When designing or updating an outdoor living space, think in three dimensions. Retaining walls are multi-purpose landscape features that are not only functional, but beautiful. They can even become focal points, so choosing the right materials is important. Get the materials for your York, PA, retaining walls from our stone supply and know that you’ve made the right choice in quality and style.

Today’s retaining walls are functional works of art. Whether you love the look of a dry-stack fieldstone wall or a concrete block wall with a stone veneer, we have the materials you need and the expertise to assist you in choosing the right materials and installing a retaining wall that will stand the test of time.

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Retaining walls are usually thought of as utilitarian. They are designed to hold back massive amounts of soil and prevent erosion. However, they are multi-use structures that allow for built-in seating and house outdoor light fixtures; they can create vertical gardens; and they define spaces. They can even be incorporated as extensions of outdoor kitchens or fireplaces. So why not give retaining walls the same level of design as any other part of your landscape? Retaining walls offer a full range of creative artistic choices!

Gravity retaining walls are the most common for sloped lots where soil management and enhanced usefulness is needed. Gravity walls rely on a combination of the weight of the blocks, the connections between the blocks, the foundation’s depth, and the wall setback. Gravity walls can be mortared or mortarless (interlocking). Mortarless wall systems permit water to drain through, preventing hydrostatic loads that can result in wall failure. Gravity walls are typically used in non-critical applications under 36\” in height. Let our experts help you choose the right blocks if your wall is in a critical location and/or is taller than 36”.

Free-standing landscape walls are decorative, but that doesn’t mean they’re without purpose! They are not designed to hold back soil, but they are designed to be sat on, to provide visual balance, to enclose planting beds, and to define spaces.  

Each of these types of wall can be constructed using concrete wall units (or blocks), natural stone, or concrete blocks with a stone veneer. 

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Concrete Wall Units

We only carry the highest quality concrete wall units. Concrete wall blocks can be used “as is,” without the need for veneer. Choosing the right retaining wall blocks is essential and depends on the intended use (structural or decorative), wall height, and wall shape. Some products are rated for residential use of 36” or lower, while others are rated for heavy-duty structural use. Our experts are here to help you choose!

Natural Stone

Natural stone walls are practically as old as mankind. They are more difficult to install than precision-cut concrete wall units, but you are rewarded with the timeless appeal and character of stone. We have a wide selection of natural stone suitable for walls, including flagstone, granite, and limestone.

Veneer

Achieve the timeless look of a dry-stack fieldstone wall with a veneer that looks just like the real thing but is easier and more economical to install. Veneer gives you the look without the painstaking cutting, shaping, and precise placement of stones. 

Since every project is unique, we encourage you to stop by our stone yard to see what’s available. Talk to us about your needs, design preferences, and budget, and we’ll help you choose the best quality products for your retaining wall project!