Updated October 2026
Como is one of the Shire's oldest and most distinctive pockets: federation-era cottages, narrow streets and terraced blocks stepping down to the Georges River. The walls here are as old as the houses in many cases, and the suburb's tight access makes every job a logistics exercise. We connect you with builders who know how to work Como's constraints.
Common wall situations in Como
Terraced river blocks are the backbone of the suburb, with stone and brick walls that have held gardens in place for generations now cracking and bowing. Narrow access is the constant: many blocks have no side access at all, so materials come through the house or down shared paths. Heritage character matters too, and owners often want a rebuilt wall that keeps the old cottage feel rather than a bare modern face.
Material options
For character streets, sandstone blocks or stone-faced walls keep the heritage look, and reclaimed brick can match original garden walls. Where the wall is out of sight, concrete sleepers deliver the strength with less cost, and sleeper lengths can be hand-carried through tight access. See concrete sleeper walls and timber retaining walls.
What a wall costs in Como
Access drives Como pricing. Hand carriage and hand excavation add labour, and stonework sits above standard sleeper pricing. Everything quoted before a site visit is guide pricing only, so begin with the retaining wall cost guide.
Walls over 600mm high need approval (a CDC or DA). Walls up to 600mm can be exempt development if they meet the other criteria, such as setbacks and drainage, so check with Sutherland Shire Council, and ask about any heritage considerations for your street.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wall be built with no side access?
Yes. Como builders do it constantly, carrying materials through or around the house. It adds labour hours, and a good quote will show that honestly.
Do heritage rules affect my retaining wall?
Some Como properties carry heritage or conservation considerations. Check with Sutherland Shire Council before changing a street-visible wall.
My old stone wall is bowing outward. Can it be saved?
Sometimes, with rebuilding of the bowed section and new drainage behind. Start at retaining wall repairs, or leaning or collapsed wall if it has moved badly.
Keep the character, fix the wall. Get a fast quote
We also cover nearby Bonnet Bay and Jannali.