How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average cost to build a retaining wall is $6,077, with costs ranging between $1,200 to $16,000. Your total cost will depend on factors like the wall's size, materials, and labor.

Retaining walls serve many purposes—from preventing soil erosion and enhancing your landscaping to increasing usable outdoor space. They're a great way to improve your yard's functionality and curb appeal. Hiring a professional ensures your retaining wall is designed and built to last. Let's break down what you need to know to budget for your retaining wall project.

Retaining Wall Cost Factors

Several factors impact the cost of your retaining wall, including labor rates in your area and the materials you choose. Complex projects using concrete bricks in hard-to-reach places will cost more than simple interlocking blocks made from rammed earth.

Labor

Labor is a significant part of retaining wall costs. On average, contractors charge $50 to $75 per hour or $15 to $50 per square foot. The final cost depends on several factors, including:

• Wall Height: Walls over four feet tall need footings, reinforcement, and sometimes scaffolding. They may also require engineered drawings, adding to the cost.

• Accessibility: If your site is easy to access, contractors can use larger machines to reduce labor time. Hard-to-reach areas may require more manual labor, which is pricier.

• Gate and Fence Removal: If your pro needs to remove and replace existing gates or fences, it can increase your project cost.

Reach out to a retaining wall contractor near you to get an accurate estimate for your project.

Size

On average, retaining walls cost $20 to $60 per square foot, with large, complex builds with high-end materials costing up to $125 per square foot.

Location

Retaining wall costs vary slightly by location on your property, primarily due to how much reinforcement they'll need to withstand the forces applied to the earth they're holding back. Materials and size also play a large role.

Site Prep

Before you can install your retaining wall, there may be some site prep work. Here’s a breakdown of costs by prep task.

Before building your retaining wall, some site preparation might be necessary, which can affect your overall cost:

• Land clearing: Removing vegetation or debris costs $100 to $250 per hour.

• Land grading: Leveling the ground ranges from $900 to $3,000.

• Tree removal: Taking down trees costs between $200 and $2,000, depending on the tree size.

• Structural engineer: Hiring a structural engineer to design your wall costs $350 to $750.

These prep tasks help ensure your retaining wall is built on solid ground and meets all safety requirements.

Repairs

On average, repairing a retaining wall costs between $800 and $1,000. For larger repairs or replacements, costs can go up to $14,500. Watch out for signs like leaks, cracks, or shifts in your wall. Catching problems early can save you money in the long run.

Retaining Wall Enhancements

Thinking about adding a patio or outdoor kitchen on top of your retaining wall? You'll likely need additional footings to support the extra weight. Other popular enhancements that enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your retaining wall include:

Retaining Wall Costs by Type

The cost of your retaining wall largely depends on the type you choose. When selecting the right wall for your project, consider the following:

• Purpose: What do you need the retaining wall to do?

• Size: How long and tall does it need to be?

• Moisture conditions: What's the soil moisture like where you'll build?

• Style: What look are you aiming for?

• Budget: How much are you willing to spend?

A local residential structural engineer or retaining wall contractor can help you choose the best type of retaining wall for your needs.

Rammed Earth and Compressed Earth Block Retaining Wall

Rammed earth retaining walls cost $20 to $30 per square foot. Rammed earth is created by compacting earth with a binder into a hardened structure. Modern methods use some cement as a binder and can reach the strength of concrete. Although not used extensively, it's a more environmentally responsible alternative to brick and concrete.

On the other hand, compressed earth blocks are different from rammed earth walls because they’re compressed individually, and their prices range from $5 to $10 per square foot.

Gabion and Stone Retaining Wall

Stone retaining walls cost $5 to $100 per square foot. Prices range from the inexpensive and practical gabion to the high-end stacked stone and limestone options.

Metal Retaining Wall

There are many metal retaining wall options, including steel. Keep in mind that metal rusts over time and works better in some climates than others, but it can last for many decades if installed and treated properly, with galvanized steel lasting the longest in coastal environments.

Brick Retaining Wall

Brick walls cost $10 to $45 per square foot. Bricks can act as a veneer in a retaining wall, meaning they're only one brick thick (a wythe), typically outside of poured or block concrete. When used alone, bricks are often only suitable up to about four feet in height, but above that height, you'll want to have them two wythes thick for better stability.

Wood or Timber Retaining Wall

Wooden retaining walls average $15 to $30 per square foot. They typically last five to 20 years and are a favorite for gardens because of their natural appearance. You can easily find this cost-effective material locally. The downside of using wood is that it’s susceptible to rot and water damage. However, drainage and waterproofing during installation can make this style last decades.

Concrete Retaining Wall

Concrete retaining walls cost $10 to $100 per square face foot (or the square feet of the wall's face). You can choose from poured, split-face block, or CMU (cinder block). You may also use veneers on poured and cinder walls, but the split-face look comes with a rock-like texture and various colors.

Poured concrete retaining walls may require an additional $30 to $100 per linear foot for foundations and pilings for the cost of concrete footing. You’ll need these for walls more than four feet high. They’re also necessary for large projects in climates with freeze-and-thaw cycles that might crack poured concrete. To avoid this price, consider using modular blocks, which allow for slight shifting.

Railroad Tie Retaining Wall

Railroad tie retaining walls cost $25 to $30 per square foot. Because they're soaked in creosote, they don't rot the way untreated wood does. However, creosote is also toxic to humans, making it a less popular option. Check with your local code enforcement or contractor to see if you can use railroad ties in your area.

Budgeting for Building a Retaining Wall

Building a retaining wall usually requires professional help, but there are ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality:

• Schedule Wisely: Plan your project during off-peak seasons when contractors may offer lower rates.

• Choose Cost-Effective Materials: Opt for durable yet affordable materials like concrete blocks instead of natural stone.

• DIY Site Prep: To reduce labor costs, tackle simple tasks yourself, like clearing debris or small vegetation.

• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes from reputable contractors to ensure you're getting a fair price.

• Simplify the Design: Straight walls are usually less expensive than curved ones due to simpler construction.

• Improve Access: Move any obstacles that might hinder the crew, like vehicles or outdoor furniture, to minimize labor time.

• Check Regulations: Find out if you need permits to avoid unexpected fees.

• Think Long-Term: Investing in waterproofing or a foundation now may save you from costly repairs later.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.