Stonewalls or Retaining Walls. Which Is Right for Your Garden?
Retaining walls in Auckland are structural necessities to contain our sloppy terrains. Stonewalls and retaining walls serve a multitude of purposes such as preventing erosion and protecting property, enabling safe and usable outdoor spaces that may have otherwise been too steep to utilse. When erecting stonewalls, they must comply with strict council regulations, anything over 1.5 metres may require council consent. Stonewalls and retaining walls also require careful design based on soil type and site conditions and must consider drainage options.
With all that being said, when it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, few features offer the timeless appeal and structural integrity of a well built stone wall. Whether you're looking to manage sloping terrain, create boundaries, or add architectural interest, choosing between a stonewall and a retaining wall is a decision that can shape the entire look and feel and function of your outdoor area.
At West & Sons Construction, as seasoned Masonry Contractors, we’ve spent generations perfecting the art of stonework, from stone pillars and stone columns to feature stone walls and full scale stone fences. Based in Whangaparaoa and proudly serving the wider Auckland region, we bring heritage craftsmanship and modern expertise to every project. So, which wall is right for your garden? Let’s dive deeper to understand the best format for your garden.
What Is a Stonewall?
A stonewall is a freestanding structure built from natural or engineered stone, often used to define boundaries, create garden beds, or add aesthetic charm. Unlike retaining walls, stonewalls are typically not designed to hold back large amounts of soil, they’re more about form than function.
In stone walls Auckland projects, we often use locally sourced materials to blend seamlessly with the landscape. Whether it’s a dry stacked wall for a rustic look or a mortared wall for added strength, a stonewall brings character and craftsmanship to any outdoor space.
What Is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall on the other hand, is a structural element designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion. These walls are essential in sloped gardens, where they create level planting areas, patios, or walkways. Retaining walls can be built from concrete blocks, timber, or stone, but when done with stone, they offer both strength and beauty.
Our team of masonry contractors often recommends stone retaining walls for clients who want durability without sacrificing visual appeal. With proper drainage and engineering, these walls can last for decades while enhancing the natural contours of your property.
Stonewalls: Pros and Cons
Stonewall Pros:
- Timeless aesthetic appeal, delivering a look of grandeur
- Low maintenance over time
- Ideal for decorative purposes
- Can be used to build stonefence boundaries or feature stone walls
Stonewall Cons:
- Limited structural support
- Not suitable for holding back large volumes of soil
- Requires skilled craftsmanship for longevity, not a DIY project
Stonewalls are perfect for creating garden borders, seating areas, or decorative accents. We often incorporate stone columns or stone pillars to compliment the design, especially in formal gardens or entranceways.
Retaining Walls: Pros and Cons
Retaining Wall Pros:
- Excellent for erosion control, especially in coastal or mountainous areas
- Creates usable space in sloped yards
- Can be built with stone for added beauty
- Ideal for structural needs in home renovations Auckland
Retaining Wall Cons:
- Requires engineering and drainage planning
- More expensive than simple stonewalls
- May need council approval depending on height
Retaining walls are essential in many house extension projects, especially when expanding into uneven terrain. Our qualified builders and Masonry Contractors as Licensed Building Practitioners ensure every wall meets safety standards and complements the overall design.
When to Choose a Stonewall
If your goal is to add charm, define space, or create a visual feature, a stonewall is the way to go. These walls are ideal for:
- Garden edging
- Pathway borders
- Decorative stone fences
- Low seating walls
- Feature stone walls with integrated lighting or planters
We’ve built stunning stoned walls across North Shore properties and throughout Auckland, often pairing them with fence stone elements to create cohesive outdoor designs. Whether it’s a cute cottage style garden or a modern minimalist landscape, a stonewall adds warmth and texture.
When to Choose a Retaining Wall
If your garden has elevation changes or drainage issues, a retaining wall is essential. These walls are best for:
- Sloped yards
- Raised garden beds
- Patio foundations
- Terraced landscapes
- Structural support in bathroom renovations Auckland or basement extensions
We often use stone in retaining walls to match existing stone walls Auckland or to create a unified look with other outdoor features like stone pillars or stone columns.
Combining Stone Walls and Retaining Walls for Maximum Impact
Many of our clients opt for a hybrid approach, using retaining walls for structure and stonewalls for style. For example:
- A tiered garden with stone retaining walls and decorative stone fences
- A feature stone wall behind a water feature, framed by structural retaining walls
- A stone column entrance flanked by low stoned walls for visual balance
This approach allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, functional support and traditional vibes.
Stone Masonry Contractor Craftsmanship, Lasting Generations
At West & Sons Construction, our stonework is more than a service, it’s a legacy. Passed down through generations, our expertise is also in plastering and rendering, brick laying as well as home renovations.
We’re proud to be among the most trusted renovation companies Auckland has to offer, with a reputation built on quality, integrity, and family values. Whether you’re planning a North Shore kitchen renovation, a house extension, exterior plastering, or a full landscape overhaul, we bring the same care and craftsmanship to every project.
Choosing between a stonewall and a retaining wall doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can create a garden that’s both functional and stunning. Our team of North Shore builders, external plasterers, and carpenters Auckland are here to help you design and build outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle and vision.
For more iformation in using stone walls for your garden, read our blog: How to USe Stone Walls to Elecvate Your Outoor Landscaping.