The 3 little pigs were not wrong! Masonry surfaces are time tested for durability, beauty, water & weather resistance, Whether its the entire outside of your home or just the front for curb appeal, an interior wall or a fireplace? Even parging basement walls inside or out to strenghten and clean it up a bit. The only limit is your imagination. Retaining walls are usually thought of as utilitarian to holding back soil. But, they can also be used for aesthetic reasons, like adding interest to a landscape, or creating/separating outdoor living spaces.