimately depend on your budget, soil type, and what style you hope to achieve. Common options include:
- Bluestone Premium – Beautiful and durable.
- Sandstone – A friendly and neutral look.
- Cinder blocks – Budget-friendly and adaptable.
- Timber – Looks good but might need maintenance more often.
- Brick veneer – Traditional and clean in homes.
Bluestone and concrete blocks are also popular in South Australia due to their resilience and appearance.
Benefits of Decorative Retaining Walls
Soil and garden protection to avoid erosion and soil loss.
- The land of a house can add 5–12 percent to the selling price of a home.”
- Develop outdoor living areas for entertaining or relaxing.
- Maintain neat garden beds.
- Things to Keep in Mind
There is also upkeep to consider, with timber walls potentially needing more maintenance than stone or concrete.
Badly made ones may tend to crack, or fail as time passes.
Within South Australia, heights cannot exceed 1 metre without council consent.
How much are decorative retaining walls in Australia?
The price will differ according to the materials and the size of the wall and site access. On average:
- Concrete blocks: $250–$450 per m²
- Stone or quality finishes: $300–$600+ a square metre
Some other things that can affect pricing are the height of the wall, the need for drainage and how much work the outlet have to do.
When to Opt for Decorative Retaining Walls over Standard Ones
Opt for a decorative wall in visible areas like front gardens, outdoor entertaining zones, or any place where aesthetics matter. When no one will see them, and they are not used as a place to sit, bare concrete walls are acceptable.
Quick guide:
Trees obscured retaining wall → plain concrete
High-visibility area → Decorative design
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do decorative walls hold up as well as plain ones?
A professional can construct a decorative retaining wall that is just as hardwearing and long-lasting as a plain structural wall. The most important item is solid and good workmanship, and using proper materials for the site condition.
2. Do they need more maintenance?
Not usually. Stone, concrete, and block walls need minimal maintenance. Wood walls are sometimes sealed or treated to maintain their appearance over time.
3. Can retaining walls be constructed on steep grades?
Absolutely. Stylish Retaining Walls Retaining walls look pretty as well as serving a safety and prevention function. In the right designs and engineering, they can give you strength and looks in difficult land conditions.
4. Do I require council approval in SA?
Yes, you generally require a council approval in SA for retaining walls that are higher than 1 metre, regardless of whether they are decorative or plain. Always consult your local council before you begin building.
5. Do decorative retaining walls have the same strength as structural walls?
Decorative retaining walls are meant to be beautiful and completely functional. When built properly, they provide the same (or greater) strength and soil retention of typical engineered structural retaining walls.
Final Thoughts
Ornamental Retaining Walls Functionality aside, decorative retaining walls do so much more than sit and look pretty. They shore up your garden, prevent erosion, and make outdoor areas both useful and inviting.
At John Walters Landscaping, we specialise in building walls that complement your terrain, yet are tough enough to take whatever Australia can throw at them.
Get in touch today with our top retaining wall company and start turning your longing for a long-lasting retaining wall into something you can be proud of.