How Much Does It Cost to Put Up a Retaining Wall?

How Much Does It Cost to put up a Retaining wall

How Much Does It Cost to Put Up a Retaining Wall?

What are the benefits of adding a retaining wall to your property?

Not only does it increase the aesthetic value, but it improves the stability of your home and also prevents soil erosion.

Plus, these types of hardscaping projects can add value to your home.

By adding a retaining wall to your property, you can enjoy each of these benefits!

Do you want to learn more about putting up a retaining wall in your yard, what goes into the retaining wall cost, and more? 

Keep reading this article to answer the question, “how much does it cost to put up a retaining wall?”  

Material Choice

Your material choice for your retaining wall is one of the biggest factors for the overall cost.

Typically, homeowners choose from concrete, stone, steel, wood, cinderblock, and other materials for their retaining walls. 

While you may want to build a stacked natural stone retaining wall, this may be a lot more expensive than another material. 

The cost of these materials will also be calculated per square foot. So if you are building a small retaining wall, you may be able to afford the most expensive material. 

Typically, concrete retaining walls can cost anywhere from $10-$100 per square foot. Stone walls can cost anywhere from $5-$100 per square foot, depending on the type of stone you choose. 

Brick, wood, or railroad tie retaining walls are some of the least expensive options for cheap retaining walls. 

Labor Costs

Another important factor to consider in the retaining wall cost is labor costs!

Labor fees will depend on the company that you choose to work with, but typically you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 per hour to $100 per hour. 

The labor costs can also go up depending on specific needs for your retaining wall.

For example, if your retaining wall is in an awkward location or requires some type of reinforcement, it will take a landscaping contractor longer to complete your retaining wall. 

To get an accurate estimation of the labor costs for your retaining wall, you can contact a local landscaping contractor to get a free estimate for their labor costs!

Location in Yard

The cost of a retaining wall will also depend on the location of the wall in your yard. 

For example, some people add a retaining wall to add visual interest to the landscaping in their yard.

When they are created specifically for aesthetic purposes, they are often less expensive. 

On the other hand, retaining walls that are needed for functionality can be more expensive. 

If you are creating a retaining wall specifically for landscaping, it will often cost anywhere from $30-$150 per linear foot. If you need a retaining wall for a lake or seawall, it will cost closer to $125-$200 per linear foot. 

Retaining Wall Size

Although retaining walls costs depend on the material you choose, the cost will also depend on the size of the retaining wall. 

Most contractors will charge per linear foot for your retaining wall. So, the longer the retaining wall, the more expensive it will be to install. 

When it comes to the height of your retaining wall, your contractors will charge per linear foot.

If your retaining wall is less than four feet tall, it will likely cost about $80-$200 per linear foot. 

If you are trying to save money on your retaining wall, you can adjust the height of the completed project to potentially save a few hundred dollars per linear foot. 

Type of Engineering

Another factor that will affect the cost of your retaining wall is the type of engineering used to build it. 

For example, you can build a retaining wall with an interlocking-block system.

These are mortar free and easy to assemble, so they will typically be less expensive. 

Other methods of installation can be more expensive, so it is best to talk with your landscaping contractor about their installation services. 

Other Factors

There are still a few other factors that can affect the cost of your retaining wall. 

First, it depends on how much excavation is required for your project.

If there are rocks and boulders that need to be removed before building your wall, it will be a more expensive project.

This is because it is more labor-intensive than excavating dirt

Retaining walls will also be more expensive if they are more difficult to construct.

For example, constructing a retaining wall on a slope is much more difficult and will take your contractor longer to complete.

The added difficulty and additional labor will make the overall project cost more. 

Overall Cost of a Retaining Wall

Because the overall cost of your retaining wall depends on so many different factors, it can be difficult to provide a pricing estimate without additional knowledge about your project.  

Luckily, the price of your retaining wall is largely up to you.

If you are on a tighter budget, you can choose a less expensive material or create a smaller wall to save money. 

Learn More About Retaining Wall Cost Calculations

When you are building retaining walls, there are many factors that contribute to the price.

Understanding these factors in the retaining wall cost calculator will make it easier to budget for and build your retaining wall. 

Do you want to learn more about what goes into retaining wall cost calculations in the Phoenix area?

Desert Dreamco. can help! We offer landscape construction services and can help you create a beautiful retaining wall in your yard. 

Contact us today to get a free quote for your project or for other backyard landscaping ideas.


Are you looking for a block wall construction company in Phoenix to help you with your residential project? Contact the experts at Desert Dreamco and work with a 5-star, family-owned business when you call  (623) 226-0192 or schedule a free design consultation online.

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