# Retaining Wall Cost Calculator

This is the text version of https://www.hiresupertrades.com/calculators/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.

## Retaining Wall price breakdown

Typical job based on 50 linear ft. Prices are supply-and-install midpoints. Actual quotes 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the typical retaining wall cost for 50 linear ft?

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.

### How much does a concrete retaining wall cost?

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.

### How much does it cost to build a retaining wall by material?

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.

### How does retaining wall installation height affect price?

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.

### What does a retaining wall contractor usually charge for a small job?

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.

### What is the estimate range for retaining wall installation?

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.