Retaining Wall Cost Calculator
The national average retaining wall cost is about $6,300, and most homeowners pay $3,500 to $9,400. Use this calculator to build a retaining wall estimate by length, height, and material. A typical 50 linear ft concrete block wall at 3 ft is about $4,500. The same wall at 4 ft is about $6,500.
Estimate retaining wall cost
Rough guide based on US averages. Real quotes vary by site, finish and contractor.
Estimates are indicative only. For an accurate price, get free quotes from local contractors above.
Retaining Wall Price Breakdown
Typical job based on 50 linear ft. Prices are supply-and-install midpoints — actual quotes will vary.
| Type | Cost per linear ft | Typical 50 linear ft job |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | $45 | $2,250 |
| Concrete block | $90 | $4,500 |
| Poured concrete | $135 | $6,750 |
What Affects Retaining Wall Cost?
- Wall material: At 3 ft tall, timber is $45 per linear ft, concrete block is $90, and poured concrete is $135. On the face of the wall that is about $15, $30, and $45 per sq ft. Natural stone costs more than these options and is not listed here.
- Wall length and height: A typical residential wall is about 50 linear ft. At 3 ft, a concrete block wall is about $4,500. At 2 ft it is about $3,150, and at 4 ft it is about $6,500. Taller walls need a bigger footing, so the price rises faster than the height alone.
- Engineering, drainage, and site work: Walls over 4 ft usually need an engineer, often $1,500 to $5,000, plus a permit. That is not included. Drainage and waterproofing often add $2 to $10 per sq ft of wall face. Clearing and grading are often about $0.40 to $2 per sq ft of ground. Carrying materials in by hand costs more than these rates.
- Minimum project charge: Small walls use a $1,500 minimum. If the length-and-material math comes in lower, the estimate starts at $1,500. Displayed estimates are plus or minus 25 percent around the midpoint.
Retaining Wall Cost - Frequently Asked Questions
For 50 linear ft at 3 ft tall, timber is about $2,250, concrete block is about $4,500, and poured concrete is about $6,750. A 3 ft block wall of this length usually falls in a $3,500 to $7,000 range. The displayed estimate is plus or minus 25 percent around the midpoint. The national average project is about $6,300, which is closer to a 50 ft block wall at 4 ft, about $6,500.
A concrete retaining wall at 3 ft is $90 per linear ft for concrete block and $135 per linear ft for poured concrete. For 50 linear ft that is about $4,500 for block and about $6,750 for poured concrete. At 4 ft, the block wall is about $6,500. Those prices do not include an engineer.
To build a retaining wall at 3 ft, timber is $45 per linear ft, concrete block is $90, and poured concrete is $135. That is about $15, $30, and $45 per sq ft of wall face. Most installed walls fall around $20 to $53 per sq ft of face. On 50 linear ft the midpoints are about $2,250, $4,500, and $6,750. A short wall can still land on the $1,500 minimum.
Retaining wall installation at 50 linear ft of concrete block is about $3,150 at 2 ft, $4,500 at 3 ft, and about $6,500 at 4 ft. Walls over 4 ft usually need an engineer, often $1,500 to $5,000, and a permit. Those fees are not in the estimate.
If the calculated price is under $1,500, a retaining wall contractor estimate still starts at the $1,500 minimum. A short timber wall often lands there. Drainage, waterproofing, clearing, and hand-carrying materials are extra and can raise a small job further.
The estimate range is plus or minus 25 percent around the midpoint, and it will not go below the $1,500 minimum. For a 50 linear ft, 3 ft concrete block wall, the midpoint is about $4,500. For poured concrete at the same size, the midpoint is about $6,750. Drainage often adds another $2 to $10 per sq ft of wall face.