How Much Does It Cost To Build a Retaining Wall?
TL;DR
This article is extensive, so we’ve added quick links below to help you navigate to the section that interests you. We recommend reading it in chronological order.
Ballpark estimates for building retaining walls in Victoria cost around:
Depending on the size and complexity of your retaining wall, a small garden edging retaining wall can set you back just under $1000, while larger structural retaining walls can cost you well in excess of $10,000.
- $250 to $500 per sq/m for treated pine
- $300 to $450 per sq/m for treated timber sleepers/hardwood
- $300 to $550 per sq/m for sandstone blocks
- $400 to $680 per sq/m for reinforced concrete blocks
- $550 to $700 per sq/m for concrete sleeper blocks
Example of a small retaining wall project ~ $1200
Pictured: The Marina smooth-face concrete sleeper in charcoal, used for a small garden bed retaining wall project - Materials cost = ~$400; Labour cost = $800
Example of a large Retaining Walls will supply and install a concrete sleeper retaining wall as per the structural engineering documentation ~ $70,000
Pictured: Approximately 56 lineal meters of retaining wall using 80x 2400mm x 80mm Plain Marina Concrete Sleepers
Looking to get a quote for a new retaining wall?
Sunset Sleepers has partnered up with several reputable retaining wall installers across Melbourne and regional Victoria who are fully qualified and certified to construct and install retaining walls. Visit our Recommended Retaining Wall Installers directory and contact them for a complimentary, no-obligation quote. Tell them Sunset Sleepers sent you!
Get a Retaining Wall QuoteConsiderations to make when building a retaining wall
Below are just some of the factors to consider when you’re planning on building a new retaining wall:
- Do you have an existing retaining wall that needs to be replaced? If so, who will be responsible for demolishing and disposing of it, you or the retaining wall contractor?
- What type of materials will you use for the new retaining wall?
- What is the Height of the new retaining wall? Heights generally dictate whether or not you will need council approvals, engineering certificates, and soil testing. Does the wall impact the neighbouring property? Does it need to carry additional load (e.g., driveway, fence, building, or surcharge)? If so, you may still need engineering plans, even if it’s below the council’s height requirements.
- Does your wall need to incorporate steps, curves or any other special features?
- Do you plan on building the retaining wall yourself, and if so, have you calculated the material costs and delivery charges?
If you plan to dig holes for posts, do you have a Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) plan (formerly known as Dial Before You Dig (DBYD))? You may also need to hire the services of an underground services locator before digging any new holes.
Types of Retaining Walls
Retaining wall applications come in many forms.
Structural Retaining Walls
Garden Bed Retaining Walls
Under Fence Plinth Retaining Walls
Around the pool retaining walls
Boundary Wall Retaining Walls
Steps Retaining walls
Block Retaining Walls
Gabion Retaining Walls
The materials you choose for your retaining wall
In Australia, retaining walls are constructed from a variety of materials, depending on the budget, design preference, soil type, and whether the wall serves structural or purely decorative purposes.
Below are some commonly used materials for retaining walls:
- Concrete Sleepers (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Timber Sleepers (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Besser Concrete Blocks (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Brick (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Natural Stone (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Gabions (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Reinforced Poured Concrete (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
- Composite Sleepers (prices start from $32.00 per sleeper)
Retaining Wall Materials Comparison
| Type | Approx. Cost | Durability | Maintenance Level | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
From $32 +GST |
Very high (40–60+ Lifespan) |
Low (occasionally needs to check the steel posts) |
Residential & commercial, boundary walls |
|
|
Timber Sleepers |
From $32 +GST |
Low (Susceptible to Rot/Termites) |
High (occasionally needs to replace boards/treat the timber) |
Garden beds, small residential walls |
|
Besser Blocks (Interlocking) |
From $32 +GST |
Moderate (If reinforced correctly) |
Medium (weed growth in between joints, occasional reset) |
DIY landscaping, tiered gardens |
|
Gabion Walls |
From $32 +GST |
Very High (flexible + draining) |
Low (wire may corrode long-term) |
Civil works, erosion control, rural landscaping
|
Future maintenance costs and longevity of your wall
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the material type for your retaining wall is the ongoing maintenance cost and the longevity of the wall itself.
For example, consider timber as the preferred material choice for your retaining wall. In that case, it’s best to opt for treated timber, such as H4 timber, because it will offer slightly better resistance to rot and damage compared to regular unseasoned timber sleepers. However, even a treated wood like H4 won’t last as long as a concrete sleeper retaining wall, which is significantly more durable and can have a lifespan of 50 years or more.
