Best Materials For Retaining Walls: Concrete vs. Natural Stone

Is that slope in your yard starting to feel more like a headache than a feature? Before erosion or runoff becomes an issue, it might be time to consider a retaining wall, and choosing the right material is key. When it comes to the best materials for retaining walls, two options consistently stand out among homeowners and pros alike: concrete and natural stone. Both are known for their durability and visual appeal, but each serves different functional and design needs.

In this blog, the experts at Santos Hardscape will walk you through the pros, uses, and characteristics of each material to help you decide what works best for your landscape project. So keep reading to find out which one fits your slope, style, and space!

What Are Concrete Retaining Walls?

Concrete retaining walls come together in two main ways: either fresh concrete is poured into forms right on site, or pre‑made blocks are stacked so they lock tightly in place. Both methods create one solid wall with clean, modern lines that look great around patios, pools, and driveways. Options include solid poured walls, reinforced concrete blocks, or quick‑stack segmental systems. If you need a tall wall fast and want minimal upkeep, concrete is a strong, dependable choice.

Key Benefits

• Concrete retaining walls handle heavy soil pressure without cracking when properly reinforced.
• They can be molded, stamped, or stained for custom finishes and colors.
• They only need occasional sealing and quick crack checks—no loose joints to reset.

What Are Natural Stone Retaining Walls?

Natural stone retaining walls are built by stacking quarried rock—like limestone, granite, fieldstone, or sandstone—either dry so the stones lock together on their own or with a thin layer of hidden mortar. This approach gives the wall a rustic, timeless look that feels like it’s always been part of the garden. Stone shines in cottage gardens, traditional estates, and upscale landscapes where natural charm is a must.

Key Benefits

• Natural Stone walls bring organic beauty that complements plants and water features.
• They have an exceptional lifespan; many stone walls last a century or more with basic care.
• Every wall is unique; no two stones or patterns repeat.

Concrete vs. Stone—Which One Fits Your Project?

Load Capacity

Concrete excels on tall walls and heavy soil loads because engineers can add steel reinforcement and geo‑grid layers; natural stone works best on shorter walls—typically under four feet—unless it’s backed by a concrete core or its a gabion wall.

Aesthetics

Concrete delivers crisp, uniform lines that complement modern architecture, while stone offers one‑of‑a‑kind textures and earthy colors that blend seamlessly into natural landscapes.

Budget

Concrete is generally kinder to large walls and tighter budgets, since blocks and poured mixes are mass‑produced; natural stone carries a higher price tag because the material is quarried, transported, and hand‑set piece by piece.

Installation

Block systems install quickly with predictable timelines and minimal specialized tools, whereas stone requires careful sorting, fitting, and artisan craftsmanship that extends the build.

Maintenance

Concrete needs only periodic sealing and the occasional crack inspection to stay strong, whereas stone may call for repointing mortar joints or resetting loose stones over the decades.

Durability

Reinforced concrete typically lasts 50 years or more before major repairs, while a well‑built stone wall can stand firm for a century or longer when it has proper footing and drainage.