Not always. The garden stone walling blocks stocked by MacBlair are a mortar-free system. The tapered blocks are glued together using a block adhesive, and the joints do not require pointing. This makes them considerably quicker to install than traditional mortared brickwork and accessible to DIY projects without specialist masonry skills.
Garden Stone Walling Blocks for Raised Beds, Feature Walls and Borders
MacBlair stocks a range of garden stone walling blocks suited to a wide variety of outdoor projects. The blocks are tapered and faced on both sides, which makes them well placed for creating curved edges, dividing garden areas, and building attractive feature walls. With several blended colour options available, it's straightforward to find a finish that complements the surrounding landscape or matches existing materials.
One of the key practical advantages of this walling range is the mortar-free installation. The blocks are simply glued together, joints do not need pointing, and no specialist bricklaying experience is required. Common applications include:
- Raised flower beds and planting borders
- Freestanding garden feature walls
- Curved garden edges and zoning between outdoor spaces
- Retaining light soil on sloped or tiered gardens
Finish the top of any wall properly with garden wall copings from the same range, which protect the structure from water ingress and give the wall a clean, considered finish. If the wider project involves laying a patio or path alongside the wall, the paving range at MacBlair covers natural stone, concrete, porcelain and block paving options that can be matched to suit.
For gardens with sloped ground or drainage considerations, land drainage products are stocked separately and worth factoring into a retaining wall project from the outset. Once the landscaping is complete, soil, compost and bark are available to fill raised beds or finish borders. Order online for delivery across Northern Ireland, or use click and collect at a local MacBlair branch.
Walling FAQ's
Yes. The blocks in this range are tapered, which means they are specifically designed to accommodate curves and angled layouts. Because they are faced on both sides, they look finished whether viewed from inside or outside the curve, making them a practical choice for borders, raised beds, or any feature wall that follows a non-linear path.
In most cases, no. Under permitted development rules, a freestanding garden wall does not require planning permission provided it does not exceed 2 metres in height. If the wall sits adjacent to a highway or public footpath, the limit drops to 1 metre. If your property is listed or within a conservation area, additional restrictions may apply. Always check with your local council if you are unsure.
Coping sits along the top of a finished wall, protecting it from rainwater soaking into the structure and helping prevent frost damage over time. It also gives the wall a neat, completed appearance. MacBlair stocks copings to complement the garden stone walling range. Matching the coping to the colour and style of the walling blocks is the most common approach for a cohesive result.
The mortarless walling blocks in this range are suited to retaining light soil loads, such as those found in raised beds and gently tiered gardens. For walls retaining significant volumes of earth or on a steep slope, it is worth factoring in adequate drainage behind the wall to prevent water pressure building up. For heavier retaining applications, seek professional advice on the most appropriate solution before building.