Built to hold back water, not just soil
Retaining walls and planter boxes carry constant hydrostatic pressure from surrounding soil and garden beds. Without a correctly specified membrane, water finds its way through, leading to efflorescence, spalling concrete and staining on adjoining stone or paving.
In planter boxes, water tracking into slabs, balconies and living spaces below is one of the most common sources of hidden damage in Melbourne renovations. TN Stone waterproofs retaining walls and planter boxes for new construction and existing structures, using the correct system for the substrate, exposure and water pressure involved.
Services include
Concrete Retaining Walls
Waterproofing of concrete retaining walls, including new construction and remedial repairs.
Masonry Retaining Walls
Waterproofing of masonry and block retaining walls before backfill or cladding.
Planter Box Waterproofing
Membrane systems that stop moisture tracking into slabs, balconies and living areas below.
Root Barrier Systems
Root barrier installation to protect membranes and structures from invasive root growth.
Cementitious Membranes
Flexible cementitious waterproofing including Mapei Mapelastic Foundation for below-ground structures.
Polyurethane Membranes
Polyurethane systems for walls with greater movement or complex detailing.
Drainage Board Installation
Drainage board detailing to relieve hydrostatic pressure on the membrane.
Protection Board Installation
Protection boards to shield the membrane during backfill and construction.
Repairs & Remedial Works
Waterproofing repairs for existing retaining walls and planter boxes showing signs of failure.
Mapelastic Foundation
For below-ground and negative-side applications, TN Stone specifies Mapei's Mapelastic Foundation, a flexible cementitious membrane engineered specifically for retaining walls, planter boxes and foundation waterproofing. We select cementitious or polyurethane systems depending on movement, water pressure direction and substrate condition, backed by drainage and protection board detailing where required.
Who this is for
Retaining wall and planter box waterproofing sits between trades, often missed by landscapers focused on stonework and builders focused on structure. TN Stone fills that gap, working directly with landscapers, builders, architects and homeowners renovating gardens, terraces and multi-level blocks across Melbourne.
Landscapers
Membrane and drainage detailing before stone cladding or capping goes on.
Builders
Compliant waterproofing signed off before backfill on new retaining structures.
Homeowners
Remedial fixes for leaking, staining or failed existing retaining walls.
Retaining wall & planter box questions
Do planter boxes actually need to be waterproofed?
Yes. Planter boxes hold constant moisture against a structural surface, and without a membrane that water tracks into slabs, balconies or the rooms below. It is one of the most common sources of hidden water damage in Melbourne renovations.
Cementitious or polyurethane membrane, which is better?
It depends on the wall. Cementitious systems like Mapelastic Foundation suit masonry and concrete with limited movement. Polyurethane membranes handle more flexibility and complex detailing. TN Stone specifies the system after assessing the substrate and water pressure.
Can an existing retaining wall be waterproofed after the fact?
In most cases, yes. Remedial waterproofing is common where efflorescence, staining or dampness has already appeared. The approach depends on access and whether we are working from the positive or negative side of the wall.
What does this cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends on wall height, length, substrate, access and whether it is new construction or remedial repair. TN Stone provides a free, project-specific quote after a site review.
Do you install drainage and protection boards too?
Yes. Drainage board and protection board installation is included where the design calls for it, helping relieve hydrostatic pressure and protect the membrane during backfill.
Can this be combined with stone cladding or capping?
Yes. TN Stone coordinates waterproofing with stonemason work, so cladding, capping and paving go on once the membrane and drainage are correctly installed.
Areas Served
Servicing Greater Melbourne & Surrounding Areas
TN Stone Pty Ltd provides retaining wall and planter box waterproofing across Greater Melbourne, including residential and commercial projects.
Western Suburbs
Melton, Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Caroline Springs, Truganina, Williams Landing, Altona, Williamstown and Sunshine.
Northern Suburbs
Craigieburn, Epping, Preston, Reservoir, Brunswick and surrounding northern Melbourne suburbs.
Eastern Suburbs
Doncaster, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Ringwood, Hawthorn and surrounding eastern Melbourne areas.
Bayside & South East
Brighton, Cheltenham, Dandenong, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula and nearby bayside and south-eastern suburbs.
Why choose TN Stone?
TN Stone combines waterproofing knowledge with stonemason and tiling experience, so retaining walls, planter boxes and the stone or paving finish above them are planned together, not as separate jobs. This helps deliver a system that is properly detailed before it is ever built over.
Call 0401 537 806Understand the system before you compare quotes
A closer look at how we choose between waterproofing systems depending on which side of the structure the water is coming from.
Positive Side vs Negative Side Waterproofing
Why the direction of water pressure decides which Mapei system — Mapelastic Smart or Mapelastic Foundation — goes on a retaining wall or car park job.