How Much Does a Stone Wall Cost in 2025?

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

Building a boulder or stone retaining wall costs an average of $5,025, with total costs ranging from $3,650 to $6,420. This works out to $45 to $200 per square foot. Factors like wall type, materials, and project complexity can affect the final price. Proper budgeting is key, and hiring a professional ensures your wall is built correctly for long-lasting results.

Stone Wall Cost Factors

Expect to pay between $45 and $200 per square foot for most landscaping walls, or $125 on average. Many professional landscapers use the term “face foot” to refer to pricing, which is one square foot of the wall's face. Many factors impact the cost of your stone wall project, so here’s a closer look at how your total price is determined.

• The wall’s height: Taller walls require more materials and labor.

• Jobsite accessibility: Hard-to-reach sites may increase labor costs.

• Project complexity: Intricate designs or challenging terrain can raise the price.

Type of Wall

One of the most significant cost factors is the type of wall you are building:

Dry-stacked stone retaining walls cost an average of $30 per square foot, depending on the stone you choose. Using locally quarried stone can save you money on shipping fees. While dry stacking is more expensive due to the skill required, it offers a timeless look that adds character to your landscape. On average, dry-stacked fieldstone retaining walls cost $25 to $75 per square foot. 

Materials

Stone veneer retaining walls cost approximately $20 to $40 per square foot, including labor and materials. Your retaining wall costs vary by wall base and stone veneer type. Usually, the actual wall is a concrete block structure, and the stone veneer is applied over the top to finish the look.

By contrast, natural stone walls cost an average range of $25 to $80 per square foot for materials and labor costs an additional $15 to $30 per square foot.

Labor

Labor costs are estimated at $3 to $6 per square foot (or $50 to $100 per hour), depending on your contractor's pricing method.

For example, if you're using stones of similar sizes, the work is straightforward and takes less time. However, building a fieldstone wall involves collecting and shaping irregular stones, which can take four to five times longer and increase labor costs.

Prep and Excavation

Before building your retaining wall, there are some prep tasks that might not be included in the initial quote. You'll need to clear the site, excavate for the footing, handle permits, and possibly do additional landscaping to ensure your wall turns out just right.

• Cost to excavate: $120–$150 per hour

• Cost to remove trees: $200–$12,000

• Cost of permits: $200 or less

Geogrid

Adding geogrid can increase labor costs by up to 50%, but it results in a stronger, more durable wall. Geogrid is a flexible mesh that stabilizes the soil behind your retaining wall. It's especially helpful if your wall uses lighter materials, if the soil is sandy, or if there's a slope putting extra pressure on the wall.

Your contractor will excavate the entire distance behind the wall, which requires reinforcement. This distance varies based on soil conditions, slope gradient, and wall material. An installer adds a layer of base material, compacts and levels it, and adds the geogrid at the bottom of the trench and beneath where the wall's base blocks will sit. They'll also add drainage at this time. Then, they'll build the wall and compact the backfill in the excavated area.

DIY vs. Hire a Stone Wall Builder

While it might be tempting to tackle this project yourself, building a stone retaining wall typically requires professional expertise and heavy machinery. Properly stacking stone is a skilled craft that ensures your wall's stability and longevity. Local landscapers and retaining wall contractors have the experience and equipment to complete your project efficiently. Hiring a pro not only saves you time but also gives you peace of mind that your retaining wall will stand strong for years to come.

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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.