How much does a retaining wall cost? [2024]

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Published in January 2024
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How much does a retaining wall cost? [2024]

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Published in January 2024
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How much does a retaining wall cost in Australia?

How much does a retaining wall cost? A retaining wall costs anywhere between $150 and $750 per square metre, depending on the type of materials used to build and the size of the structure.

In certain cases, adding a retaining wall is vital for the structural integrity of the property. Whether you have an older home or a modern home, retaining walls are a wonderful addition to the property and allow for a safe and secure wall in your garden, backyard or within the footprint of your home.

Retaining wall builders use a variety of materials, including sandstone retaining walls, timber sleepers, natural stone, concrete sleepers, blocks of concrete or other types of wall blocks.

In this guide, we explore:

  • How much does a retaining wall cost?
  • Different retaining wall materials and prices
  • What determines the overall cost of a retaining wall?
  • How to hire a retaining wall builder, and more.
Want to find a landscaping contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

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What is a retaining wall?

What is a retaining wall? As the name suggests, a retaining wall is used as a barrier to retain the dirt and soil behind it and to prevent it from moving downward. While the idea of a retaining wall is very practical, many people have retaining walls for aesthetic purposes, creating a focal point in the garden area.

If you live on a sloping or undulating block, you will likely require a retaining wall to support the soil. If you want a pool installed, a flat area for a garden, or a play area for children that is safe, then a retaining wall will be essential.

In many parts of Australia, there are heavy downpours and flood issues in residential areas. Retaining walls allow the land to retain its purpose and ensure there is control over where the rainwater runs off on your property.

You might like: Easy to grow plants for Australian gardens

Retaining wall costs per square metre

How much does a retaining wall cost? Retaining wall prices depend largely on the material you choose, the size of the wall and the labour. You can expect to pay anything in the ballpark of $5,500 to $10,000 or more to have a retaining wall built.

Let’s look at the cost of retaining wall per metre for different types of materials:

  • Timber retaining wall cost: $200 to $450 per square metre
  • Sandstone retaining wall cost: $300 to $600 per square metre
  • Concrete blocks cost: $400 to $700 per square metre
  • Besser blocks cost: $550 to $750 per square metre

Retaining wall block prices tend to be more expensive, but they are durable and long-lasting options. A timber retaining wall is one of the cheapest retaining walls you can choose to build, but they do come with the issue of a reduced lifespan, as well as having inferior structural integrity.

It will cost more initially, but over time the benefits of enduring materials like concrete, brick, stone and even treated hardwood timber sleepers will be worth the outlay. Based on the look you are trying to achieve and the purpose of your space, the range of materials is endless.

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Retaining wall prices by material

There are many different types of retaining walls. Retaining wall block prices are generally higher than timber versions. Here’s a list of different retaining wall materials and what they might cost to have built.

Timber retaining wall cost

Commonly, timber retaining walls are built with hardwood, treated pine or railway sleepers. While they are an attractive and affordable option, they unfortunately have a more reduced life span than other materials.

Expect to pay:

  • Treated pine: $200-$350 per square metre
  • Hardwood or timber sleepers: $300-$400 per square metre

Timber sleepers have an average lifespan of about 20 years, but there is always the issue of rot, and they will be more susceptible to weather extremities than other more hard-wearing materials.

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Concrete retaining wall cost

For strength and durability, concrete block, concrete bricks and poured concrete are all good options. Concrete sleeper retaining walls come in a variety of colours and textures, making them very appealing. You can choose between plain concrete, or block or timber-look finishes.

Instead of using timber support posts, concrete sleeper walls use galvanised posts. Structurally, they are much sounder than timber retaining walls.

Here is a breakdown of concrete sleeper retaining wall cost:

  • Reinforced concrete blocks cost: $400-$700 per square metre
  • Concrete besser blocks cost: $550-$750 per square metre
Want to find a landscaping contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?
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Sandstone retaining wall cost

One of the more attractive options, sandstone retaining walls are also a great natural material to use when building retaining walls. It can be a time-consuming retaining wall project though, when trying to find the right shapes to fit.

Here are sandstone block retaining wall prices for different types of stone looks:

  • Sandstone blocks: $300-$550 per square metre
  • Stone veneers: $150-$250 per square metre (this is one of the cheapest retaining walls on the market)
Brick retaining wall cost

If you are opting for a DIY project, brick retaining walls are the easiest to build. However, check with your local council to see if this is allowed for any project you may be considering.

Brick retaining wall cost range is $250 to $650 per square metre.

Retaining wall block prices

From heron block to natural impression block or a standard link block, block retaining walls come in a range of suitable styles.

Block walls that are built with the accompaniment of good drainage, back fill and solid footing are a visually pleasing and structurally sound choice. They can be more expensive, but they will last a long time. You can also use these blocks to build attractive landscape steps.

Retaining wall block prices start from $450 per square metre.

What determines the cost of retaining walls?

The complexity of your retaining wall job will determine the overall price. Factors such as the dimensions of the wall, the design and decorative finishes and the material type of the retaining wall will all influence what you pay.

Here are some other considerations that affect the cost of a retaining wall:

  • If excavation, drainage or back fill are needed
  • If there are access limitations
  • Whether you choose more detailed designs like curves or additional features
  • Whether you need a council permit
  • The average labour costs in your area and how long the project takes to complete.

Additionally, if you need to hire a structural engineer in the case that your retaining wall project exceeds one metre in height, this can cost between $120 and $180 per hour.

Want to find a landscaping contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

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How long will a retaining wall take to build?

Most retaining walls only take a day or so to build. For a more specific timeframe, ask your local retaining wall builders for a quote.

Generally, the square metre coverage determines the length of time for the build. If you’re working on a sloping block or the access for materials becomes a challenge, this can affect build time.

If you have a sprawling property and you need a large wall, it will take a lot longer to build than a basic retaining wall or small garden bed retaining walls that are only a couple of square metres in length.

You might like: How to prepare your garden for turf

Hiring retaining wall builders

Still wondering how much does a retaining wall cost? Compare at least three quotes from different retaining wall builders in your local area to get the best indication of overall price. Ask to see a portfolio of their works, past references, and check they are licensed and insured to work on your property.

States and territories require that a licenced and insured builder creates your wall. Ensure you track down a highly recommended builder, landscaper or bricklayer to carry out the work. Arranging an onsite quote with a professional will provide a detailed and itemised breakdown of the cost to build a retaining wall using quality workmanship.

To find out more, get in touch with a local retaining wall builder to get an idea of the cost and options. Whether you are looking for a wall to add some colour to your yard, or you need to protect your property’s structural integrity, there is a retaining wall design and style to suit every property.

Want to find a landscaping contractor in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?

*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.

Retaining wall cost FAQ

How much would a small retaining wall cost?

If you only require a simple, small retaining wall, you may be able to get it done for less than $1,000, or for as little as $140 per square metre.

Do retaining walls add value?

Retaining walls might cost a few thousand to install, but they can drastically improve the livable space of your home, which has the potential to add tremendous value to your property.

Can I build a retaining wall myself?

A retaining wall is not something you should attempt to build yourself. It will take time to create and design the wall. Furthermore, you need to be licenced and insured to do the work, so it is not a DIY project.

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