If you’re thinking about building a retaining wall for your property, you’ve likely already done the math on how much it will cost to buy a kit. But what about all the other costs associated with that decision? When it comes to retaining wall cost, digging and filling soil can be one of the most expensive parts of the entire project. If you’ve ever wondered how much soil is involved in the building of a retaining wall, read on to find out!
What a Retaining Wall Is?
A retaining wall is a structure that stabilizes an existing grade and prevents soil erosion. The walls are designed to retain the soil and prevent it from sliding down hill. They must be strong enough to support the weight of the soil they contain, while resisting pressure from the weight of any footing or pad beneath them.
Types of Materials to Build a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are built with a variety of materials, each of which has its own pros and cons.
Wood
Wood is a natural material and, depending on the type of wood used, can be very durable. However, height restrictions on wooden retaining walls are 25 feet high. And since you have to treat them before installation and periodically throughout their life span, they can be very expensive.
Concrete
Concrete walls are very common in landscaping and can be used to build a retaining wall in an area where strength, stability, and durability are top priorities. Concrete walls can be built as high as 50 feet, but they will require upkeep and may experience cracking due to the pressure exerted on them.
Gabion and stone
Gabion and stone walls are excellent for retaining walls since they are strong and provide a woodsy, nature-like appearance. However, the price is generally higher when you build a retaining wall with these materials.
Steel
Steel is an excellent material to build a retaining wall with because it’s very durable and can support heavy loads while standing up to tough weather conditions. It requires professional installation, however, so it’s not the most cost effective option.
The True Cost of Building a Retaining Wall in Canada
When it comes to building an attractive and sturdy retaining wall, you could pay as little as $3 per square foot or as much as $25 per square foot. Compare that to the $12 per square foot cost of building a retaining wall from wood, and the more expensive option as bricks. Typical range of prices is from $3,185 to $8,558.
Bottom line
The price of building a retaining wall can vary greatly, depending on the materials you use and the contractor you contract for the job. To get an initial idea of how much your retaining wall will cost, contact us to get a free estimate as well as detailed consultation on any issue you want to know.
