

Homeowners should check their local regulations regarding retaining walls before starting the project. In many areas, a permit is required if the retaining wall is over 3 or 4 feet tall. This process will cost more since it will take more time and effort to design and build the wall. Walls over 4 feet tall and walls that need to hold back a significant amount of weight will need to be designed by a structural engineer. In a situation like this, prepare to pay the higher end of the labor estimate. Existing gates and fences may need to be removed as well.

If the location where the retaining wall is being built is difficult to access, the area will require scaffolding and reinforcement. Labor costs run from $50 to $75 per hour or $10 to $50 per square foot.
#BUILDING A RETAINING WALL MANUAL#
Expect to pay more for manual labor in difficult-to-access areas. AccessibilityĮasier access to the location where the retaining wall will be built will allow large earthmoving machines to do most of the work. Keep in mind that the larger the retaining wall, the stronger a foundation it will need. Material and labor costs are dependent on the overall size. When calculating retaining wall costs, it’s essential to consider the wall’s length, height, and width. Front yard: $30 to $200 per linear foot.Swimming pool: $20 to $100 per linear foot.Shoreline: $125 to $200 per linear foot.

Here are some common locations for retaining walls and their price per linear foot. Since no two retaining walls are the same, it’s important to recognize the function of the wall and carefully understand how much force it needs to withstand. The location and the amount of reinforcement are significant factors that impact retaining wall costs. Each material has its advantages, benefits, and pricing per linear foot. Materials include concrete, gabion and stone, brick, wood or timber, railroad tie, steel, I-beam, and rammed earth. Some homeowners prefer to mix and match different materials to create visual interest while reinforcing the function of the structure. The type of material used to build a retaining wall depends on personal preference, although the required size and height of the wall can also dictate the material. The type of material will impact labor prices and the project’s overall cost. Prices can be different from the national average due to the material, location, size, height, accessibility of the area, labor costs, permit fees, soil, site preparation, material delivery fees, waterproofing, geographic location, and the time of year. Several factors can affect retaining wall costs.
