How Much Does A Retaining Wall Cost?

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    Many homeowners are looking for a low-cost retaining wall that will meet their landscaping needs while having visual appeal. A good retaining wall will both enclose sections of dirt for support and have a pleasing appearance. Retaining wall costs vary depending on the length and height of the retaining wall as well as the materials that are used. However, retaining walls can be easy to assemble and do not require extra materials, such as mortar.

    Block Retaining Wall Cost

    The most accurate way to determine the entire cost of a retaining wall is to calculate its price per square foot. However, in addition to the cost of materials, it is important to also determine whether the wall will be reinforced, if drainage holes are necessary, and if additional materials will be needed. For simple interlocking blocks, the retaining wall cost would be approximately $15 to $30 per square foot. Therefore, for a 25-by-4-foot wall, the entire retaining wall’s cost would be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

    Cost By Material Used

    Concrete

    A good retaining wall for mild-weather environments is a concrete retaining wall. Concrete retaining walls are appropriate both for small structures, such as the front of a yard, or on a larger scale, such as alongside highways. However, cracks can be a problem when poured concrete retaining walls are placed in harsh environments. Because cracks can only be fixed temporarily, it is important that these walls are placed in a milder environment. Additionally, removal of concrete retaining walls may be costly. Concrete retaining walls are of high quality, and retaining wall costs run from $15 to $20 per square foot. However, this price increases with the designs that may be desired for landscaping needs. These designs can increase retaining wall cost up to $30 to $40 per square foot.

    Brick

    Brick retaining walls are a popular choice for landscaping because of the reds and browns in their natural colors. They are perfect for containing dirt inside a raised garden. A brick landscaping retaining wall’s cost is often between $20 and $25 per square foot.

    Wood

    Wood retaining walls are preferred for gardening or for outdoor pavilions or patios. Because wood has a natural appearance, it blends easily into any décor. Wooden retaining wall cost is calculated by the square foot, as with the others. The price can range from $20 to $25.

    Rock

    Another popular retaining wall involves the use of rock. Boulders can be used in landscaping to create natural-looking, sturdy walls. They are a very sturdy option and are perfect for creating gravity retaining walls, which can eliminate steep patches of land. Boulder retaining wall costs range from $25 to $40, depending on the cost of the rocks. Because the boulders will have natural spaces for water to escape, they prevent any hydraulic pressure on the land.

    Cost By Brand

    Versa Lok Retaining Walls Cost

    Versa Lok creates bricks for retaining walls for both commercial and home landscaping. When Versa Lok walls are paired with geogrid reinforcements, their walls can be sturdy even when built over 50 feet high. Versa Lok stones are solid concrete pieces with interlocking pins and pin holes to allow a stable design. The Versa Lok retaining wall price ranges from $10 to $15 or higher, depending on whether a geogrid reinforcement is needed.

    Gabion Retaining Wall Cost

    Gabion retaining wall designs include reinforcement with geogrids known as baskets. Gabion produces the products for stone walls. This increases the retaining wall cost for Gabion walls. The cost of a retaining wall from Gabion is $45 to $60 per square foot.

    Keystone Retaining Wall Cost

    Keystone retaining walls are ideal for landscaping needs for small- to medium-sized walls. They are stackable up to three feet, making them the perfect size for gardens. Keystone blocks are easily stackable and are used for gravity retaining walls. The retaining wall cost per square foot of Keystone retaining walls includes only the price for the stackable blocks. They are available in a variety of colors, and the retaining wall price varies from $15 to $25 per square foot.

    Retaining Wall Options

    There are several types of retaining walls that are both functional and appealing. Materials include block, concrete, brick, wood, and rock. There are also several popular brands of retaining walls, including Versa Lok, Gabion, and Keystone. Retaining walls come in two basic forms: gravity walls and reinforced walls. Gravity walls are unsecured and rely on the dirt behind the retaining wall and the retaining wall itself to remain intact. When slopes, surcharges, or other land features require extra support, a reinforced wall may be necessary. Reinforced retaining walls cost more than gravity walls but will provide the support that is needed in some areas.

    Retaining Wall Installation Cost

    The cost of installing a retaining wall varies greatly. Some retaining walls can be built by homeowners, requiring only stacking blocks. It may be a long process, but it will save a lot of money on installation costs. However, unless someone in your home is skilled in landscaping and construction, you may need a contractor to install your retaining wall. This is especially true when the project requires a reinforced wall. The installation of a retaining wall costs significantly more, because included with the cost of materials is the cost of labor and excavation. With cheap materials, such as blocks, the total cost per square foot would be $40 to $50.

    Retaining Wall Drainage

    The total cost of a retaining wall will also include the cost for drainage. Some more natural walls, such as the boulder retaining wall, will drain naturally. These walls will not require drainage pipes or holes to be installed. However, other walls, such as concrete, must have drainage systems installed. Drainage systems prevent buildup of water pressure in the soil behind the wall and prevent breakage. These costs will be included in the price of retaining walls per square foot.

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