A retaining wall holds back soil, and soil is heavier and more stubborn than most people expect. That is why the best retaining walls start with structure and finish with style. Picking the stone is the fun part, but it comes after a few practical decisions.
Start With the Job the Wall Does
Ask first what the wall must hold back and how high it will stand. A low garden border faces little pressure, while a tall retaining wall carries real load. REALGOODS Company describes its wall stone as suitable for everything from short garden borders to massive retaining walls and piers.
Structural Stone Versus Decorative Rock
The company draws a clear line between wallstone and decorative rocks. Wallstone is structural and built to retain and support weight, while decorative rocks are smaller, ornamental stones used for accents. Mixing them up is a common mistake for first-time builders.
Know Where the Stone Comes From
The company says its wallstone is sourced mainly from Pennsylvania and surrounding regions, offered in numerous styles, colors, and sizes. Stone from one quarry tends to match well across a long wall, so order enough from the same source to finish the job.
Base, Drainage, and Backfill
A sound wall needs a compacted base, drainage behind the stone, and backfill that lets water escape. Water pressure is the usual reason walls fail. Ask your installer how they plan to handle it, and do not skip the drainage layer to save time.
Uses Beyond Walls
- Retaining walls and terraces
- Stone fireplaces and chimneys
- Garden borders and raised beds
- Stacked stone accent walls
Where Buyers Can Look
Shoppers searching for wall stone for sale can read the company’s wallstone page, which mentions retaining wall stone, stacked stone, and retaining wall blocks, and call 888-433-4443 to ask about sizes and delivery to their area.
Plan the Quantity
Work out the length and height of the wall and ask for a coverage estimate. Natural stone varies in size, so suppliers can advise how much extra to order. Running short partway through means a possible color or size mismatch.
Check Local Rules
Taller walls often need permits or an engineer’s design. A quick call to your local building office before you buy stone can save redoing work later.
Think About the Finish
Once the structure is right, the look of the stone is what you will notice every day. Look at several samples together and choose a color that suits the house and the planting around it.
