rETAINING wALL cOST
Retaining walls is the best way to prevent erosion in gardens and make an uneven or sloped terrain functional for providing aesthetic benefits. In the US, an average estimate for a retaining wall can be anywhere between $3565 to $ 9645, with an average of $6000. However, a small and modest retaining fence can cost $1215, while the larger projects can go up to $12345. This indicates that certain factors affect the cost of building a retaining wall, which we will see in this post.
Cost Estimation By Project Size
The average cost for building a retaining wall can range from $40 to $345 per linear foot, depending on the project's length, height, and width. The typical cost range for a 10 feet long wall can go from $400 to $3450. Larger walls require higher material and labor costs.
Cost Estimation By Material Used
The construction material is one of the most significant factors in the cost estimate for a retaining wall. Let us see how different materials influence the overall cost of retaining walls.
Concrete
A concrete retaining wall can cost between $20 to $55 per square foot. This material comes in different varieties:
- Shotcrete: which is low-priced and easy to install
- Poured and precast concrete: which is the most expensive one
- Cement concrete: this, too, is inexpensive but not as sturdy as concrete
- Concrete blocks are made from poured concrete but require some strengthening to support a lot of weight.
Vinyl
This is one of the most affordable and functional options for constructing retaining walls. Vinyl is lightweight and compact, hence perfect for modest walls that do not need to support a lot of weight. The retaining wall using vinyl can cost around $10 to $15 per square foot.
Railroad ties
This can range from $20 to $25 per square foot. However, railroad ties are not commonly used due to their toxic coating, but they can still be an ideal choice for building a stepped wall.
Brick
Retaining walls made of bricks can cost an average of $20 to 40$ per square foot. These bricks come in a variety of colors. They can be used to build taller, tier-like, dry-stacked, reinforced, or mortared walls.
Timber
Using timber for retaining walls is one of the most economical options for reshaping a sloping site. Wooden retaining walls are extremely easy to install. If they have a waterproof coating, they can last for up to two decades. Wooden retaining walls can cost up to $15 to $30 per square foot.
Gabion
Retaining walls made of gabion can cost between $10 to %55 per square foot. Such material is mostly found on lakeshores and steep slopes. Although not very attractive, they are an affordable and low-maintenance option for preventing erosion and do not require a concrete foundation.
Rammed earth
This environmentally friendly material can be used as an alternative to concrete and brick due to its strength. Rammed earth walls can cost between $20 to $25 per square foot.
To Conclude
Apart from these materials, stone, I-beams, and steel are also used for building retaining walls. The best thing to do would be to discuss with your contractor about their pricing range for various materials and then make a decision.
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