Cost estimator
Retaining wall cost calculator
Enter your wall’s size and site conditions to see an estimated range, split into the parts a contractor prices. It’s an estimate, not a quote, and you don’t need to give an email to see it.
Plan with the parts a contractor prices.
See how size, material, drainage and access each move the total before you ask for quotes.
- A range, not one numberLow and high for every line
- See what drives costMaterials, labor, drainage, removal
- Plan your projectCompare options and next steps
Sourced pricing, updated October 2026. Ranges come from published national cost guides: HomeGuide, How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost? (Jan 16, 2026), HomeGuide, Stone Retaining Wall Cost (Dec 23, 2025).
Estimated cost
How this estimate worksExample estimates
New walls, drainage included, easy access, no engineering or removal.
| Wall size | Segmental concrete block | Poured concrete | Natural stone | Timber | Gabion baskets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft × 2 ft | $800–$2,200 | $1,000–$2,400 | $1,000–$4,400 | $800–$1,800 | $600–$2,200 |
| 40 ft × 3 ft | $2,200–$6,000 | $2,800–$6,600 | $2,800–$12,600 | $2,200–$4,800 | $1,600–$6,000 |
| 40 ft × 4 ft | $2,800–$7,600 | $3,600–$8,400 | $3,600–$16,400 | $2,800–$6,000 | $2,000–$7,600 |
| 60 ft × 4 ft | $4,200–$11,400 | $5,400–$12,600 | $5,400–$24,600 | $4,200–$9,000 | $3,000–$11,400 |
How this estimate works
The calculator multiplies your wall’s face area (length × exposed height) by a published installed cost range for the material, which covers materials and professional labour. It then adds drainage and removal of an old wall by length, and engineering as a fixed range. For taller walls it lists a footing and a permit as costs that may apply. Items you mark “not sure” are listed separately and kept out of the total.
Every figure comes from a dated national cost guide, listed below. Where no source publishes a figure, such as a surcharge for tight site access, the calculator tells you instead of guessing. The material-specific ranges come out lower than the overall national average of $35–$65 per square foot, and tall, engineered or complex walls tend to price nearer that.
It doesn’t price repairs, because repair cost depends on why the wall is failing. It also doesn’t adjust for your region yet, and it leaves out utility locating, grading, soil testing and landscaping repair. See the cost guide for how to compare real quotes.
Pricing sources (October 2026)