How much does a retaining wall cost?

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 $400 and $8,700. 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 size of your retaining wall plays a huge part in determining your budget. The table below summarizes the average cost of a retaining wall per foot:

Other factors affecting how much it costs to install a retaining wall

Materials

The material you'll use for your retaining wall plays a huge part in the final pricing of the service. You might have already decided on an affordable material for your retaining wall, but to get the best result, you must plan your budget carefully. Here's a look at the average cost of retaining walls based on their materials:

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 labor

Another factor that goes into the final pricing of retaining walls is labor. If more skilled people are required to work on a single construction project, expect higher costs. The same applies if you 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 contractor 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.