Which Retaining Wall Material is Best Suited to the Gold Coast
Pros And Cons Of Popular Retaining Wall Materials
The Gold Coast climate and coastal conditions make material selection necessary when installing retaining walls Gold Coast. With humid, rainy weather, salty sea air and seasonal storms, you need a wall that can withstand the elements while complementing the natural surroundings. Fortunately, several suitable options check all the boxes for durability, appeal and local appropriateness.
By comparing the pros and cons of the most popular retaining wall materials, you can determine which is best for your Gold Coast property based on location, intended purpose, architectural style and budget preferences. If you’re unsure, don’t worry. Talk to our professional team.
Natural Stone Retaining Walls
Natural stone like sandstone is always a smart choice for retaining walls in the Gold Coast area. Local quarries supply stone that blends harmoniously with the region’s natural environment. Sandstone comes in shades of grey, brown and rusty red to coordinate with colour schemes.
The textures and irregular shapes of natural stone walls mimic rock outcroppings, allowing them to recede visually into garden beds and foliage. Stone ranks high for visual appeal. Other benefits include:
Pros
- Long-lasting and highly durable
- Withstands rain, storms and salt air
- Uses local sandstone supplies
- Natural appearance suits the Gold Coast lifestyle
- It can be used with other materials
Cons
- Higher cost to purchase stone
- Professional installation recommended
- Mortar staining is possible over time
- It does not have a contemporary linear look
Sandstone is a classic choice favoured by architects for homes with coastal, Hamptons, Tuscan, French provincial and other natural styles. For modern properties, sleek granite, limestone and quartzite are alternative natural stone options.
Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Poured concrete and concrete masonry units (CMUs) are common mainstream retaining wall choices thanks to the material’s innate strength, durability and weather resistance. Concrete offers:
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Very strong and long-lasting
- Not affected by water or salt air
- Affordable compared to natural stone
- Clean, linear profiles for modern aesthetics
- Customisable sizes, shapes and colours
Cons
- Not the most visually appealing
- It can look boring without added texture/colour
- Cold, industrial look not suited to all homes
- It needs drainage and weep holes
Plain concrete can be dressed up with the creative use of textured form liners, varied block sizes, contrasting caps and by integrating colour. Acid staining and etching techniques add further interest. For coastal plots, we suggest tiered concrete walls that won’t block any coastal views your property may have.
Timber Retaining Walls
Timber isn’t always the best open for wet and humid coastal settings. However, with proper modern treatment, timber retaining walls perform well in the Gold Coast climate. Naturally rot-resistant hardwoods like spotted gum, ironbark, and tallowwood last for years. Reconstituted concrete timber-look products are also highly durable options.
Pros
- Warm, natural appearance
- Varied looks from rustic to refined
- Suitable for tropical/coastal architecture
- Softer environmental impact
- Complements gardens and greenery
Cons
- Requires sealing and maintenance
- Not the strongest retaining wall choice
- Natural timber has a shorter lifespan than other materials
- Not the most cost-effective option
For beach homes, cabins and houses with Hamptons, coastal cottages or tropical influences, timber retaining walls lend a relaxed vibe and seamless flow between indoor/outdoor spaces. They complement properties with lots of wood decking, pergolas and timber features.
Steel Retaining Walls
Sometimes overlooked, steel is an ideal retaining wall material for the Gold Coast. Modern steel and glass buildings have become commonplace in high-rise beachside areas. Steel walls mirror complement these structural profiles. Other advantages are:
Pros
- Extremely strong and durable
- Stands up to harsh coastal conditions
- Visually light and open appearance
- Pairs well with concrete and stone
- Low maintenance
- Customisable shapes and finishes
Cons
- Industrial aesthetics are not for all homes
- It can feel cold and sterile sans greenery
- Higher end budget-wise
Corten steel with a natural rust effect blends nicely with sandy landscapes. Colourful powder-coated steel adds a fun pop of colour. For green walls, steel planter boxes hold vegetation. Multi-material combos like stone pillars with steel panels deliver contemporary textural contrast.
Choosing The Best Retaining Wall Material
When evaluating which retaining wall material best suits the Gold Coast, consider your home’s location, architectural style, landscape design, functional requirements and budget. Hire an expert retaining walls Gold Coast installation company like ours early in the process.
Our decade of Gold Coast retaining wall experience means we can collaborate with you to determine the optimum materials and design to meet your needs. We source quality local products that stand the test of time while enhancing your property.
Concrete
Concrete Sleeper
Sandstone