How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost to Build? [2024 Data]

Cost Factors of Building a Retaining Wall

Your retaining wall’s size and material are the main influencers of what you pay, but there are other factors at play.

Size

The length and height of your wall have the biggest impact on cost, and taller retaining walls cost more per linear foot. For example, a 2-foot-tall retaining wall costs $40 to $200 per linear foot, while retaining walls up to 6 feet high cost about $360 per linear foot. 

The following table summarizes common retaining wall sizes and the typical costs. Note that the lower end of the cost range is for walls 2 feet high, while the higher end of the cost range is for walls 6 feet high or taller.

Materials

Materials for a retaining wall cost about $5 per square foot for a budget-friendly and lightweight material like vinyl. For a 2-foot-tall vinyl retaining wall, you’ll spend about $10 per linear foot. 

Expect to pay around $100 per square foot for a higher-end material like steel or natural stone. For a 2-foot-tall steel retaining wall, you’ll spend up to $200 per linear foot. 

Terrain 

The terrain and soil composition in the surrounding area impact the cost of building a retaining wall. If the ground is sloped, there's substantial additional labor involved, which can increase labor costs by 50% or more. In this situation, the contractor must do significant extra excavation to build step-downs or to terrace the slope to accommodate a safe retaining wall. 

Additionally, if the soil is particularly unstable or rocky, extra work is necessary to dig through it and compact it well enough to hold the wall once it's built.

Location

Where you put your retaining wall and how much reinforcement you need also affect costs. There’s a big difference in functionality between building a concrete retaining wall lakeside and adding visual interest to your landscape with a retaining wall in your front yard.

Drainage 

All retaining walls need drainage. After all, their purpose is to stop erosion. There are various methods, including pipes, gravel, weep holes, and criblock designs. If you already have a retaining wall that isn’t properly draining, you may need to spring for some repairs or a full replacement.

Expect to spend $60 to $70 per linear foot on excavation to fix drainage issues. If you’re replacing the wall, it will cost $20 to $30 per linear foot to demolish the old wall plus the cost of a new one.

Soil Type 

The type of soil in your yard will determine the type of retaining wall you can build. Certain walls work better with certain soil types. For example, malleable clay soil may not be sturdy enough to support heavy wall materials.

In addition, any type of rocky soil with lots of boulders will require your contractor to spend extra time clearing the land. It will also be more difficult to excavate, so you can expect increased labor costs all around.

Site Prep

Your contractor will prep the site before building the retaining wall. This may include land clearing, land grading, and tree removal. If your wall is more than 4 feet tall, you’ll need a structural engineer to design it.

• A structural engineer costs: $350–$750

• Land clearing costs: $110–$250 per hour

• Land grading costs: $900–$3,000

• Tree removal costs: $200–$2,000

Labor

Labor is a significant part of retaining wall costs. A local hardscape contractor will charge an average of $50 to $75 per hour. Labor fees to install a retaining wall range from $15 to $50 per square foot, depending on the materials and overall complexity of the project. Interlocking retaining wall blocks or pin mechanisms are the fastest and easiest to install compared to hand-stacked limestone or I beam retaining walls.

Permits 

Though it depends on local laws, most homeowners will need a permit to build a wall taller than three or four feet. Building permits cost between $50 and $450. Check your local regulations before you start.

Material Delivery

Your contractor may charge an extra fee for material delivery. If that’s the case, expect to spend $30 to $100 per truckload of stone, brick, or concrete blocks.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing costs $2 to $10 per square foot and can increase the lifespan of your retaining wall. It’s crucial because it stops water from seeping into wall joints, which can damage the wall’s structural integrity over time. Some materials (like vinyl) are more waterproof than others, so make sure to check with your contractor.

Reinforcements

Your retaining wall may need reinforcements, increasing your material and labor costs. A hardscaping pro will add rebar either horizontally or vertically. Rebar costs around $0.80 to $1.60 per square foot. If your wall is particularly long or tall, it may also need footings with different fill materials (material costs vary based on the material).

A structural engineer adds reinforcements when:

• The wall is taller than 4 feet

• The wall is longer or taller than average

• You’re installing a sea wall

• You live in a climate with extreme weather

Additional Dirt Fill 

If you need extra dirt to fill in your retaining wall, expect to spend $150 to $600 per truckload. The cost of fill dirt can range anywhere from $5 to $30 per cubic yard. 

Seasonality 

You can install a retaining wall any time during the year, but it will be more difficult if your contractor needs to dig into frozen ground. This will increase labor costs. Save money by avoiding the winter and scheduling your job when the ground is still soft.

Upgrades for Your Retaining Wall

There are plenty of ways to further enhance the look and function of your retaining wall. There are countless options, from planting flowers in mulch for a pop of summer color or adding a fence for extra safety to installing a raised paver patio and an outdoor kitchen. You could have fun with the kids and paint a mural on the wall or add landscape lighting to enjoy your yard after dark.

• Flower beds cost: $1,000–$3,000

• Landscape lighting costs: $2,000–$6,000

• Fence installation costs: $1,500–$8,000

• Building a patio costs: $1,050–$8,100

• Building an outdoor kitchen costs: $5,500–$22,200

• Gravel installation prices: $300–$400

• Landscape curbing cost: $800–$2,100

• Decomposed granite installation costs: $60–$300

Retaining Wall Cost by Type

The type of material you choose will greatly affect what you pay. Here’s a look at the average prices for common retaining wall materials per square foot.

• Vinyl is functional with minimal decorative options, but it's wallet-friendly, lightweight, and compact. It's best for small retaining walls that don't need to support much weight. 

• Railroad tie retaining walls are common in older homes, but because they are soaked with toxic creosote to avoid rot, they aren’t used as often now.

• Timber retaining walls are a cost-effective and readily available choice often used in gardens. With waterproofing, they can last up to 20 years. 

• Brick retaining walls come in many colors and act as veneers on a retaining wall. This means they’re only one-brick thick (a wythe) and fixed to the outside of poured or block concrete.

• Rammed earth retaining walls are an environmentally friendly option. They’re the byproduct of compacting earth with a binder and are as strong as concrete. 

• Gabion retaining walls are commonly used on lakefronts and steeply sloped areas to prevent soil erosion. They're essentially rugged wire boxes filled with rocks and boulders. They're a cost-effective solution, although not a terribly attractive one. Plus, they require minimal maintenance, shift with the land over time, and don't need a concrete foundation.

• Stone retaining walls range from lower-cost granite to pricey limestone. Stacked stone walls are the most common and durable style. An affordable alternative, stone veneer uses a thin layer of stone to cover a concrete base.

• Concrete retaining walls are built with dry-stacked or reinforced blocks. You can add veneers to concrete walls to give them a bit of personality.

• I beam retaining walls use vertical I beams concreted into holes with wood slats or precast concrete panels between the steel in the beams' grooves. Homeowners often use these to mark property lines and prevent landscape erosion.

• Steel retaining walls support deep excavations or keep back soil next to a structure, a deep terrace, or a long drop. Corten Steel is the most expensive option. Some installers use a sheet of Corten over a timber or concrete wall as a wallet-friendly option that still offers extra protection.

Ongoing Expenses of a Retaining Wall

You’ll also have to think about long-term costs, including wall repairs, replacements, or even rebuilding a damaged wall. Here are common ongoing expenses.

Cost to Build a Retaining Wall Yourself

Photo: Natalie Schorr / Adobe Stock

You can build smaller retaining walls yourself and save $15 to $50 per square foot in labor costs. For example, you can save between $300 and $2,000 in labor costs for a wall that’s 20 feet long and 2 feet high. However, the cost of having the material delivered or renting a vehicle capable of carrying large quantities of heavy materials can potentially offset the savings on labor. 

And, if you need something more complex than a basic wall, such as a cantilevered wall that holds back a lot of heavy stone or soil, then it's best to hire a mason to get the job done.

Don't forget, if you're building a retaining wall over 4 feet high, you'll need to contact a local structural engineer, as walls taller than 4 feet need more structural support.

DIY Retaining Wall Cost vs. Hiring a Pro

If you hire a landscaper, labor costs anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour, and it could take a couple of days to build your wall (though interlocking retaining wall blocks have the quickest installation). That means you can save a significant chunk of change by doing the labor yourself—but this is only true if it’s a small wall without ultra-heavy materials.

For walls taller than 4 feet, you’ll need to hire a structural engineer, but even shorter walls can collapse if they’re not installed correctly with the proper drainage. It’s best to just hire a retaining wall installer near you who can do the job correctly.

Benefits of Installing a Retaining Wall

Many homeowners use a retaining wall for landscaping because they like the aesthetic. Terraced retaining walls can act like a series of raised beds, creating an ideal place to plant flowers or shrubbery and instantly making your yard look put together. Beyond good looks, there are a few major functional benefits of retaining walls:

• Preventing erosion: Erosion prevention is particularly important for homeowners who have sloped yards and live in climates with heavy rain or winds. A retaining wall ensures your land stays put.

• Managing runoff: Retaining walls direct rainwater so it doesn’t flood your foundation (or anywhere else).

• Adding structural support: If you live in an area with unstable soil, a retaining wall can add structural support, creating a sturdy foundation for your home.

• Eliminating slopes: Like regrading your yard, building a retaining wall can eliminate slopes. This gives you more usable land in your yard, whether you want to build a patio or simply have more space to play lawn games.

• Adding property value: If you include a retaining wall in a comprehensive landscaping project, you can add around 15% to the value of your home. On average, comprehensive landscaping projects have a 100% to 200% return. 

Tips to Save on the Cost of a Retaining Wall 

It can be overwhelming trying to budget for a retaining wall. Here are some ways to save money on a retaining wall.

• Limit your wall height to less than four feet so you don't have to pay for a structural engineer and additional labor to add supports and footings.

• You can mix materials, which is common with steel retaining walls. A concrete or wood wall with a steel face can trim your budget by 25% to 50%. 

• If you're replacing an existing retaining wall, try reusing materials still in good condition. Also, your contractor may offer salvaged or recycled materials at a lower cost. 

• Do some DIY prep work, like clearing the land or finish the landscaping on your own. You can even make your own mulch or lay down decomposed granite to create flower beds.

• You'll save by wrapping your retaining wall into a more extensive landscape project. Some contractors offer discounts for multiple projects.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.