Calculate the materials needed and total cost for your retaining wall project. Input dimensions, select materials (brick, stone, concrete, wood), and get instant estimates for your landscaping or construction project.
Volume: 4 ft × 10 ft × 1 ft = 0.00 ft³
Units: 0.00 ft³ ÷ 0.14 ft³ = 0 units
Cost: 0 units × $2.50 = $0.00
A retaining wall cost calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, landscapers, and contractors planning to build a retaining wall. This calculator provides accurate estimates of the materials needed and the total cost of constructing a retaining wall based on its dimensions, material type, and local pricing. Whether you're planning a DIY project or getting quotes from contractors, understanding the potential costs upfront helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Our retaining wall cost estimator simplifies the complex process of calculating materials and costs, allowing you to make informed decisions about your landscaping or construction project.
Retaining walls serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in landscaping and construction. They hold back soil to prevent erosion, create usable flat areas on sloped properties, and add visual interest to outdoor spaces. However, the cost of building a retaining wall can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including size, materials, and local labor rates. Our calculator focuses on the material costs, which typically represent 40-60% of the total project expense.
The retaining wall cost calculator uses three primary formulas to estimate materials and costs:
Wall Volume Calculation:
This formula calculates the total volume of the retaining wall in cubic feet.
Units Needed Calculation:
This formula determines how many individual units (bricks, stones, blocks, etc.) are needed based on the volume of each unit.
Total Cost Calculation:
This formula calculates the estimated material cost for the entire wall.
Different materials have different unit sizes, which affects the number of units required:
| Material | Volume per Unit (ft³) | Typical Cost Range per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Brick | 0.14 | 5.00 |
| Stone | 0.50 | 12.00 |
| Concrete | 1.00 | 15.00 |
| Wood | 1.50 | 30.00 |
For example, if your wall has a volume of 40 cubic feet and you're using brick (0.14 ft³ per brick), you would need approximately 286 bricks (40 ÷ 0.14 = 285.7, rounded up to 286).
The calculator provides estimates based on standard material sizes and perfect conditions. In real-world applications, you should consider:
Enter Wall Dimensions:
Select Material Type:
Enter Cost per Unit:
View Results:
Optional: Copy or Save Results:
Brick retaining walls offer a classic, timeless appearance that complements many architectural styles. They're particularly popular for residential landscapes and gardens.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Cost: 5.00 per brick, depending on type and quality
Stone retaining walls provide a natural, rustic appearance that blends well with landscape features. They can be constructed using natural stone or manufactured stone veneer.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Cost: 12.00 per stone, depending on type, size, and whether it's natural or manufactured
Concrete retaining walls, including concrete blocks and poured concrete, offer excellent strength and versatility. They're commonly used for both residential and commercial applications.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Cost: 15.00 per concrete block, or 8.00 per square foot for poured concrete
Wood retaining walls create a warm, natural look that works well in garden settings and rustic landscapes. They're typically made from pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood.
Pros:
Cons:
Average Cost: 30.00 per timber, depending on size and wood type
Homeowners and landscapers can use the calculator to:
Contractors and project managers can utilize the calculator to:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts can benefit from the calculator by:
Property developers can use the calculator to:
While our calculator provides a good starting point, consulting with a professional landscaper or contractor can give you a more accurate estimate that includes:
Some manufacturers offer complete retaining wall kits that include all necessary materials for a specific wall size. These kits:
In some cases, alternatives to traditional retaining walls may be more cost-effective:
Retaining walls have been used for thousands of years, with examples dating back to ancient civilizations. The Romans were particularly skilled at building retaining structures, using a combination of stone and early concrete to create durable walls that have lasted for centuries.
In the medieval period, dry stone retaining walls became common in agricultural settings, allowing farmers to create terraced fields on hillsides. These walls were built without mortar, relying instead on the careful placement of stones for stability.
The modern era of retaining wall construction began in the 18th and 19th centuries with the development of civil engineering as a formal discipline. Engineers like Charles Coulomb developed theories about earth pressure and retaining wall design that are still used today. The introduction of reinforced concrete in the late 19th century revolutionized retaining wall construction, allowing for taller and stronger walls.
Cost estimation for retaining walls evolved from simple rule-of-thumb calculations to more sophisticated methods as construction became more standardized. In the mid-20th century, unit cost estimating became common, where contractors would calculate costs based on the volume of material and standard labor rates.
Today, digital tools like our retaining wall calculator make it easier than ever to estimate materials and costs accurately. Modern construction also benefits from advanced materials like geosynthetics, precast concrete systems, and engineered wood products that can reduce costs while improving performance.
The calculator provides a good estimate of material quantities and costs based on the dimensions and material type you select. However, actual costs may vary due to factors like regional price differences, material availability, waste, and the need for additional materials like drainage systems or reinforcement. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend adding 10-15% to the calculated cost and consulting with local suppliers.
Permit requirements vary by location, but in most areas, retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) require a building permit and possibly engineered plans. Some jurisdictions have lower thresholds, especially for walls near property lines or in seismic zones. Always check with your local building department before starting construction.
A general rule of thumb is that the foundation depth should be at least 1/8 of the wall height, with a minimum of 6 inches. For example, a 4-foot wall would need at least a 6-inch deep foundation. In areas with freezing temperatures, the foundation should extend below the frost line to prevent heaving. Larger walls may require deeper foundations based on engineering specifications.
Properly constructed concrete and stone retaining walls typically have the longest lifespan, often lasting 50-100 years or more with minimal maintenance. Brick walls can last 20-30 years if well-built and maintained. Wood retaining walls generally have the shortest lifespan, typically 7-15 years, depending on the type of wood, treatment, and environmental conditions.
Yes, almost all retaining walls require some form of drainage system to prevent water pressure buildup behind the wall, which can cause failure. Typical drainage systems include:
The calculator does not include drainage materials in its cost estimate, so you should budget for these separately.
Our calculator automatically determines the number of units (blocks, bricks, stones, etc.) needed based on the wall dimensions and material type. It divides the total wall volume by the volume of each unit. For manual calculations, you can use this formula: Number of blocks = (Height × Width × Depth) ÷ Volume per block
Generally, wood retaining walls have the lowest initial material cost, followed by concrete blocks, brick, and natural stone. However, when considering long-term costs including maintenance and replacement, concrete block walls often provide the best value over time. For very small walls, pressure-treated timber is typically the most economical option.
Using our calculator with a 4-foot height, 20-foot width, and 1-foot depth:
These estimates cover materials only and don't include labor, drainage materials, or other accessories.
Small retaining walls (under 3 feet tall) are feasible DIY projects for homeowners with basic construction skills. Walls made from concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining walls (like segmental retaining wall blocks) are particularly DIY-friendly as they don't require mortar and have interlocking features. Taller walls, walls in challenging soil conditions, or walls supporting significant loads should be designed by an engineer and may require professional installation.
To ensure your retaining wall's longevity and stability:
Coduto, D. P., Yeung, M. R., & Kitch, W. A. (2016). Foundation Design: Principles and Practices (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Das, B. M. (2018). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Huntington, W. C., & Mickadeit, R. E. (2005). Building Construction: Materials and Types of Construction (9th ed.). Wiley.
National Concrete Masonry Association. (2010). Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls (3rd ed.). NCMA.
Terzaghi, K., Peck, R. B., & Mesri, G. (1996). Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice (3rd ed.). Wiley.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2014). National Engineering Handbook: Technical Supplement 14R—Design and Use of Sheet Pile Walls in Stream Restoration and Stabilization Projects. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
International Building Code. (2021). International Code Council.
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards. (2016). John Wiley & Sons.
"Retaining Wall Cost - 2023 Calculator and Price Guide." HomeGuide, www.homeguide.com/costs/retaining-wall-cost.
"How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost?" HomeAdvisor, www.homeadvisor.com/cost/landscape/build-a-retaining-wall/.
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