Find the Best Rock Retaining Wall Builders Near You

A rock retaining wall is a style of retaining wall that uses strategically placed rocks or boulders to create a barrier to hold a bank of soil in place. It’s a great alternative to a concrete block or timber retaining wall and has a rustic, natural aesthetic.

Such walls comprise of various materials including sandstone, porphyry rock, bluestone, and bush rock porphyry rock. The great weight of rocks and boulders allows the rock retaining wall to keep massive amounts of soil in place, making them extremely durable and not susceptible to weathering or erosion.

There are several benefits of installing a rock retaining wall. Firstly, a rock retaining wall controls erosion effectively. They're also durable and long-lasting, especially when compared to a timber retaining wall. These rock walls generally require very little, or no special footing and they can be used for many purposes including creating a garden bed or feature wall. Rock retaining walls also drain well, so they don’t have the pressure of water building up behind the wall, which can be a problem with other types of retaining walls. Also depending on the rocks chosen, they can be priced rather competitively.

Building a rock retaining wall requires expertise, so hiring a certified rock retaining wall company is the best bet to ensure your installation is completed correctly.

The steps of building a rock retaining wall include:

1. Placing the stones in a purposeful and structured way
2. Setting up a level line
3. Excavating the area
4. Adding landscape fabric
5. Building the base of the wall
6. Laying the first course
7. Laying the second course
8. Backfilling the wall up to the highest course
9. Installing more courses
10. Completing the top of the wall
11. Backfilling with soil

Retaining walls are built for a variety of purposes. The prices may vary depending upon your requirements, and the type of material you decide to use for your wall. When you have to get a rock wall installed, it will cost you around $25 per square foot for labour and materials. The hourly cost for building with dry stacking stones is around $65 per hour.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of rock retaining wall companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer rock retaining wall solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Ballarat.

iseekplant is a reliable marketplace with access to a nationwide network of service providers in the construction field. With a myriad of rock retaining wall contractors available at iseekplant, you’re bound to find a suitable supplier near you. One of the best and most convenient ways to get suppliers to contact you is to use iseekplant’s get a quote tool. To contact us directly, speak to our project team on 1300 691 912 or email them at projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Yes, you can make a retaining wall with rocks. Rock retaining walls are popular due to their natural appearance and durability. They can be constructed using various techniques, such as dry-stacking or mortaring. Properly built rock retaining walls can effectively manage soil erosion and provide structural support for landscaping projects.

Rock retaining walls can last for decades, with many lasting over 50 years or more if properly constructed and maintained. The longevity of a rock retaining wall depends on factors such as the type of rock used, the construction method, and environmental conditions. Regular maintenance, such as checking for and addressing any signs of movement or erosion, can significantly extend the lifespan of the wall.

The best rock for a retaining wall base is typically crushed stone or gravel. Crushed stone provides excellent drainage and a stable foundation for the retaining wall. Using angular stones that lock together well is important to prevent movement. A well-prepared base with adequate drainage is crucial to the long-term stability of the retaining wall.

Maintaining a rock retaining wall involves regular inspections and addressing any issues promptly. Ensure proper drainage to prevent water build-up behind the wall, which can cause pressure and damage. Check for any signs of movement or erosion and repair any loose or displaced stones. Additionally, removing vegetation that can grow into and displace the rocks is essential for maintaining the wall's integrity.

The depth of the foundation for a stone retaining wall depends on the height of the wall and the soil conditions. Generally, the base should be at least 300 millimetres deep. For taller walls, a deeper base may be required to ensure stability. It is also important to consider the frost line in colder climates and dig below this depth to prevent frost heave from affecting the wall's foundation.

The main difference between rock walls and boulder walls is the size and placement of the stones used. Rock walls are usually built with smaller, more uniform stones, which can be stacked tightly for a neat, decorative appearance. They’re often used for garden edging, low walls, or terracing.

Boulder walls use large, irregular stones or boulders, which provide greater structural strength and are suitable for high walls or retaining steep slopes. The construction is generally more robust, often requiring machinery to position the boulders, and results in a natural, rugged look.

Rock walls can be built with or without mortar, depending on the style and purpose. Dry‑stacked rock walls use carefully fitted stones without mortar, relying on weight and friction for stability; these are popular for decorative garden walls and low terraces.

Walls built with mortar offer additional strength and durability, making them suitable for higher retaining walls or structural applications. Mortared walls also help prevent soil erosion and movement between the stones.

Rock retaining walls can be very stable if properly designed and constructed, but their stability depends on stone size, wall height, drainage, and foundation quality. Low to medium-height walls built with well-fitted stones or mortared joints can last decades with minimal movement.

Key factors affecting stability include:

For higher or load-bearing walls, engaging a licensed builder and, if necessary, an engineer is recommended to ensure long-term structural stability.

Rock walls can be built on many slopes, but the maximum slope depends on the wall type, height, and soil stability. Low dry‑stacked rock walls are suitable for gentle slopes, while taller or structural walls may require step‑back (tiered) construction, proper drainage, and sometimes mortar or engineering.

A licensed builder can assess your site and recommend the safest and most durable design for the slope you have.