Retaining Walls and Paving Stones

A Beautiful Blend for a Low Maintenance Backyard

In their Cave Creek Arizona dwelling, homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stephens met the challenge of landscaping in a harsh, desert climate by drawing from the natural beauties that surrounded their home.

The homeowners wanted to minimize the need for exterior maintenance as much as possible around their magnificent stucco home. They contacted a local contractor for some ideas. Using their suggestions, Brian of Pathways in Scottsdale, AZ created a design that he thought best fit their desires.

He recommended a sprawling circular driveway in the front of the home using pavers that blended beautifully with the color and style of the home. In the back he wanted to create a beautiful backyard living area that included, a BBQ station, swimming pool and hot tub all using materials to match the front. There would be elevation changes that would need to be addressed with retaining walls to complete this design.

Retaining wall with corners

The goal was to minimize the need for exterior maintenance around their magnificent stucco home.



"We were looking for something with more character and custom feel."



Patterned retaining wall

A beautiful backyard living area with a BBQ station, swimming pool and hot tub all using the same pavers to match the front.


Retaining wall with corners

A standard stucco wall, originally specified in the design to match the home’s exterior, did not satisfy the Stephens. “We were looking for something with more character and custom feel.” Brian recommended Allan Block’s product as he had worked with it before and thought it would be the perfect solution.

Jack Ross, the AB Sales Representative from the local AB Manufacturer, found exactly what they were looking for: The AB Collection retaining walls from Allan Block. He set up a sample retaining wall right on site and discussed with them the advantages of using the Allan Block retaining wall products. The Stephens were thrilled to find a color that would perfectly complement the pavers they had selected and blended so naturally with their surrounding landscape.

“They loved the look and maintenance aspect of the system compared to a standard stucco wall,” Jack said. From selecting to installing, the Stephens have been completely satisfied with their Allan Block experience. Working with both a knowledgeable sales representative and a certified contractor made them feel comfortable throughout the entire project. And the result is stunning: retaining walls that seem to have been built right from the stones of the Arizona desert.

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen agree, “We love it!”

Excerpt from Landscape Newsletter Issue #14