So you’re thinking about building a retaining wall. Maybe your backyard slopes too much, or you’re tired of watching your garden wash away every time it rains. Whatever pushed you to this point, you now face the big question: blocks or natural stone?
After 20+ years of watching folks struggle with this decision (and the occasional “what was I thinking” moment), we’ve put together some straight talk about both options. There is no sugar-coating, just practical advice.
Let’s be real–appearance matters. You’ll be staring at this wall for years.
Wall blocks are the Toyota Camry of landscaping—reliable, consistent, and you know exactly what you’re getting. Every block matches its neighbor, creating clean lines like they jumped straight out of a home magazine.
Blocks work amazingly well when your house has a modern vibe and you want everything to look neat and tidy. They’re perfect if you’ve got other geometric elements nearby or if you can’t stand things being slightly crooked. Our Stonegate has been popular for this exact reason. People want that crisp, clean appearance without the unpredictability.
Natural stone is more like a vintage truck–full of character, slightly unpredictable, and nobody else on the block has one quite like yours.
With stone, you get those gorgeous color streaks that catch morning light and pieces that look like they’ve been there forever (in a good way). Natural stone walls grow right out of the landscape and look better as they age. Customers who choose our Moss Chop aren’t looking for perfection - they’re looking for something interesting. There’s something about those irregular shapes and natural colors that just can’t be manufactured.
The size of your project should absolutely affect your choice. Here’s how we break it down for customers who ask:
Both work fine for small stuff under 2 feet tall, but natural stone has some serious advantages for the DIYer.
Stone is great for small projects because even one big rock looks intentional—there's no need for a whole matching set. There’s no messing with special cap pieces; it works with basic tools you probably already own. It makes a statement even in small quantities and is often cheaper when buying only a small amount.
A garden border with some Sugarloaf Mill Ends looks finished right away. Plus, if you mess up placement, just move it! No harm done.
That said, blocks make sense for small stuff when everything needs to be exactly level (like for a small seating wall) or if you match existing block elements nearby. Some folks also prefer blocks when their garden design is super geometric.
For those 2-4-foot-tall walls that define spaces, the choice gets trickier.
Blocks often win for medium projects because they lock together, so you don’t have to be a structural engineer. There’s less head-scratching about which piece goes where, and installation is way faster. It’s also easier to calculate how much you need without buying extra.
Most DIYers find that blocks like our Broadstone hit the sweet spot for these projects. You spend less time figuring out and more time building.
On the flip side, some folks still pick natural stone for medium walls because it creates that one-of-a-kind look you can’t get from a mold. Natural stone blends better with existing landscape features and becomes more impressive as plants grow around it. Generally, it ages more gracefully over the decades.
Sure, it takes more puzzling and planning, but a medium wall built from Moss Wall Stone develops this awesome presence over time that manufactured materials can’t match.
For walls over 4 feet, it’s not just about looks—it’s about preventing the whole thing from coming crashing down.
Both materials can work great for big walls when you’ve had an actual engineer look at the plans and you’ve figured out drainage (this is SO important). You’ll want to work with someone who’s done big walls before and should order materials specifically for this job.
The choice for big walls usually comes down to practical concerns. Blocks often make sense because engineers can calculate load-bearing more accurately, and crews can easily maintain quality on big jobs. Manufacturers often provide technical help; installation is usually faster, which matters when you’re paying for labor.
Natural stone sometimes still wins for large projects because it creates a genuine landmark feature in your landscape. It’s available in massive pieces for serious structural needs and develops a relationship with your property that improves with age. Sometimes it even costs less if you’re near the source.
Beyond looks and size, here’s the nitty-gritty that affects your decision:
Think ahead about upkeep. Block walls’ colors fade over decades (especially red tones), but the structure stays put. Natural stone might need occasional adjustment as it settles, but that weathered look is actually what most people want. Many natural stone walls built a century ago are still strong, developing more character each decade.
Be brutally honest about ability. Never built anything like this? Blocks are way more forgiving. Got some experience? Natural stone lets you get creative. Hiring out? Ask to see pictures of past jobs with both materials.
There’s no “wrong” choice here. When done right, retaining wall blocks and natural stone can look amazing and last for decades.
Pick the material that best fits your house style, neighborhood vibe, and project specs. Consider your budget, personal taste, and how much of a perfectionist you are. Someone bothered by things being slightly out of alignment might go crazy with natural stone, while someone who hates cookie-cutter designs might find block walls too boring.
At Minick Materials, we’ve supplied both options for hundreds of successful walls. Whether you’re drawn to the precise lines of blocks or the organic feel of natural stone, we can point you toward materials that’ll work for your specific project.
Drop by one of our yards to touch these materials–nothing beats picking up stones and blocks yourself to see what speaks to you. Bring pictures of your space, too! Our team loves helping customers envision how different materials will look in their actual landscape, not just on a showroom display.