How much does a retaining wall cost? [2024]

Not totally satisfied with your garden? A retaining wall may be all you need to create a backyard that is more practical and easier on the eye.

With a range of materials and styles available, you can turn your backyard into a space that suits your lifestyle.

But how much do retaining walls cost?

This article will help you better understand:

• How much does a retaining wall cost?
• Benefits of retaining walls
• Types of retaining walls
• Retaining wall regulations and licensing
• Hiring a retaining wall builder
• Getting quotes from retaining wall builders

How much does a retaining wall cost?

A number of factors will influence the cost of your retaining wall, specifically:

• Materials used
• Size and scale
• Height
• Design, including excavation and drainage requirements

The materials you use will play a big part in determining the cost of your retaining wall per metre. 

When building a retaining wall, expect to pay around:

• $250 to $350 per sq/m for treated pine
• $300 to $450 per sq/m for treated timber sleepers/hardwood
• $300 to $550 per sq/m for sandstone blocks
• $400 to $680 per sq/m for reinforced concrete blocks
• $550 to $700 per sq/m for concrete Besser blocks

Overall, a small retaining wall could cost under $1000 while larger ones can escalate to as much as $10,000.

A timber retaining wall cost will be lower than other materials, but will have a limited lifespan and structural integrity. For superior longevity opt for treated hardwood, concrete, brick or stone. This will however cost more, particularly the cost of concrete retaining walls.

Also expect to pay more for retaining walls that require council approval and structural diagrams, all additional costs which you will be liable for.

Other considerations that will affect overall cost include excavation and drainage requirements for your site.

Expect to be quoted based on materials and labour, with materials calculated on a per square metre basis.

Benefits of retaining walls 

As well as looking good and adding an aesthetic appeal to your home and your yard, retaining walls can also have great environmental impacts on your home as well. They provide a great landscape to grow plants and vegetables in your yard because they add extra space. 

Retaining walls can also prevent erosion and flooding because they assist with the water flow in your space. They are cost effective and durable, so you will not have to maintain a retaining wall to a high standard. 

Types of retaining walls

Different types of retaining walls have different advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular retaining wall materials you have to choose from include:

Timber: Treated pine, hardwood and railway sleepers are most typically used. These natural choices are normally the cheapest options for retaining walls, but have the shortest life span.

Concrete: Aside from poured concrete, you have standard concrete blocks and concrete bricks to choose from to construct a retaining wall. Concrete is long lasting and versatile in how you finish it.

Brick is a perennial favourite. If you've had a little bricklaying experience and your wall is not too high, you may be able to get good results with a DIY project. If your results are less than perfect, you can always render the bricks after you're done.

Natural stone boulders make great retaining walls. Expect it to be more than a quick weekend project, though, because part of the art of stacking boulders is finding the perfect fit.

Retaining wall block systems are available that are ideal for a DIY retaining wall project.

Retaining wall regulations and licensing

Most states in Australia require retaining wall builders to be licensed. Depending on where you live this could be a builder, landscaper or bricklayer.

If the height of your wall approaches one metre, assume you will need to employ a structural engineer. Throughout Australia, the services of a structural engineer are required by law for all retaining walls over a metre in height and in some areas the minimum height may be as low as 600mm. If your retaining wall is less than 1.5 metres away from your property line or another building, you will probably need council approval to build it, no matter how high it is.

The height of a retaining wall isn't the only reason why you may need to have your retaining wall designed by a structural engineer, either. The position of a retaining wall can be an important factor, too. If you want to build one on or near your boundary, you may need to get council permission regardless of its height.

Hiring a retaining wall builder

When it comes time to hiring a retaining wall builder, take time to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask then include:

• What qualifications do you have?
• Are you licensed in this state?
• What insurance coverage do you have?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up with?
• Can I see examples of your work?

Getting quotes from retaining wall builders

Before you start getting quotes, have another look at the area where you want your retaining wall. Is excavation necessary? Will there be any access problems for excavators or materials? Do any trees or boulders need to be removed? Look for anything that could add to the cost of the job.

Now that you know what to ask for, you can get quotes from retaining wall experts in your area and be more confident that the initial quotes you receive will be closer to the actual cost of your retaining wall.

The best way of finding out the cost of your project is to get quotes from local retaining wall builders. This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.

To lower the cost of the project, consider what aspects you can do yourself.