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.

Expect to spend between $3,201 and $9,196 on average retaining wall costs, with most homeowners paying an average of $6,069. Key cost factors include wall size and type, site preparation work, and labor. 

Whether you’re trying to stop soil erosion, carve out more usable yard space, or give your landscape a facelift, this project can pay off. Budget ahead and hire a pro so your wall stands strong for decades.

Retaining Wall Cost Factors

How much you pay to build a retaining wall depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down. 

Wall Size

Your retaining wall’s size is one of the main project cost drivers. Longer and taller walls cost more per linear foot than smaller walls. On average, a two-foot-high wall costs $40 to $200 per linear foot. A wall that’s six feet high costs $360 per linear foot. The lower cost ranges in the table below are for two-foot walls and the higher costs are for six-foot walls.

Labor

Labor makes up a big chunk of your retaining wall budget. Pros charge $50 to $75 per hour, or $15 to $50 per square foot, but your price will rise or fall based on:

• 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, your labor costs will increase. 

Walls that are more than four feet high require you to hire a structural engineer, costing $350 to $750.

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.

Repairs

Plan on $800 to $1,000 for most repairs, although major fixes can reach $14,500. Keep an eye out for leaks, cracks, or shifting blocks—tackling problems early almost always saves money.

Retaining Wall Enhancements

Want to top your new wall with a patio or outdoor kitchen? You’ll probably need extra footings to handle the weight. Homeowners also add upgrades like:

Retaining Wall Costs by Material

The cost of your retaining wall largely depends on the material you choose. When selecting the right wall material 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 

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.

Compressed earth blocks are compressed individually, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot.

Gabion and Stone 

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 

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

Brick 

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), outside of poured or block concrete. When used alone, bricks are often only suitable up to four feet in height; above that, two wythes thick are recommended for stability.

Wood or Timber 

Wooden retaining walls average $15 to $30 per square foot. They last five to 20 years and are favored for gardens because of their natural appearance. Wood is susceptible to rot and water damage, but proper drainage and waterproofing during installation can extend its life.

Concrete 

Concrete retaining walls cost $30 to $50 per square foot of the wall's face. Options include poured, split-face block, or CMU (cinder block). Split-face blocks provide a rock-like texture in various colors. Poured concrete walls may require an additional $30 to $100 per linear foot for footing and pilings on walls over four feet high or in freeze-thaw climates to prevent cracking. Modular blocks allow for slight movement and can reduce foundation costs.

Railroad Tie 

Railroad tie walls cost $25 to $30 per square foot. Ties are soaked in creosote, which resists rot but is toxic to humans. Check local building codes before using railroad ties to build your retaining wall.

Budgeting for Building a Retaining Wall

Most retaining walls are pro jobs, but there are smart ways to trim the budget without cutting corners:

• Schedule wisely: Plan 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: Handle simple tasks yourself, like debris removal or small vegetation clearing.

• Get multiple quotes: Compare estimates from reputable local retaining wall contractors.

• Simplify the design: Straight walls are cheaper than curved ones.

• Improve access: Move obstacles like vehicles or furniture to minimize labor time.

• Check regulations: Obtain necessary permits to avoid unexpected fees.

• Think long-term: Investing in waterproofing or proper footing now can prevent 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.