Estimate retaining wall cost before you draw the wall path.

Start with wall type, length, height, drainage, soil, excavation, engineering, cap, returns, and removal assumptions. Then trace the actual wall on the property map for a clearer quote request.

Use the Calculator Draw Wall on the Property Map

Calculator specs are a starting point. Drawing the wall path helps account for layout, length, access, grade, and drainage.

Enter the wall path

Choose the wall type, enter the planned length, and set the average exposed height.

Add site assumptions

Include drainage, excavation access, soil or slope concern, engineering review, cap/topper, returns, and removal.

Draw it on the property map

Open the estimator with the calculator choices carried over, then trace the actual wall path.

Retaining wall cost calculator

Your planning estimate updates immediately as you change wall type, path length, exposed height, drainage, excavation, soil, and engineering assumptions. Add a location to show approved local cost factors.

Loading published pricing...

Choose wall type

Wall path and height

Wall lengthftAverage exposed heightft from lower grade to wall topWall face areaPath shapeFinishMap wall thicknessft, for estimator visual planning

Drainage, soil, and access

Excavation accessSoil / slope concern

Include drainage and backfillDrain pipe, clean stone, filter fabric, and backfill handling behind the wall.Include geogrid / engineering concernUse for taller walls, slopes, surcharge loads, structures, or likely permit review.

Advanced wall options

Include cap/topperAdds a planning allowance for cap blocks, stone caps, or a finished top course.Include steps / returnsUse when the wall turns, steps down, wraps ends, or ties into another grade change.Include existing wall removalUse when an old retaining wall must be removed before rebuilding.

Walls near or above 4 ft, near structures, or supporting surcharge loads may need permit or engineering review.

Retaining wall planning estimate

Single midpoint price with the likely planning range below it.

$10,869Range: $8,067 - $13,671

Estimated unit rate$45 - $76 / wall face sq ft

Materials$3,948

Labor$3,745

Overhead$1,883

Profit$1,293

60ft wall path3ft avg height180wall face sq ftPlancontractor verified

Retaining wall details affecting this estimate

Drainage/backfill (10.0 cu yd)$1,824

Use this estimate as a starting point

This estimate is not localized yet. You can still draw it on the map, or add an address first for local context.

Design this on the property map

What changes the retaining wall estimate?

The calculator starts with wall face square footage, then adds site assumptions that usually matter in the field. If you add a location, it can show approved local adjustments before you move into the map estimator.

Wall face area

Length multiplied by average exposed height drives the main wall quantity.

Height and engineering

Taller walls can require more labor, drainage review, reinforcement, permits, or engineering.

Water and soil

Drainage, backfill, clay, slope, access, and haul-off can move the price as much as the wall material.

Local context

Published local factors can adjust the estimate using wage, demand, regional cost, soil, weather, permit, and approved pricing data.

Ready for a clearer retaining wall plan?

Use the calculator to get close, then draw the wall path on the property map and request quotes when the scope is ready.

Open the Retaining Wall Estimator Compare Wall Types