Retaining Wall Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,350 – $4,050
$45.00 – $135.00 per linear ft
Material
$450 – $1,350
Labor
$900 – $2,700
Cost / Linear Ft
$45.00 – $135.00
Wall Area
90 sq ft
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Retaining Wall Cost Breakdown
| Material | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber / Wood | $5 – $10 | $10 – $20 | $15 – $30 | 20–40 yrs |
| Concrete Block | $5 – $15 | $10 – $30 | $15 – $45 | 50–100 yrs |
| Poured Concrete | $8 – $15 | $12 – $30 | $20 – $45 | 50–100 yrs |
| Natural Stone | $10 – $40 | $10 – $60 | $20 – $100 | 50–200 yrs |
Average Project Costs by Wall Size (Concrete Block)
| Project | Size | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Border | 20 ft × 2 ft | $540 – $1,620 |
| Standard Wall | 30 ft × 3 ft | $1,350 – $4,050 |
| Hillside Wall | 40 ft × 4 ft | $2,720 – $8,160 |
| Large Wall | 60 ft × 6 ft | $7,200 – $21,600 |
How We Calculate
Our retaining wall cost calculator estimates project costs using wall face area (length × height) as the base unit. Material and labor costs are applied per square foot of wall face, with a labor multiplier for taller walls that require more complex construction.
How the math works: We multiply your wall length by height to get the total wall face area in square feet. Material costs are calculated at a flat per-square-foot rate. Labor costs use the same base rate but are multiplied by a height factor — taller walls require deeper footings, more structural reinforcement, and heavier equipment.
Materials Comparison
Timber / Wood ($15–$30/sq ft) is the most affordable option, ideal for short garden walls under 3 feet. Pressure-treated lumber resists rot but has the shortest lifespan at 20–40 years.
Concrete Block ($15–$45/sq ft) is the most popular choice for residential retaining walls. Interlocking block systems are relatively easy to install and last 50–100 years. Available in many colors and textures.
Poured Concrete ($20–$45/sq ft) is the strongest option for tall structural walls. It requires forming and curing time but provides maximum structural integrity. Lasts 50–100 years.
Natural Stone ($20–$100/sq ft) offers the most attractive finish and the longest lifespan (50–200+ years). Costs vary widely based on stone type — fieldstone and limestone are more affordable, while cut granite is premium.
Height Factors
Wall height significantly impacts labor costs. Short walls (2 ft) are simpler to build and use a 0.85× labor multiplier. Standard 3 ft walls use the baseline rate. Walls at 4 ft and above require proper footings, and at 6+ ft, engineering drawings and permits are typically mandatory — reflected in 1.2×–1.8× labor multipliers.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover materials and labor but do not include site preparation, drainage systems ($5–$15/linear ft), engineering fees ($500–$2,000 for walls over 4 ft), or permit fees ($100–$500). Difficult access, steep slopes, and soil conditions can also increase costs by 10–25%.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a retaining wall cost? +
Retaining walls cost $15–$100 per square foot of wall face, depending on material. Timber walls are the most affordable at $15–$30/sq ft, concrete block runs $15–$45/sq ft, poured concrete $20–$45/sq ft, and natural stone $20–$100/sq ft. A typical 30 ft × 3 ft wall costs $1,350–$4,050 in concrete block.
What is the cheapest retaining wall material? +
Timber (pressure-treated wood) is the cheapest retaining wall material at $15–$30 per square foot installed. However, timber walls have the shortest lifespan (20–40 years) compared to concrete or stone (50–100+ years). For the best long-term value, concrete block offers a good balance of cost and durability.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall? +
Most municipalities require a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall. Walls over 4 feet also typically require engineered drawings from a licensed structural engineer. Check with your local building department — some areas require permits for walls as short as 3 feet, especially if the wall supports a surcharge load like a driveway or structure.
How long does a retaining wall last? +
Retaining wall lifespan depends on the material: timber walls last 20–40 years, concrete block and poured concrete walls last 50–100 years, and natural stone walls can last 50–200+ years. Proper drainage behind the wall is critical — most retaining wall failures are caused by water pressure buildup, not material failure.
Can I build a retaining wall myself? +
Short retaining walls (under 3 feet) are manageable DIY projects, especially timber and interlocking concrete block systems. Walls over 3–4 feet require proper footings, drainage systems, and potentially structural engineering — these are best left to professional contractors. DIY can save 40–60% on labor costs for simple walls.
Does a retaining wall need engineering? +
Walls over 4 feet tall generally require engineered drawings from a licensed structural engineer, costing $500–$2,000. Engineering ensures the wall can handle soil pressure, water loads, and any surcharge from nearby structures. Even shorter walls may need engineering if they support a driveway, hillside, or building foundation.
What is the best material for a retaining wall? +
The best material depends on your budget, height, and aesthetics. Concrete block is the most popular choice — it's cost-effective, durable (50–100 years), and works for walls up to 6+ feet. Natural stone offers the most attractive finish but costs 2–3× more. Poured concrete is strongest for tall structural walls. Timber is best for short, budget-friendly garden walls.
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