RETAINING WALL COST ESTIMATIONS

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Retaining Wall?

Retaining Wall Cost Estimates At A Glance

• Total cost: $5,000, average; $3,000-$8,000, range
• Labor costs: $50-$60 per hour; $25 per square foot
• Landscape block retaining wall: $6-$30 per square foot
• Cinder block retaining wall: $10-$12 per square foot
• Concrete block retaining wall: $20-$30 per square foot
• Poured concrete retaining wall: $30-$40 per square foot
• Natural stone retaining wall: $27-$35 per square foot
• Wood retaining wall: $16-$28 per square foot

Retaining walls are a force against gravity. They support soil laterally, keeping it at two different levels on either side of the wall. Retaining walls also keep soil in place on a slope to prevent erosion.

Retaining walls can be part of construction work for directing drainage away from a building, or they might be used in a garden to create usable beds of soil for planting. They are also commonly found on the sides of roads or driveways to keep the path clear and dry. But how much does a retaining wall cost? Let’s dive in and find out.

How Much Does a 3-Foot Retaining Wall Cost?

According to Inch Calculator, the average cost of a retaining wall is around $5,000, though the total cost can fall anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the height of the wall. For a standard 3-foot retaining wall, $5,000 is a good estimate. But if you’re not performing the task yourself, you’ll need to factor in additional labor costs.
A major variable in the total cost of your retaining wall is the material you choose. Here’s a look at the different materials you can use to build a retaining wall and how much they cost:

The average landscape block retaining wall cost ranges from $6 to $30 per square foot, depending on the type of blocks, according to Costimates.com. A cinder block retaining wall costs around $10 to $12 per square foot. The average concrete retaining wall costs between $20 to $30 per square foot for interlocking blocks, or $30 to $40 per square foot for poured concrete. A natural stone retaining wall costs between $27 and $35 per square foot. Wood retaining walls costs $16 to $28 per square foot.

It’s important to remember that these are material costs. Don’t take these costs at face value unless you’re performing the labor yourself. If you’re hiring someone, there will be additional costs to consider of roughly $50 to $60 per hour, or $25 per square foot. Although landscape blocks are potentially the cheapest option per square foot, they often need to be laid by a professional to ensure the finished product doesn’t look misaligned or awkward.