Paving and Retaining Wall options for Sloped blocks

First Published: 5 August 2025 | Updated: 5 August 2025

Print Blog View as PDF

Sloping or awkwardly shaped blocks can be a challenge but there are many products you can use to make the most of your block and make it useable. Whether you’re dealing with a steep backyard in the Adelaide Hills or a narrow split-level space, smart paving techniques paired with retaining wall products like our Easy Wall blocks can transform these tricky areas into functional outdoor spaces.

Why Sloped Blocks Need Special Planning

Sloped or uneven land presents several common issues:

• Water runoff and drainage problems
• Limited flat space for entertaining or relaxation
• Erosion and soil movement
• Safety concerns with stairs or access pathways

Instead of working against the slope, embrace it — using levels, terracing and retaining walls to create usable, beautiful zones.

Use Retaining Walls to Create Levels

One of the most effective solutions is to break up a sloped yard into tiered levels using retaining walls. This creates flat platforms for:

• Patios
• Gardens
• Pool areas
• Play spaces or seating spaces

Freestone blocks and Coloured Easy Lock blocks are ideal for these types of projects. Not only are they engineered for strength and longevity but their modern face textures complement both traditional and contemporary homes.

Design Tip:

Use staggered retaining walls with integrated steps to improve both function and flow between levels therefore choose a retaining wall block with matching caps that you can use for your step treads.

Steps and Pathways

Steep areas often need carefully placed steps or walkways to provide safe and practical access. Use pavers or large stepping stones to build these into the landscape.

For step stones, our Garden Slate Pavers with their slate textured finish and natural look provide a slip resistant walking surface and will complement its environment. For a more modern aesthetic, choose concrete pavers in charcoal or sandstone tones like our Sandstone Steppers or our Master Paver or Beach Sand pavers in shotblast finish.

Key Considerations for your steps and paths:

• Ensure step heights are consistent (approximately 160mm rise)
• Choose a textured non-slip paver or handrails for safety
• Incorporate lighting for visibility at night

Prioritise Drainage on Sloped Blocks

Poor drainage is a common issue on sloping sites. Without proper planning, you risk:

• Paver movement or lifting
• Erosion under paths or patios
• Water pooling at the base of retaining walls

Here’s how to prevent it:

• Use permeable pavers to allow water to soak through
• Install ag-drains behind retaining walls
• Grade paved areas slightly to direct runoff away from the home

Highlight Features with Terracing

Don’t just solve problems — make them beautiful. Sloped blocks allow for multi-dimensional landscaping that can’t be achieved on flat ground.

Terraced levels can include:

• A firepit space on its own level
• A dining space using Travertine natural stone for a luxurious and elegant look
• A retained garden or garden beds and grow fruit trees or vegetables

Using contrasting paver styles, borders or textures between levels to add visual interest.

Best Products for Sloped Paving Projects

At Australian Paving Centre, here are our top picks from our product range for sloped or terraced spaces:

Freestone blocks – Structural sustainable retaining walls with a modern finish
Coloured Easy lock block – Sleek garden beds or split-level seating
Rustic Old Red Brick paver – Rustic paths or informal terraced patios
Driveway Cobbles – Natural volcanic stone for feature walkway or driveways
Sandstone Steppers – For step stone paths through your garden space
Eco Grass Pavers – For areas that pool with water these are a permeable option*
Classic Cream Travertine – Beautiful natural stone for your terraced dining space
*must be laid with correct base preparation

UNSURE WHAT RETAINING WALL BLOCK TO CHOOSE?

Use our Wall Builder to help determine what retaining wall block product is best for your project.

DIY or Get a Professional?

If you are willing to tackle your walling or paving yourself, many of these solutions can be DIY-friendly — especially some of our retaining wall systems that are designed for DIY. But for structural walls over 1m or where council approval is required, it’s best to call in a licensed Tradie.

We can recommend local paving and walling contractors across Adelaide who understand how to manage difficult blocks — just get in touch with your nearest Australian Paving Centre store.

Sloped blocks don’t have to be a setback — with smart design, the right products and good drainage, they can become the most eye-catching and useable parts of your landscape. Whether you’re planning a peaceful stepped garden or a multi-level outdoor entertaining area, start by choosing high-quality pavers and retaining wall systems from APC.

APC relies upon the information supplied by independent tradies. Please ensure you sight their current builders license and they are insured to carry out the work quoted and subsequently installed.