Build Guide & Supply
Sandstone Log Retaining Walls Sydney
A sandstone log retaining wall is one of the most satisfying builds in landscaping: stone courses stack like oversized bricks, the wall drains itself, and the result holds a Sydney slope for generations. This page covers the full supply package — logs, backfill and quantities — plus the practical rules for building one properly.
Anatomy of a Log Wall
The wall itself is courses of ~300x300mm split logs, sawn beds up and down, laid brick-bond on a compacted road-base footing trench. Behind it: a 300mm-wide drainage zone of aggregate or free-draining crushed sandstone, a slotted agricultural pipe at the base falling to a stormwater point, and geotextile between drainage and soil to keep fines out. Set each course back 10–20mm (batter) into the slope for stability.
For walls near the 1m mark, engage an engineer; above 600mm most NSW councils want approval. Tiered walls — two 800mm walls with a planted terrace between — often beat one tall wall on cost, approvals and looks.
Quantities and the Supply Package
Each course of 300mm logs gives 300mm of wall height, so a 900mm wall is three courses; length ÷ log lengths gives pieces per course. Allow crushed sandstone backfill at roughly 0.3m³ per metre of wall for the drainage zone. We supply logs, 75mm-minus crushed sandstone and ag-pipe-friendly spalls off the one quarry, delivered together — tell us wall length, height and suburb for a single itemised quote.
Current Stock
Log Wall Supply Package
| Item | Spec | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Split Logs | ~300x300mm, various lengths | Wall courses |
| Crushed Sandstone | 75mm minus | Footing trench & drainage backfill |
| Gabion Spalls | 75–150mm | Drainage zone around ag-pipe |
| Fill Sand | 20mm minus | Bedding & levelling |
| Large Rough Squared Blocks | 2–3 man | Base course on soft ground / taller walls |
One delivery, one colour palette, one quote — everything comes off the Glenorie quarry.
Applications
Where This Stone Works
Free Quotes, Sydney-Wide Delivery
Send us your measurements and we'll calculate quantities, confirm current stock and quote delivery to your suburb — usually the same business day. Or visit the quarry to see the stone in person before you order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you build a sandstone log retaining wall?
Excavate a level footing trench, compact 100–150mm of road base, lay log courses in brick bond with a slight backward batter, install ag-pipe and free-draining backfill behind, and cap with your final course. Small machinery handles the lifting.
Do sandstone log walls need drainage?
Yes — a slotted ag-pipe at the base and free-draining backfill (crushed sandstone or spalls) behind the wall. Stone joints also weep naturally, which is one reason sandstone walls outlast solid concrete ones.
How many sandstone logs do I need per metre of wall?
Height ÷ 0.3 gives courses (a 900mm wall is 3 courses); each course needs enough log length to cover the wall run. Send your dimensions and we’ll calculate exact quantities in a free quote.
Do I need council approval for a log retaining wall in Sydney?
Generally not below 600mm; above that most councils require approval and above ~1m an engineer’s design. Rules vary by council and proximity to boundaries — check locally before building.
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