For property owners who prioritise strength and a natural look, rock retaining walls in Melbourne are an ideal choice. Made with large stones and boulders, these walls complement different types of landscapes while adding value to your property.
To help you decide if rock retaining walls are the right choice for your landscaping project, we’ll go over the benefits, applications, considerations, and compare it with other types.
Benefits of Rock Retaining Walls
Durable
Compared to other materials like timber, rock retaining walls offer better durability. Since these walls are made from large boulders and stones, they won’t chip or break from wear and tear. Rock retaining walls are a long-lasting option that can stand the test of time.
Weather Resistant
Rock retaining walls can withstand harsh weather conditions, which is an added advantage considering the climate in Melbourne. Compared to timber and steel-reinforced walls, they don’t rot, warp, or corrode from exposure to the elements. Their impressive moistur
Great Drainage
With rock retaining walls, you get better drainage to remove excess water from the soil. They work better than solid concrete walls, which can hold back large amounts of water in the soil. Rock retaining walls have plenty of gaps so water passes through to avoid flooding.
Blends Well in Bushland or High-End Properties
A design benefit of rock retaining walls is that they’re very versatile. They blend well in bushland or high-end properties with their neutral tones and rugged, natural look. By blending functionality with a contemporary visual appeal, they compliment a variety of landscapes.
Ideal Locations
Rock retaining walls are well-suited to the geographical features of Melbourne suburbs like Warrandyte, Diamond Creek, Greensborough. These hilly landscapes need retaining walls to stabilise soil. They also have bushland surrounds so when you build rock retaining walls, it creates a seamless transition that blends in with the environment. Other recommended locations for rock retaining walls include Templestow, Eltham, Bundoora, and South Morang.
Considerations
Skilled Labour Required
When you choose rock retaining walls for your Melbourne property, make sure you hire an expert team to handle the job. Since installation is fairly complex, you’ll need local professionals who have experience in Melbourne’s terrain. It’s also important that they have specialised equipment to build the walls.
Higher Cost
Depending on the landscape, wall size, and type of rock, rock retaining walls can cost you more than some other types. With complex landscapes, you can expect the project to cost more and take more time.
Material Transport
Because they’re made from heavy boulders and stones, transporting materials is an important consideration when building rock retaining walls. If your property has limited access, transporting materials can become a complex job that costs you more.
Comparison
Rock Retaining Walls
Gabion Retaining Walls
Timber Retaining Walls
Concrete Sleeper Retaining walls
Appearance
Natural, rugged look
Natural, industrial look
Natural, warm look
Modern, minimalist look
Durability
Extremely durable and resistant to rot, warping, and rust
High durability and longevity
Prone to rot, warping, and termites over time
Highly durable and resistant to fire, rot, and pests
Drainage
Natural drainage through stone gaps
Excellent drainage from rock fill
Needs added drainage system
Needs added drainage system behind wall
Maintenance
Low maintenance
Low maintenance if well-built
High maintenance
Very low maintenance
Installation Complexity
Labour-intensive and requires skilled stone masonry
Moderate complexity requiring steel cages and preparation
Relatively easy and quick installation
Requires machinery for precise installation
Structural Stability
Holds back large loads on sloped blocks
Robust durability with drainage support
Better-suited for low walls
Very strong and suitable for tall, engineered walls
Applications
Great for natural settings and bushland areas
Suitable for erosion-prone areas
Suitable for gardens and rural settings
Suits modern and structured landscaping
Rock Retaining Walls
Gabion Retaining Walls
Appearance
Natural, rugged look
Natural, industrial look
Durability
Extremely durable and resistant to rot, warping, and rust
High durability and longevity
Drainage
Natural drainage through stone gaps
Excellent drainage from rock fill
Maintenance
Low maintenance
Low maintenance if well-built
Installation Complexity
Labour-intensive and requires skilled stone masonry
Moderate complexity requiring steel cages and preparation
Structural Stability
Holds back large loads on sloped blocks
Robust durability with drainage support
Applications
Great for natural settings and bushland areas
Suitable for erosion-prone areas
Timber Retaining Walls
Concrete Sleeper Retaining walls
Appearance
Natural, warm look
Modern, minimalist look
Durability
Prone to rot, warping, and termites over time
Highly durable and resistant to fire, rot, and pests
Drainage
Needs added drainage system
Needs added drainage system behind wall
Maintenance
High maintenance
Very low maintenance
Installation Complexity
Relatively easy and quick installation
Requires machinery for precise installation
Structural Stability
Better-suited for low walls
Very strong and suitable for tall, engineered walls
Applications
Suitable for gardens and rural settings
Suits modern and structured landscaping
Jamesco Group Can Build Robust Rock Retaining Walls
Rock retaining walls in Melbourne are a durable, long-lasting choice that suits modern and natural landscapes. They offer impressive weather resistance, drainage, and complement a variety of architectural styles.
But because of its complex installation, remember to consult an experienced team like Jamesco Group, to get robust retaining walls that can stand the test of time.