How much does a concrete retaining wall cost? [2024]

Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials, but nothing beats concrete when it comes to strength and durability. With the new moulded concrete retaining wall systems available today, a concrete retaining wall isn't just quick to build, it's also durable and easy on the eye.

But the first thing you need to know when planning your project is how much a concrete retaining wall costs. Read this guide to find out:

• Average concrete retaining wall cost in Australia
• What affects the cost of concrete retaining walls?
• How much do concrete blocks cost?
• How much does a Besser block retaining wall cost?
• What are my other retaining wall options?
• Do I need a structural engineer?
• Why install a concrete retaining wall?
• Why use concrete for your retaining wall?
• Understanding concrete retaining wall regulations
• Hiring the right retaining wall builder
• Getting quotes for your concrete retaining wall cost

Average concrete retaining wall cost in Australia

The cost of a concrete retaining wall depends on several things, including:

• The size of your wall
• How many concrete blocks you need
• Whether you need to hire a structural engineer
• Whether you're building it yourself or using a licensed builder

The type of concrete you use will also affect the price. For materials and labour, expect to pay anywhere from:

• $450 to $700 per square metre for reinforced concrete blocks
• $550 to $750 per square metre for concrete Besser blocks

These prices include the labour rate for concreters, which is around $60 to $80 per hour, depending on where you live in Australia.

What affects the cost of concrete retaining walls?

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

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

If you're building a larger retaining wall, there are further costs to consider. You may have to:

• Get council approval
• Hire a structural engineer
• Buy a more expensive reinforced system
• Consider technical details, such as drainage

Find out what else can affect your concrete retaining wall cost.

How much do concrete blocks cost?

The cost of concrete retaining wall installation is quoted based on materials and labour, with materials usually calculated per square metre basis.

If you choose interlocking concrete blocks or a concrete sleeper retaining wall, expect to pay $450 to $700 per square metre.

How much does a Besser block retaining wall cost?

Core-filled Besser blocks are a common alternative to interlocking blocks. Besser block retaining wall costs can vary from $550 to $750 per square metre, depending on their strength.

What are my other retaining wall options?

If you're looking to save on retaining wall costs, some materials can be cheaper than concrete upfront, such as timber and sandstone. The trade off is that the retaining wall will likely require more maintenance and may not last as long, which could cost more in the long run.

Expect to pay around:

• $250 to $350 per square metre for treated pine
• $300 to $450 per square metre for treated hardwood sleepers
• $300 to $550 per square metre for sandstone blocks

Do I need a structural engineer?

If your retaining wall is going to be over a metre in height, you'll have to hire a structural engineer to design and oversee construction of the wall.

There are good reasons why councils require the services of structural engineers – if a retaining wall collapses, it poses a significant danger to you and your family, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

If you need an engineer for your concrete retaining wall, expect to pay:

• $350 for a basic soil test
• $1,000+ for a soil and contour survey

Read more: Do I need an engineer for my retaining wall?

Why install a concrete retaining wall?

Retaining walls have a number of uses in gardens. Structurally, they can be used to contain a slope or to form terraces of different levels. They can be useful for creating a step in a sloping block that can make your yard more user-friendly.

Another practical reason to add a retaining wall is to control water runoff. When well planned, a retaining wall can prevent erosion and flooding, keep surrounding areas dry or even trap rainwater for plants, especially useful in a dry climate.

You can also use a retaining wall to segment a garden and create a network of planter boxes. This is a great way to add definition to your backyard and turn an old or boring suburban garden into something spectacular.

Why use concrete for your retaining wall?

Need a reason why you should consider concrete as a material for your retaining wall? Don't just listen to us – here's what builder James Mason of Our Build Handyman and Home Improvements had to say:

“The great thing about interlocking block retaining walls is the ease of construction, In some cases, concrete footings are not necessary and the simple installation method makes it DIY friendly for most homeowners to try their hand at."

“If you are thinking of rendered masonry, this is a great way to achieve a contemporary look for any garden. Be aware that this style of construction will generally involve reinforced concrete footings that an engineer may need to design."

“With retaining walls, it's what is below the surface that counts. Making sure adequate subsoil drainage is installed will ensure you will achieve longevity in the look of your wall for years to come.”

Understanding concrete retaining wall regulations

Most states in Australia require your retaining wall builder to be licensed. This is primarily for your health and safety. Depending on where you live, this could mean hiring a builder, landscaper or bricklayer.

If the height of your wall is taller than 1 metre, assume you'll 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, though in some areas the minimum height may be as low as 600mm.

If your concrete 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. Retaining walls under a metre generally don't require council approval, as these are classified as a non-structural wall.

Other important things to know are:

• A retaining wall must be built at least 60cm away from an adjoining property line. In some areas, it can be 90cm or more.
• Your retaining wall cannot divert water to an adjoining property.

There may be other considerations as well, depending on your situation. Before you do anything, ask your local council for specific information about building retaining walls in your area.

Read more: Understanding retaining wall height regulations

Hiring the right retaining wall builder

When it comes to hiring, take the time to make sure your tradie is right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed or qualified?
• Are you insured?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up?
• Can I see examples of your work?

Getting quotes for your concrete retaining wall cost

A professional retaining wall builder knows how to do the job right and build a retaining wall that will last as long as the concrete blocks themselves.

Getting a quote for a concrete block or Besser block retaining wall cost will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.

To find inspiration for your home improvement project, see our gallery of retaining wall ideas.

 All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.