How much does it cost to build a retaining wall in the UK?

A retaining wall can have both practical and aesthetic benefits. It can prevent soil erosion, elevate garden spaces, and boost a home's curb appeal. On average, installing a retaining wall can cost between £240 and £395. However, the height, length, style, and finish of the retaining wall, as well as how rugged the terrain is, will affect the final price of the service. To know more about retaining wall costs, read on.

Price list for retaining wall construction

The material you'll use for your retaining wall plays a huge part in determining your budget. The cheapest retaining walls in the UK are boulder and gabion, while the most expensive ones are made of stone. Here's a look at the average cost of retaining walls per square metre (m²) based on their materials:

Other factors affecting the cost of building a retaining wall in the UK

Terrain

The wall's terrain can highly impact the cost of retaining walls. Depending on the difficulty of the landscape, the final price can increase by 50%, especially if the ground surrounding the wall is sloped. This is because your contractors might need to perform special excavation to terrace the slope. In addition, unstable soil requires extra digging to make it more compact.

Amount of labour

Another factor that goes into the final pricing of retaining walls is labour. If more skilled people are required to work on a single construction project, expect higher costs. The same applies if there's a need to dig out footers and carry blocks. The rule of thumb is that the more complex the job, the higher the cost.

Your location

Expect to pay more if you reside outside your contractor's service area. Additional expenses like gas and parking fees may be considered when your contractor needs to travel from a remote location. To help you stay within your budget, always hire someone within or near your geographical area.

Are retaining walls worth the money?

The answer is yes. Having retaining walls built can be one of the smartest ways to improve your home's landscape. Not only do they make your property more appealing by highlighting your plants and flowers, but they can also extend its overall integrity for years. Retaining walls reduces the likelihood of erosion, as they slow down the flow of water that runs over the surface of your home. In essence, retaining walls are a great combination of beauty and functionality.

Post a task for retaining wall construction

Now that you know how much it costs to build a retaining wall, it's time to hire a Tasker near you. Airtasker can help you find the most suitable retaining wall builder to work with on your first (or perhaps second) retaining wall project. Just post a task with all the correct details (location, materials, etc.), and you'll shortly receive multiple offers. Whether you're looking to beautify the design of your landscape or prevent erosion from damaging your property, it's always a good idea to turn to professionals.