Block & masonry retaining walls.

How they’re built

A reinforced concrete strip footing is poured first — typically 300–600mm wide, 200mm deep, with N12 reinforcing bar. 200-series besser blocks are then laid up the wall, with vertical steel running through the cores and grouted solid. This makes the wall structurally one piece — not stacked masonry.

Finish options

• Bagged & painted — smooth render finish in any colour. Most economical finish.
• Split-face block — rough quarried face, no further finishing needed. Looks like dressed stone.
• Stone-effect veneer — thin natural stone or porcelain veneer applied over the block. Premium look.
• Polished concrete cap — we cap most block walls with a poured or pre-cast concrete top course.

Cost & lifespan

• Cost: $500–$800/m² installed (depends heavily on finish)
• Lifespan: 50+ years; the wall will outlast most houses
• Maximum height: 1.8m for a single-leaf reinforced block; taller walls become double-leaf or cavity construction

When block is the right call

• Front yard feature walls where appearance matters
• Pool surrounds and outdoor entertaining walls
• Walls visible from the street that affect kerb appeal
• Walls integrated with house architecture (matching brick, render, or stone)
• Replacement of failed brick or stone walls on older Berwick / Beaconsfield streets

When block isn’t the right call

Long, hidden, fence-line walls usually don’t justify block — concrete sleeper gets the same lifespan at $200/m² less. We’ll tell you when to spend the money and when not to.