diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/bukkit/util/Materials.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/bukkit/util/Materials.java
index 12e1a095..1c87b595 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/bukkit/util/Materials.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldguard/bukkit/util/Materials.java
@@ -531,6 +531,18 @@ public static boolean isRailBlock(Material material) {
                 || material == Material.POWERED_RAIL;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Test whether the given material is a piston block, not including
+     * the "technical blocks" such as the piston extension block.
+     *
+     * @param material the material
+     * @return true if a piston block
+     */
+    public static boolean isPistonBlock(Material material) {
+        return material == Material.PISTON_BASE
+                || material == Material.PISTON_STICKY_BASE;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Test whether the given material is a Minecart.
      *