TL;DR
Get decor and gifts delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
A Hunker report describes sandstone as an alternative to concrete and brick for retaining walls, citing its earth-tone appearance and durability. It may add visual appeal, but the report does not provide evidence that it will raise a home’s sale price; costs, installation needs and drainage should be weighed before choosing it.
Sandstone is being presented as an alternative to concrete and brick for residential retaining walls, in a Hunker report that points to the stone’s natural colors and texture as ways to add visual interest to yards. The report says a sandstone wall could support a home’s resale appeal, but it provides no sales data showing that the material increases property value.
The report describes retaining walls as a way to help reduce soil erosion and create depth in a yard or garden. It contrasts sandstone’s varied earth tones with plain gray concrete and red brick, arguing that sandstone can sit more naturally within a landscaped setting while remaining visually distinct. The stone is also described as durable and suitable for outdoor use.
That aesthetic case comes with a likely price premium: Hunker says sandstone generally costs more than concrete, brick or wood. Its price may be lower than some stones, such as granite, but depends on the sandstone’s quality and color. The report also notes that installation costs and effort vary with the wall’s size and the material chosen. Sandstone logs may reduce installation costs on larger projects, while smaller blocks may be easier to handle for a do-it-yourself project, though they are still heavy and require more pieces to cover a wide area.
Drainage remains a central requirement regardless of sandstone’s porosity. Hunker says retaining walls should include a system to prevent water from accumulating in soil behind them, which can contribute to wall failure. The report describes a setup using geotechnical fabric, agricultural pipe and weep holes: fabric filters soil and fine silt from drainage aggregate, while pipe carries water toward outlets.
Aesthetic Appeal Comes With Trade-Offs
For homeowners planning a landscape project, sandstone presents a choice between a particular look and practical considerations. Its colors and texture may complement gardens and other natural features, but the material’s higher typical cost and the labor involved can change the project budget. A comparison should include the wall’s scale, access for moving heavy stone, installation costs and the cost of a drainage system—not just the price of the blocks.
The report’s suggestion that sandstone may support resale appeal is a possibility, not a documented return on investment. No figures, property comparisons or agent research are included in the source material. Homeowners should treat visual appeal and durability as design considerations rather than assume that installing sandstone will produce a specific increase in sale price.
A retaining wall also has a functional role: it holds back soil, and water pressure behind it can threaten its stability. That makes drainage and suitable construction part of the decision, not optional finishing details. For a large or technically demanding wall, Hunker says professional installation is often preferable.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Why Sandstone Is Being Considered
Concrete and brick are familiar retaining-wall materials, but Hunker’s report focuses on their appearance in a garden setting: gray concrete may look plain beside flowers, while red brick can stand out against grass. Sandstone offers a different palette, with natural variations in tone and texture rather than a uniform finish. The report also notes that sandstone is used for patios, giving homeowners another possible use for the material around a property.
The source frames longevity as part of sandstone’s appeal to prospective buyers and real estate agents, but it does not cite a lifespan estimate or studies comparing materials. It also does not give local prices, installation quotations or resale comparisons. Those details can vary by stone selection, project design and location, so the article’s cost and value points should be read as general guidance rather than a project estimate.
“Sandstone comes in a range of earth tones with a unique texture and variations that add a bit of extra visual interest.”
— Hunker report
Property Value Claims Lack Data
The supplied report does not establish that a sandstone retaining wall will raise a home’s market value. Its resale point is framed as a possibility based on appearance and a general reputation for durability; no measured price premium, buyer survey or real estate analysis is provided. The actual effect, if any, would depend on the property, local market and quality of the installation.
Project-specific costs are also unknown. The source provides no material prices, labor rates, dimensions or location-based estimates. It does not specify a standard wall design or explain how conditions such as soil, slope and water flow affect construction. Those factors would need to be assessed for an individual site before choosing a material or building plan.
Compare Site Costs and Drainage
Homeowners considering sandstone can compare quotes for the selected stone, delivery and installation against alternatives such as concrete, brick and wood. They should also account for the wall’s size and access for moving blocks or logs, since those details can affect labor. For a larger project, Hunker’s report recommends considering a professional installer rather than assuming the stone will be manageable as a DIY job.
Before construction, the project’s drainage approach should be specified, including how water will pass through or around the wall without carrying soil into the drainage aggregate. The supplied material does not provide a construction plan or establish local requirements, so readers should seek site-specific professional advice where needed. No announced follow-up or additional data accompanies the report.
Key Questions
What makes sandstone different from concrete or brick for a retaining wall?
Hunker points to sandstone’s earth-tone colors and varied texture, which may blend more naturally into a landscaped yard than uniform gray concrete or red brick.
Will a sandstone retaining wall increase my home’s value?
The report says sandstone may improve resale appeal, but it provides no data proving a price increase. The effect on a specific home’s value is unknown.
Is sandstone cheaper than other retaining-wall materials?
Hunker says sandstone is generally more expensive than concrete, brick and wood. It may cost less than some other stone, such as granite, depending on its quality and color.
Does sandstone need drainage behind it?
Yes. Although sandstone is porous, the report says a retaining wall still needs proper drainage to limit water buildup in the soil behind it. It describes geotechnical fabric, agricultural pipe and weep holes as components of a drainage system.
Can I build a sandstone retaining wall myself?
Smaller blocks may be more manageable than large sandstone logs, but the stone can still be heavy. Hunker says professional installation is often preferable for larger projects; suitability depends on the wall and site.
Source: rss
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
