Progressing Structural Landscaping in Seaforth: Laying Blocks and Adding Sandstone Cladding

At Motion Maintenance Property Services, we believe that landscaping should feel like a natural extension of its surroundings. That’s why, for our Seaforth structural landscaping project, we’re taking extra care to ensure the retaining wall doesn’t just serve a practical purpose - it also enhances the overall look of the space. Now that the foundation is in place, the next step is laying the blocks and cladding the wall in sandstone, creating a finish that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Why Sandstone? A Perfect Fit for Seaforth

Seaforth is known for its coastal bushland and sandstone formations, making it the ideal place for this type of cladding. Rather than a stark, man-made structure, this retaining wall will settle into the landscape, looking like it has always been there. Sandstone offers more than just a great aesthetic:

• It’s durable – Built to withstand Sydney’s coastal weather, sandstone holds up against sun, wind, and rain.

• It looks natural – The varied tones and textures create an organic feel that complements the existing rock formations.

• It’s low maintenance – Unlike painted or rendered walls, sandstone doesn’t need regular upkeep to stay looking good.
  

For us, it’s about creating a structure that looks right at home in its environment while standing the test of time.

Laying the Blocks: A Strong Foundation

Before the cladding can be applied, we need to ensure the blockwork is perfectly positioned. This phase is key to ensuring the wall’s long-term stability. Here’s what’s involved:

1. Laying the Footing - We start by installing an engineered concrete footing, with steel reinforcement starter bars (reo) left sticking out of the concrete to connect the wall to.

2. Laying the Blocks - Next, we carefully place and level the blocks, creating a strong foundation for the cladding. This step also involves tying the blocks into the protruding reo steel from the footing.

3. Reinforcing the Structure - To add strength, we install extra horizontal reo steel and J-bars, following the engineer’s specifications. The blocks are then core-filled with concrete to provide extra support.

4. Managing Drainage - We make sure to manage water runoff to avoid pooling and hydrostatic pressure on the wall. Agg lines are installed and connected to the existing stormwater system.
   

Once the blockwork is done, we move onto applying the sandstone cladding.

Applying the Sandstone Cladding

Sandstone cladding is a skilled process that takes time and attention to detail. Each piece is carefully selected and placed to ensure the wall has a natural, seamless appearance.

• Securing the Stone – Using a blue board backing, and high-strength adhesive, we fix each sandstone piece securely to the blocks.

• Finishing with Grout and Sealant – Gaps are carefully filled, and the surface is sealed for extra protection.

• Blending with the Landscape – Once the cladding is in place, we’ll add native plants and soft landscaping around the wall to complete the look.
  

  

A Natural Look That Lasts Once finished, this retaining wall will feel like a natural part of the landscape, offering both structural support and a timeless aesthetic. At Motion Maintenance Property Services, we take pride in making sure every element of a project works together - not just for now, but for the long term.

If you're planning a landscaping project in Seaforth or anywhere in Sydney, we'd love to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can create an outdoor space that’s both functional and naturally beautiful.