
Retaining Wall Repair Price
National average cost | $600 |
Average range | $200-$1,200 |
Minimum cost | $100 |
Maximum cost | $5,000 |
How much does it cost to fix a retaining wall?
The final price depends on factors including:
- The type of material
- Width, length and height of the wall
- Reinforcement
- Decorative finishes
- Engineering
- Location of retaining wall
How much does it cost for a retaining wall?
To build a retaining wall, it can cost around $350/sq metre for quality retaining walls. But for simple retaining walls, it can cost around $140/sq metre. Costs vary depending on the materials used, labour price and wall size. Additionally, here are the retaining wall costs in different areas per square metre: Retaining Wall Cost per Square Metre
How to resurface a retaining wall cheap?
Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas | Cheapest Type of Retaining Wall | Retaining Wall Alternatives
- Dry-Stacked Wall Simple Retaining Wall Idea. ...
- Stone: Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas. ...
- Concrete Block: Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas. ...
- Mortar Wall: Cheap Retaining Wall Ideas. ...
- Gravel: Cost effective retaining wall ideas. ...
- Wood: Cost Effective Retaining Wall Ideas. ...
- Retaining Wall Alternative Ideas. ...
- Inexpensive retaining wall ideas FAQs. ...
How to build an affordable retaining wall?
- Using a tape measure, decide the length and the width of your retaining wall.
- Mark off the area with garden stakes and a mason’s line or other string. Tie the string to the stakes at the desired height of the wall. ...
- If your wall will be curved, use paint to mark the shape and location of the wall.

How do you repair a damaged retaining wall?
The wall can be strengthened by transferring some of the shear force to the base where the wall meets the ground. This can be done by either extending the footing of the base or placing concrete to thicken the base. Installing anchors or tiebacks is another option for extra strength.
How do I estimate the cost of a retaining wall?
The average cost to build a retaining wall is $20 to $50 per square foot or $40 to $300 per linear foot. Installing a 50' long retaining wall costs $4,000 to $10,000 on average. Retaining wall labor costs $10 to $30 per square foot and material prices are $5 to $20 per square foot on average.
Can a cracked retaining wall be repaired?
But straightening a retaining wall requires a good deal of excavation- all the way down to the footer poured beneath the wall. Now that the wall is stabilized, the cracks can be filled with epoxy. (Crack repairs can be painted over, if the homeowner wishes.)
How long should a retaining wall last?
Wood retaining walls last around 40 years. Stone and concrete retaining walls last between 50 and 100 years. Brick retaining walls last at least 100 years.
Why are retaining walls so expensive?
Retaining Wall Block Costs Also, the masonry materials in retaining wall block are inexpensive to source and to produce. The greatest cost of retaining wall block is shipping since it is so heavy.
How do you push a retaining wall back?
Here's how to push back a retaining wall:Check your building codes.Prepare the retaining wall area.Begin removal of the wall.Remove wall caps.Transport the dirt or debris to the new site.Construct a new foundation on the new site.Move the wall line to the new area.
How do you fix a big crack in a retaining wall?
1:213:22Repair a structural crack in a retaining block wall, just an explanationYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFolks if you have this problem here you're going to have to live with it number one but what we'reMoreFolks if you have this problem here you're going to have to live with it number one but what we're going to do is i'm going to put some of this uh adhesive caulking in here this stuff's.
How do you repair a deep crack in a retaining wall?
Concrete Wall Crack Repair in 8 StepsStep 1: Scrub it Clean. ... Step 2: Use a Nail to Align Injection Points. ... Step 3: Mix the Two-Part Epoxy Crack Sealer. ... Step 4: Spread the Sealer onto Base. ... Step 5: Mix and Apply a Larger Batch of Epoxy Sealer. ... Step 6: Dispense the LCR Epoxy. ... Step 7: Fill Up the Ports.More items...
How do you fix a masonry retaining wall?
2:114:47Brick Retaining Wall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo far so good these blocks have not cracked so that means that the wall behind it is good which isMoreSo far so good these blocks have not cracked so that means that the wall behind it is good which is the main part of the retaining wall that holds back all the dirt the brick is just a veneer.
How do you tell if a retaining wall is failing?
The three most common signs of a retaining wall in distress are (1) Leaning; 2) Cracking and 3) Bulging of the Wall or Segments. These are telltale indicators of a wall losing its fight and at risk of collapsing at any moment, including the worst possible moment: the middle of a rainstorm.
Can you fix a leaning retaining wall?
Retaining Wall Repair Options Whether a retaining wall is built of stone, block, concrete or wood, it can begin to lean. When this occurs, the homeowner has two choices: either demolish the wall, re-excavate, re-install drains and rebuild, or call in a foundation repair specialist.
What causes retaining walls to fail?
The main cause of retaining wall failure is poor drainage. Without proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure builds up behind the retaining wall. Saturated soil is substantially heavier than dry soil, and the retaining wall may not be designed to handle such a load.
How much does a retaining wall cost in California?
Generally speaking, the California average cost for a retaining wall is anywhere between $300-$900 per linear foot. Keep reading to learn how to break down the math, it just might be cheaper than you think depending on the scope of the project.
What to do after retaining wall is repaired?
After you have a retaining wall put in or repaired, it is always a good idea to ensure you have good drainage: french drains, weep holes, surface drains, and/or a V ditch. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What is a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a strong, solid barrier utilized to support soil laterally so as to “retain” the soil at two separate levels on either border. These structures are designed to harness soil to a slope that would otherwise naturally not exist. Retaining walls are used to mitigate soil failure and are a favorite form of slope stabilization. Retaining walls used to separate water from land are called bulkheads.
What is a Waler beam?
The waler beam acts as a brace. The waler beam is placed 2/3rds way up the wall and spans the entire length of the Helical Pier/Helical Tieback section.
What are the factors that determine a retaining wall?
Retaining Wall Repair Factors 1 The amount of lean 2 Age of wall (retaining walls generally only last 50 to 90 years) 3 Size of footing (was it large enough to adequately sustain the load) 4 Type of Soil ( expansive soil can push out your retaining wall) 5 Type of hillside/slant (how steep is the gradient) 6 If it was properly made in the first place (The Contractor Repair Industry is full of space cadets).
How long do retaining walls last?
Age of wall (retaining walls generally only last 50 to 90 years) Size of footing (was it large enough to adequately sustain the load) Type of Soil ( expansive soil can push out your retaining wall) Type of hillside/slant (how steep is the gradient)
Why are retaining walls important?
Retaining walls intercept the slope, take the load, and hold it in place. Retaining walls can secure one of your greatest financial investments: your home. New retaining walls, while they can be pricey, are worth the investment because it keeps your home and family safe.
How much does it cost to build a brick retaining wall?
The average homeowner will pay $35 per square foot and spend between $2,450 and $6,650 to build a retaining wall.
How much does a cinder block retaining wall cost?
A cinder block retaining wall costs $20 to $35 per square foot or $60 to $210 per linear foot, depending on the height. A cinder block retaining wall needs a poured concrete or gravel foundation, footings, and grout filling and rebar for support.
Why do we need retaining walls?
A retaining wall holds back soil in order to prevent any changes to its structure. Without the wall, the soil could erode or slide. A retaining wall can also:
Why are rammed earth blocks less expensive?
Premanufactured rammed earth blocks are less expensive because the work has already been done, and they just need to be stacked onsite.
What is the best material for retaining walls?
Wood is a material that is in ready supply and probably the most affordable retaining wall material. Can be built up to 4’ tall or 5’–6’ with treated railroad ties and/or reinforcing steel rods. Pressure-treated Douglas fir is the best wood for avoiding rot. Quite easy to install.
Why are reinforced concrete walls held firm?
For extra strength, reinforced masonry and reinforced concrete walls are spread on foundations and are held firm because of their weight and the internal reinforcement bars.
How to protect your foundation?
Protect your foundation – by preventing soil from sliding. If there are known fault lines in the area, this is one option to mitigate this risk. Manage water runoff – diverts water away from the home. Create more usable land - creates more usable yard space by converting steep slopes into living spaces.
How old is Lynn's wall?
Here's Lynn's 100-year-old wall. It looks very bad, but it can be repaired. The key is that it's not leaning. This story was covered in my January 22, 2017 AsktheBuilder Newsletter. © 2017 Tim Carter
Does stucco have cracks?
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the photo above, the existing stucco coating has many hairline cracks. These cracks, and the other larger ones, will telegraph through the new stucco finish. But the cement/lime paint mixture will ensure the new cracks will be very tiny.
What to do when retaining wall starts to lean?
When this occurs, the homeowner has two choices: either demolish the wall, re-excavate, re-install drains and rebuild, or call in a foundation repair specialist.
What is a retaining wall?
Or a landscaping wall can be used to retain earth after an excavation, such as for a driveway or patio. In the latter case, they’re called retaining walls.
Why does a retaining wall buckle?
If there is no batter, or the anchors were inadequate or missing, or if the drains have become clogged, or if the base is not firm, a retaining wall may begin to tilt, settle, or buckle. Tree roots may add to the pressure as well; so can the weight of items placed on the ground above and behind the wall (e.g., parked vehicles or an outbuilding).
What is landscaping wall?
A landscaping wall can be freestanding to define an area, to provide a garden backdrop, or to create privacy. Or a landscaping wall can be used to retain earth after an excavation, such as for a driveway or patio.
Why are retention walls harder than freestanding walls?
In addition to supporting their own weight, they must resist lateral forces due to the soil being retained. Sometimes that soil is saturated with water, which can build tremendous force, especially with slow-to-drain, expansive clay soils.
What anchors do foundation repair contractors use?
One method used by foundation repair contractors that has gained widespread acceptance is to use helical anchors.
Where should drains be laid?
Drains should be laid behind the foot of the wall to move water away, before pressure can build up and push against the wall.
How much does it cost to build a retaining wall?
Retaining block walls will cost $16 per square foot for the average professional installation. That’s $1,600 for a 100 square foot retaining wall—basic, with no extras and under four feet.
How much does a stone retaining wall cost?
Depending on the type of stone used and the distance from the property to the supplier or quarry, natural stone retaining walls can cost from $25 to $75 per square foot. On the average, natural stone retaining walls cost about $50 per square foot.
How many square feet are in a 50 foot retaining wall?
For example, a retaining wall that is 50 feet long and two feet high is vastly different from another retaining wall that is 20 feet long but five feet high. Though both walls are 100 square feet, the first wall is so low that nearly any type of material can be used, even ordinary pressure-treated lumber. The second wall requires more robust materials such as large retaining wall blocks and may even require design plans reviewed by a structural engineer.
How to calculate the square footage of a retaining wall?
As with other building materials such as pavers or roofing, square footage is a convenient way to compare the cost of different types of retaining wall materials. The length of the retaining wall multiplied by its height helps you calculate its total square footage.
What is the most popular material for retaining walls?
Retaining wall block has become one of the most popular types of materials to build retaining walls. With its front lip and tipped back profile, it is one of the few materials designed expressly for retaining walls.
What is the cheapest material to build a retaining wall?
Wood and masonry retaining wall block are the two cheapest materials to use for building retaining walls.
How much does it cost to install concrete blocks?
You can install 100 square feet of small concrete block by yourself for $1,000 to $2,300. Larger decorative blocks professionally installed will cost $2,200 to $4,000.

Cost by Type of Materials
Cost by Type of Repair
- Retaining walls are man-made structures, and nature always has its way. Homeowners pay $40 to an upward of $1500 in repair damages depending on the type of repair. Note that the quoted price is labor inclusive.
Cost by Solution
- This section explains what various service members and contractors will charge depending on the method used to repair the wall. Charges include: 1. Patching 2. Anchoring 3. Straightening 4. Reinforcing A contractor will typically assess the damage before recommending a solution. Some solutions cost more than others, as shown below:
Retaining Walls Inspection Costs
- Before undertaking any repairs, the damaged retaining walls should be assessed by a qualified engineer or contractor to map out the repair type, method, and other solutions. The fees differ from state to state, so you should expect to pay your contractor 50 to 150 bucks. Some contractors demand a call-out fee of $50 to $100 to cover them after assessing your home, and …
Final Thoughts
- Installing a retaining wall is a costly affair (although cheaper options are available) and repairing one isn’t cheaper either. However, you can get a pretty decent repair for your budget, depending on your state. The fact is that retaining walls degrade over time. Repairs are an expense that ought to happen at some point, and they’re necessary to keep the wall in good shape over the ye…
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