Retaining Wall Cost by Material Type
- Block Retaining Walls Retaining block walls will cost $16 per square foot for the average professional installation. That’s $1,600 for a 100 square foot retaining wall—basic, with no extras and under four feet. ...
- Wood Retaining Walls For wood retaining walls, you can expect to pay between $16 and $28 per square foot for a professionally installed wall. ...
- Natural Stone Retaining Walls ...
How much does it cost to install a retaining wall?
How much does it cost to install a retaining wall? Retaining wall costs depend on a few factors, such as the height, length, material and labour charges. At the lower end of the scale, expect to pay from $250 per sq/m for treated timber up to $700 per sq/m for concrete Besser blocks.
How can I build a retaining wall?
Steps
- Gather your tools and materials. Below are the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.
- Make a plan. Before you start, plan out the length and height of your retaining wall. ...
- Measure the area. ...
- Choose your timber. ...
- Mark out the posts. ...
- Set up a string line. ...
- Dig holes for the posts. ...
- Measure the posts. ...
- Cut your timber to size. ...
- Position the posts. ...
How much does a keystone retaining wall cost?
The Keystone blocks cost anywhere from $5 - $20 a square foot, depending on the block's style and texture. Installation fees can add about $5 - $10 per square foot. Keeping this in view, how much does it cost to install a retaining wall? The average cost of building a retaining wall is $5,368.
What are the Carlsbad retaining wall installation prices?
There may be certain Carlsbad permits required by local state and city laws, which can raise the total cost as well. Our numbers show that on average in 2014 total retaining wall installation Carlsbad costs have been $4,030.85 to $4,784.22. To breakdown that number by square foot the averages are $20.16 to $23.92 per square foot.
Does a retaining wall add value to your home?
Adds value to the property Adding a retaining wall is a simple and inexpensive approach to raise the value of your house. If you're adding a wall made out of natural materials, you'll find it simple to alter or replace it as needed. They also increase the adaptability of the space surrounding it.
What is the most cost effective retaining wall?
The cheapest type of retaining wall is poured concrete. Prices start at $4.30 per square foot for poured concrete, $5.65 for interlocking concrete block, $6.15 for pressure-treated pine, and about $11 for stone. Installation or supplies, such as drainage stone or filter fabric, are not included.
Is a concrete retaining wall cheaper than stone?
Concrete generally has the upside of being less expensive, material-wise. They're also generally simple to install, which equates to lower labor costs.
Does a 3 foot retaining wall need drainage?
Third, since most retaining walls are impervious, which means water cannot pass through the wall itself, efficient drainage is crucial. When drainage goes unaddressed hydrostatic pressure will build up behind the wall and cause damage such as bulging or cracking.
How do you save money on a retaining wall?
If you like the look of concrete, you can save money by choosing interlocking concrete blocks, which can cost as little as $15 per square foot. The wall will be just as strong and just as durable, but you may be able to spend half as much on the materials. Interlocking concrete is also the best option for durability.
How long do retaining walls last?
How Long Should A Retaining Wall Last? Stone retaining walls should last somewhere between 40 and 100 years or more. Wood retaining walls last around 40 years. Stone and concrete retaining walls last between 50 and 100 years.
Why are retaining walls so expensive?
The greatest cost of retaining wall block is shipping since it is so heavy. Larger size decorative retaining wall blocks are more expensive than smaller blocks. Large blocks are capable of holding back more soil and can be built higher. Not only that, their faces can be textured for decorative purposes.
Are poured concrete retaining walls better than block?
Poured concrete walls are hard to beat when it comes to their strength. They are super durable and offer a higher amount of flexural and compressive strength than block walls. It is imperative to construct a strong structure that offers as much water resistance as possible. No matter how bad the climate gets.
How do you build a retaining wall on a sloped yard?
Steps to Follow When Building a Retaining Wall on a SlopeStep #1: Get the Trench Compact and Level. ... Step #2: Install the Wall Rock. ... Step #3: Excavate the Second Level. ... Step #4: Place the Base Course of Blocks. ... Step #5: Compact the Wall Rock Behind the Blocks. ... Step #6: Fill in the Step Up Areas.
Do you have to put gravel behind retaining wall?
Gravel Backfill Do you need drainage behind a retaining wall? Yes, which means you need backfill too. This backfill is the soil that's located in the first 12 inches of space right behind the retaining wall in order to have proper drainage, and it can be either gravel or crushed stone.
Do I need a concrete footing for a retaining wall?
You should always build a garden wall on a solid foundation of a trench filled with concrete.
Does retaining wall need rebar?
Retaining walls must be stronger than freestanding walls. Insert rebar in the footing when you pour it; this should be done at every three blocks or at intervals specified by your local codes.
What is the best material for a retaining wall?
The Top 4 Retaining Wall MaterialsSegmental Retaining Wall Blocks. Segmental retaining wall blocks are becoming one of the most popular choices for retaining walls. ... Natural Stone. This is the material that started it all. ... Concrete. If you have a contemporary home, you might consider a solid concrete retaining wall. ... Brick.
Is a concrete retaining wall cheaper than blocks?
Usually, the cost of construction varies from place to place. But as a matter of fact, poured walls cost about 20% less than the block foundation walls.
How much should a stone retaining wall cost?
To figure out how much stone you'll need, multiply your wall's height times the depth times the length. If your wall is 2 feet high, 1-1/2 feet wide, and 20 feet long, you'll need roughly 60 cubic feet of stone.
How long will a treated pine retaining wall last?
20 yearsIf properly treated and cared for periodically, timber retaining walls are very strong and can last for a long time (20 years or more in most cases). This means less rebuilding and construction in your future.
Do retaining walls add value?
Yes, adding a retaining wall to your property improves curb appeal and the overall aesthetic of your property, which translates into an increase in...
How much does it cost to build a retaining wall?
Retaining wall costs typically range from $10 to $75 per sq.ft. once installed. The overall cost depends on the height and length of the wall, the...
Do you need a permit to build a retaining wall?
In most areas, a permit is required to build a retaining wall. However, it depends on where you install it, its height, and the materials used to b...
How deep should the footing be for a retaining wall?
The dimensions of the footing for your retaining wall depend on its overall height and width. The general rule is ⅓ of the total height of the wall...
How long do retaining walls last?
Retaining walls can last from 50 to 100 years or more, depending on the material and how they are maintained. The conditions of the soil and ground...
How much does a stone retaining wall cost?
Depending on what type of stone you use, this price varies widely, ranging from $20 to $100 per sq.ft. Materials like granite will be much cheaper...
How much is a block wall per sq.ft.?
Block retaining walls cost from $10 to $50 per sq.ft. Costs depend on what type of blocks you are using. For example, cinder blocks typically cost...
What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
The main use of a retaining wall is to retain soil. They prevent soil erosion that comes from hills by providing a sharp divide between two elevati...
How much does it cost to build a retaining wall?
The average cost to build a retaining wall is around $50 per sq.ft. This includes both the materials and labor costs.
How much does a reinforced wall cost?
It’s also made of masonry or concrete, and usually starts with a concrete slab. It will have steel bars embedded and costs between $20 and $25 per square foot.
What Is a Retaining Wall?
A retention or retaining wall 1 is a structure that holds soil or water. Most commonly, retaining walls are made with concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, and boulders. There are also wooden options. Though they look simple in structure, retaining walls are complex and can be used for many purposes. For starters, retaining walls improve drainage, prevent erosion, and make slopes more functional. However, they also are great for aesthetic purposes. Retaining walls can be a great landscaping feature. You can even add lights to the stone and improve the overall look of any building and the surrounding area.
Why do walls age?
Retaining walls can age like any structure. Sometimes the material can fail over time, such as wood tie backs beginning to rot. Other times, the drainage system may clog causing the soil to become oversaturated, other times, the wall can fail from poor construction. When a wall fails, it can fall, which means that it will no longer be holding back the soil so erosion and blockages may occur.
What is a counterfort wall?
A counterfort wall is essentially a cantilever wall that has “wings” or sections moving off in different directions on the sides. This is a good wall for pool areas or for framing sections of landscaping. They are also made of masonry or concrete that is reinforced with steel bars and cost between $20 and $25 per square foot.
How much does sheet piling cost?
They cost between $10 and $20 per square foot to construct.
How much does a criblock cost?
It’s constructed into a grid pattern that allows the concrete to drain better than a solid wall. They cost between $25 and $30 per square foot to construct.
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost per Square Foot?
Contractors price most retaining walls by the square foot for materials and labor. All the factors mentioned above will determine the retaining walls cost per square foot.
How Long Will a Retaining Wall Last?
A well-built retaining wall can last between 50 and 100 years. However, some things can affect how long it lasts. The longevity of your wall depends on two major factors:
Why do you need reinforcement for retaining walls?
Reinforced retaining walls use some type of reinforcement to add strength to the retaining wall structure and better retain the soils behind it.
How tall is a cantilevered retaining wall?
Cantilevered retaining walls rely on leverage to work and are best suited for tall walls up to 18-feet with deep excavations.
What is a segmented retaining wall?
Segmental retaining walls are a type of reinforced gravity wall that works well for both residential and commercial sites. They’re especially good for high-sloped terrain and usually have no height restrictions.
What is a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is any structure that holds soil in place behind it. As such, they’re instrumental in preventing a landslide from destroying property and endangering lives. They’re used for a wide range of applications both large and small. These include: Enormous soil-retaining projects alongside highways.
How high should a gravity wall be?
They’re usually short walls under 4-feet high, so they’re cheaper to build. Gravity walls are self-supporting up to 10-feet, although you’ll need a permit to build one higher than 4-feet.
How much does it cost to install a retaining wall?
You’ll pay an average of $50 to $75 per hour. The labor fees to install a retaining wall range from $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the materials used. Interlocking retaining wall blocks or pin mechanisms are the fastest and easiest to install compared to hand-stacked limestone or I-Beam retaining walls.
How much does a stone retaining wall cost?
The prefab design is ideal for retaining walls but also popular for decorative plant boxes. Stone retaining walls cost $5 to $100 per square foot. Stacked stone or limestone options are popular but are more expensive.
How Much Do Retaining Walls Cost by Type?
The concrete, stone, steel, and other material needed for installation are some of the most expensive costs of the retaining wall. You may have your heart set on an intricately stacked stone retaining wall you saw on a home improvement show, but you’ll need to plan your budget wisely to get the best landscape impact for your retaining wall dollars.
How much does a rammed earth wall cost?
Rammed earth retaining walls cost $20 to $30 per square foot and offer the strength of concrete.
What is the most expensive material to install on a retaining wall?
The concrete, stone, steel, and other material needed for installation are some of the most expensive costs of the retaining wall.
What is the purpose of retaining walls?
Retaining walls serve many purposes, including beautifying a garden, diverting water, and holding a foundation in place. You’ve probably never considered the attractiveness of a retaining wall, but they are a focal point on your property. You’ll want your retaining wall to be functional and enhance your yard, all on your budget.
How much does a railroad tie cost?
Your pro installer will let you know if railroad ties are allowed in your area. Railroad ties cost $25 to $30 per square foot.
How much does it cost to install a retaining wall?
The average cost to install a timber retaining wall is about $10 per square foot or $1000 for DIY installation of a 20′ long x 5′ high wall (100 sf). If hiring a Pro, the same retaining wall cost is about $2,800 or $28 per square foot.
How to get the lowest estimate for retaining wall?
Note: In any season, the best strategy for getting the lowest estimates is to request bids from several companies and letting them know they are competing for the retaining wall job.
What type of timber is used for retaining walls?
Type of Timbers Used – Most timber retaining walls are built with either pressure treated 6″ x 6″ or used railroad ties. While the rail ties are treated differently for longer usage, new pressure treated timbers look better and tend to provide a more uniform appearance.
What is the purpose of a drain on a sloped wall?
Drainage Materials – Walls retaining significantly sloped areas will have large amounts of water run against them. Similar to a french drain system, placing stone beneath the first timber and a drain at the base of the slope-side of the wall will facilitate drainage of water that might otherwise cause faster deterioration of the wood – even pressure-treated wood, or complete failure of the wall itself when the water freezes and expands.
How long do retaining walls last?
Wood retaining walls are typically built with pressure-treated timber, and they’ll last 40 years or more , when treated or preserved properly.
How many square feet are in a wall?
As an example, a wall 60’ long and 4’ high will be 240 square feet of wall face.
Do stairs cost more than retaining walls?
Steps or Corners – Basically, if your wall needs a set of stairs or has complicated corners, it’s going to cost a bit more than a standard retaining wall due to the added time to complete these features.
How much does it cost to install a retaining wall in 98102?
For your project in zip code 98102 with these options, the cost to install a retaining wall starts at $24.32-$33.31 per square foot. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.
How much does a cantilevered retaining wall cost?
This technique is especially suited for higher walls, and the typical cost is around $20 to $25 per square foot.
How much does it cost to build a sheet piling wall?
Costing around $10 to $20 per square foot , sheet piling is an economical type of wall for areas where space is limited. To build a sheet piling retaining wall, a solid piece of vinyl, wood, steel, or other material is dug into the ground, with roughly equal parts of the sheet above and below ground to provide a sturdy barrier to contain the soil.
How much does wood cost per square foot?
Depending on the wood quality and age, timbers typically cost between $15 and $25 per square foot .
Why do retaining walls need to be repaired?
Even a well-constructed retaining wall may need repair as the materials age, or as shifting soil blocks the drainage system. Here are some of the most common problems and how much they cost to fix.
Why is retaining wall important?
A retaining wall is an important part of landscaping, allowing different levels of land to be built into an area while also preventing soil erosion or slippage on sloping gradients. Retaining walls can be decorative as well as functional, with a wide variety of materials available to suit your landscaping's overall style.
What are the factors that affect the cost of a wall?
Some important factors to be aware of include: The depth of the foundations needed for the wall, and the type of earth needing to be dug out , are major factors in the cost of installation. Heavy clay soils will cost more to remove, and will usually need replacing with a lighter backfill to improve drainage.
