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When retaining walls, the material you opt for will significantly affect your landscape’s durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
Sandstone is popular due to its timeless beauty, natural charm, and exceptional durability. If you’re considering sandstone, you might wonder if this material is really a good choice.
Here are the top reasons to consider sandstone for your next retaining wall project.
What is sandstone?
Before we tell you why sandstone is an ideal choice for retaining walls, we must first tell you something about this material.
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made up of sand-sized grains of minerals, rock fragments, or organic material. These grains are held together by a natural cementing material, which binds them into a solid, durable form. It’s one of the most common sedimentary rocks, widely distributed across sedimentary basins around the globe.
Some of the most common uses and applications of sandstone are facade cladding, paving, interior elements, sculpture, and wall construction.
Due to their strength and stability, high-quality sandstone blocks are used for the construction of retaining walls, water retaining walls, and supporting structures.
Why sandstone is an ideal choice for retaining walls
Sandstone is a favored material for both indoor and outdoor applications due to its natural beauty and durability. When it comes to retaining walls, sandstone stands out as an exceptional option.
Here are some key reasons why sandstone might be the ideal choice for your next retaining wall project.
1. Aesthetic appeal
Many people choose sandstone for their retaining walls because of its aesthetics. Sandstone offers a natural beauty with a variety of colors and textures, making it an attractive choice for landscaping. Its earthy tones can enhance the visual appeal of any outdoor space, blending seamlessly with the environment.
2. Durability and longevity
Sandstone is well known for its durability. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall, without significant wear or degradation. This resilience ensures that a sandstone retaining wall can last for decades with minimal care.
3. Structural integrity and ease of installation
Sandstone is a strong and stable material which means that it provides excellent structural support, effectively holding back soil and preventing erosion.
Sandstone blocks can bear significant weight and that makes them ideal for sloped landscapes. The porous nature of sandstone also facilitates drainage, further enhancing stability.
Additionally, sandstone blocks are easy to work with, allowing for faster installation compared to other materials. This can be particularly beneficial for DIY projects or when hiring professionals who can efficiently handle the material.
4. Low maintenance requirements
Sandstone, unlike concrete and wood, requires minimal upkeep. It is naturally resistant to decay and pest damage, which means homeowners can enjoy their walls without the burden of frequent repairs or treatments. Occasional cleaning is usually enough to maintain its appearance.
5. Eco-friendly option
Since sandstone is a natural material, it’s also an eco-friendly option. Both its extraction and use have a lower ecological impact compared to synthetic materials, making it a sustainable choice for construction projects.
Different Types of Sandstone Retaining Walls
Another great thing about sandstone retaining walls is that they come in many different types. Let’s find out some of the most common types of sandstone retaining walls.
1. Sandstone blocks
Sandstone blocks are the most widely used type of material for sandstone retaining walls. Available in a range of sizes and grades, they allow you to choose the perfect option to meet your specific needs. The best part is that they can be cut to fit the unique project requirements.
2. Random size rocks and boulders
Random-sized sandstone rocks and boulders are typically not cut into precise dimensions but may have one or two faces trimmed, resulting in varied lengths and widths.
Additionally, boulders used for retaining walls come in a wide range of sizes, from those small enough to be handled manually to large boulders that require heavy machinery for placement.
3. Sandstone logs
Sandstone logs and blocks are often used interchangeably. However, the main difference between them is their length. Blocks are 1 meter, and logs are 2 meters.
4. Gabion walls
A gabion wall is a type of retaining wall that is made of wire cages filled with rocks. Gabion walls are known for their exceptional strength and durability.
While they are commonly used in commercial and industrial projects, they are equally suitable for residential applications, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Sandstone offers a wide array of benefits for retaining walls. Its natural aesthetic appeal, exceptional durability, minimal maintenance requirements, eco-friendly nature, ease of installation, and versatile design options are only some of them.
These advantages make sandstone an ideal material for enhancing both the practicality and visual charm of your landscape.
