Retaining walls in Brisbane are an important aspect of many gardens, particularly if the block is on any kind of a slope. They are practical since they keep the soil from washing away, but they also enhance the look of the garden. They can blend in with the garden or become a feature that stands out and can be admired for its own beauty, depending on the placement and the type of material used.

For safety and to be legal, any retaining wall that is over one metre high needs to be constructed by a qualified person with engineering certification. Otherwise it is likely that the base will not be deep enough to prevent the wall from tipping over, especially when heavy rain has saturated the soil. Retaining walls must be built so that they go down deep into the earth; they need solid foundations just like buildings do.

There are many different kinds of materials from which beautiful retaining walls can be built and some of the most popular are stone of some kind. Sandstone always looks lovely, giving a smooth look and feel and a light background colour to the garden. Dry stack sandstone or masonry is particularly eye-catching, however stone is probably more expensive initially than timber. But it will last much longer.

Timber retaining walls in Brisbane are usually made from logs of some kind - mostly treated for termite and rot protection. Sometimes you might be able to source timber that has been used for some other applications such as railway sleepers or old bridge timbers. These too, can look very attractive and you will enjoy the history of the retaining wall.

You can also use dry stack masonry systems such as link blocks that give the pleasing and even effect of large, textured bricks and blend in with your garden, while still being noticeable enough to enhance the flower beds. Choosing the material for a retaining wall is really up to each person's individual taste. All look lovely and do a good job of keeping your garden soil in place.

In fact, if your block slopes to any great extent you can make a real feature of those retaining walls and place them so that they lead from one area into another. What is hidden behind each one can to a surprise to those who don't know the garden. In addition, retaining walls in Brisbane can provide protection from the wind and hot sun for those more delicate plants that tend to blow over in the wind.