How much do retaining walls cost

A retaining wall costs between £250 and £405 per m² on average. The type and material of the retaining wall, the amount of labour, as well as the ruggedness of the terrain all influence the final cost of the installation.

A retaining wall can be beneficial in both practical and aesthetic ways. It can help to prevent soil erosion, improve garden spaces, and increase a home’s curb appeal. They are also available in a wide range of sizes and materials, making them an appealing feature for any type of outdoor space.

Estimating retaining wall installation costs ahead of time will help you budget for the project, whether you’re stabilising sloped land, preventing soil erosion, or building a raised garden bed.

What does affect the cost?

• Type of retaining wall
• Choice of materials
• Terrain
• Amount of labour
• Location

Type of retaining wall

It is crucial to consider the type of retaining wall you will use before budgeting installation costs as it can greatly impact the final cost. A professional builder can assess the site and make things easier for you.

Gravity

A gravity wall relies entirely on its own weight to resist pressure. To accomplish this, they are typically built with heavy materials such as stone, large concrete blocks, or cast-in-place concrete.

Cantilever

Cantilever walls use leverage and are made up of a stem and a base slab. They are typically L-shaped and filled with reinforced or cast-in-place concrete.

The material used for the wall

Which materials you use will affect the total cost. There are numerous materials that can hold soil and can be used in construction. The materials are as follows:

Stone

Natural stones are frequently regarded as the most appealing. They are generally more expensive and require more engineering expertise.

A cavity wall is made entirely of brick. Two standard brick walls are placed inches apart on the same foundation in this design. There is gap between them that is filled with grout or concrete to form a solid structure.

Brick

Masonry

The cheapest way to build a retaining wall is with masonry bricks. The brickwork wall will be a cavity wall. To add strength, concrete is placed between the walls.

Reinforced block

Reinforced block walls are the most cost-effective solution for interlocking concrete block walls taller than 3m. When compared to traditional construction methods, wall construction is extremely fast.

Boulder

Boulder rock blends in with any landscape. A retaining wall must be strong in order to support the soil behind it, and boulders naturally perform this task.

Concrete

Concrete’s strength and versatility make it an ideal material for retaining wall, whether in the form of a cast-in-place concrete or blocks.

Timber

Timber is a popular alternative to brick or stone for a natural finish. Timber walls will also withstand wear and tear because they are preservative-coated.

Terrain

The terrain of the wall can have a significant impact on the cost of retaining walls. The final price can increase by up to 50% depending on the difficulty of the landscape, especially if the ground surrounding the wall is sloped. This is due to the fact that your contractors may need to perform special excavation. Furthermore, unstable soil necessitates additional digging to compact it.

Gabion

A gabion is made of steel baskets filled with stone and is named after the Italian word ”gabbione,” which means ”big cage.” They are much easier to install because they do not require a concrete footing.

Amount of Labour

Expect higher costs if more skilled workers are needed on a single construction project. The same goes for digging out footers and carrying blocks. The general rule is that the more difficult the job, the higher the cost.

Where is the project located?

If you live outside of your contractor’s service area, you should expect to pay more. When your contractor must travel from a remote location or vice versa, additional expenses such as gas and parking fees may be considered. Always hire someone in or near your geographic area to help you stay within your budget.

Price list for constructing a retaining walls in the UK

The average cost of a retaining wall is between £250 and £405 per m² on average. If you’re building a wall made of stone which is the most expensive, expect to pay an average of £405 and above.