How much does a concrete retaining wall cost? – HomeGuide

Concrete retaining wall cost

A concrete retaining wall costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. Precast, poured, or interlocking concrete retaining walls cost $45 to $270 per linear foot or $15 to $45 per square foot. Large concrete retaining wall blocks cost $25 to $100 each for materials or $20 to $45 per square foot installed.

Concrete retaining wall cost - chart

*Total installed costs for 3 to 6 high retaining walls.

In comparison, other types of retaining walls cost $20 to $50 per square foot on average.

The following table shows the average cost to build a 50 long concrete retaining wall thats 3 to 6 tall.

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

A poured concrete retaining wall costs $60 to $270 per linear foot for 3 to 6 tall walls or $20 to $45 per square foot on average. Total costs depend on the size, location, site accessibility, and reinforcement requirements.

Poured concrete retaining wall

Building a new stamped concrete retaining wall costs $25 to $50 per square foot on average for pouring a concrete wall and stamping the surface. Adding a stamped design to existing walls costs $5 to $15 per square foot for a concrete overlay.

Stamped concrete resurfacing is a veneer alternative with designs and colors imitating wood, stone, or other materials.

The following table shows the differences between block retaining walls and poured concrete retaining walls:

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Installing precast concrete retaining walls costs $45 to $270 per linear foot on average or $15 to $45 per square foot. Total prices depend on the concrete block or panel type, installation method, design, and site preparation needed.

*Installed prices for 3 to 6 tall walls.

Precast concrete wall for landscaping

An interlocking concrete block retaining wall costs $45 to $210 per linear foot installed for 3 to 6 tall walls or $15 to $35 per square foot. Interlocking concrete blocks cost $2 to $10 per block for materials only, depending on the size, type, and brand.

Criblock interlocking retaining walls cost $20 to $35 per square foot and are ideal for waterfronts.

*Material prices only.

These modular concrete blocks are quick to install with their mortarless design. Some concrete-mold options imitate the look of natural stone.

Commercial or large concrete retaining wall blocks cost $60 to $270 per linear foot for 3 to 6 tall walls or $20 to $45 per square foot installed. Large concrete retaining wall block prices are $25 to $100 per block, depending on the size.

A cinder-block retaining wall costs $60 to $210 per linear foot for 3 to 6 tall walls or $20 to $35 per square foot of surface area with backfill and footings. Total costs depend on the size, foundation type, wall finish, and reinforcements.

Building a concrete precast panel wall costs $25 to $40 per square foot. These factory-built panels require crane installation after delivery to the site. Installation takes less time than on-site-built concrete walls.

Building a 25x3 concrete bag retaining wall costs $360 to $600 in materials. A 60- to 80 lb.-bag of concrete mix costs $3 to $5 per bag. Concrete-bag retaining walls are an easy DIY project built by stacking bags up to 2 to 3 tall max.

*Price for 60- to 80-lb. concrete-mix bags only.

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Installing a concrete block retaining wall costs $45 to $210 per linear foot for 3 to 6 tall walls, depending on the construction method.

*For 3 to 6 tall walls.

Many local conditions, including the weather, soil type, and site location all have an impact on the cost to build a concrete retaining wall:

Concrete blocks for a retaining wall cost $2 to $10 per block on average or $4 to $20 per square foot for materials only. Prices depend on the block type and size. Some interlocking-concrete wall blocks dont need mortar to install, reducing installation costs.

*Material prices only.

The labor cost to build a concrete retaining wall is $40 to $80 per hour or $10 to $25 per square foot of the wall surface, depending on the material and construction method.

*Labor cost only.

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A concrete retaining wall lasts 50 to 100 years on average, depending on the installation and design quality, maintenance level, and local soil conditions.

You can stain concrete retaining wall blocks in many colors. Exterior concrete stain costs $30 to $60 per gallon that covers 200 to 400 square feet. Stained concrete blocks imitate the look of bricks, stone, or wood.

A concrete retaining wall needs a 1.5 to 2.0 deep footing for most walls 4 to 8 tall. In Northern regions, footings should be deeper to go below the frost line for stability. Taller walls also require larger and deeper foundations designed by engineers.

A concrete retaining wall is 6 to 12 thick, depending on the height, reinforcements, design, and soil type. Most retaining walls are 8 thick for heights of 4 to 6 tall, and walls must be 12 thick for retaining structures 10 to 12 tall.

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Most building codes only allow DIY concrete retaining walls up to 2 to 3 tall maximum before a structural engineer and mason are necessary. Use this checklist when hiring concrete contractors near you.

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How much does a concrete retaining wall cost? - HomeGuide