A retaining wall is a structure designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil, when there is a desired change in ground elevation that exceeds the angle of repose of the soil.

Retaining walls are the structures that retain soil behind them – often designed to stop erosion on hillsides or create flat usable space. Retaining walls are rigid walls used to support soil laterally so that it can be retained at different levels on two sides.

A retaining wall can for hold in place a mass of earth or the like, as at the edge of a terrace or excavation.

The average cost of a retaining wall depends on many factors but in general a retaining wall can cost on average $5,700.

You’ll likely spend between $3,000 and $9,000 but some projects may hit $14,000.

Expect to pay between $20 to $60 per square foot or $30 to $150 per linear foot on average, with large, complex builds with high-end materials costing up to $125 per square foot.

Treated pine is the most affordable material. It won’t last as well as other materials, but galvanized posts between treated pine will prolong the life of the wall.

Hardwood is generally more expensive than treated pine. It is important to ensure that the hardwood wall has been treated with a treatment that will allow it to resist dirt and water.

Railway sleepers, which are slightly more costly, are an alternative and can withstand water and ground contact very well.

Concrete sleepers are the next costliest retaining wall systems. Concrete sleepers can be coloured or grey and have a long lifespan.

Concrete retaining walls can be more expensive if you use galvanized steel or concrete posts. This will affect their durability and appearance.

Interlocking concrete blocks are very versatile. They can be curved or straight blocks, as well as corner blocks and capping. These blocks are ready for DIY installation.

Natural stone is another excellent option for retaining walls and can be very expensive or relatively cheap.

Concrete blocks that are interconnected can look like natural stone, but they have a more consistent appearance. Natural stone can look more mixed and larger than concrete, even though it is cut.

Many different materials can be used to blend with any design and the cost of a retaining wall can vary.

A new retaining wall usually costs $3,000 – $8,000.  There are several factors that affect the price of a retaining wall such as ground elevation changes desired, and labor and materials required for the project.

With a broader range of appeal, investing in a retaining wall can add up to 15 percent to the value of a home, and an average return of 100 to 200 percent on money spent.  A retaining wall add structural integrity to a yard that is sloped, and the right retaining wall designed the right way can add significant aesthetic value to the property

Retaining walls are needed to retain soils at different levels where there is insufficient space to allow stable slopes. Retaining walls greater than 1m high should be designed by a civil or structural engineer who is familiar with site and ground conditions.

Whether a retaining wall is built of stone, block, concrete or wood, if built improperly, it can begin to lean over time.  When this leaning occurs, the homeowner has two choices: either demolish the wall, re-excavate, re-install drains and rebuild, or call in a retaining wall repair specialist.

A professional can quickly stabilize the wall and in many cases pull it back into its original position. Foundation repair companies are accustomed to fixing foundation walls using similar techniques.

The general rule of thumb is to bury about one-eighth of the height of the wall. For example, if your wall will be three feet (36 inches) tall, the first course of blocks should start five inches below soil level. The gravel base should start three inches below this.

A permanent retaining wall can last between 25 to 100 years, depending on the material used for construction, the soil conditions, and groundwater flow in the area. It is important to consider the type of material used to construct a retaining wall and any necessary maintenance needed for the structure’s longevity and performance.

Home insurance policies normally do not cover damage from flooding or earth movement (landslides or earthquakes), both of which could cause severe damage to a retaining wall. But if your policy has these coverages, it will likely extend to your retaining walls as well.

There are many things to consider when constructing a retaining wall.  Proper water runoff management behind your retaining wall, should you create a series of smaller retaining walls to avoid one tall wall, and the best materials for the soil type and slope are among just a few of the considerations for proper retaining wall construction.  As such, considerable knowledge and experience with retaining wall construction best practices are needed before undertaking these types of projects.   At Calgary Retaining Walls we have years of design and construction experience and have constructed many residential and commercial retaining walls. 

Once you have a level outdoor space, or a more stable and visually appealing hillside, you can enhance your landscape with the options such as stone patio, steps, flowerbeds and waterfall(s) to create your ideal outdoor living space.   At CRW we build more than just retaining walls, we create beautiful outdoor experiences for you and your family and friends.