Retaining Wall Costs
Average costs per linear metre (1m high):
- Timber sleepers: $200-350/m
- Concrete sleepers: $300-500/m
- Besser blocks: $350-550/m
- Sandstone blocks: $400-700/m
- Boulder wall: $300-600/m
- Gabion: $400-700/m
Height Affects Cost
- Under 600mm: Simple DIY possible
- 600mm-1m: Drainage critical
- 1m-1.5m: Engineering likely required
- Over 1.5m: Structural engineering mandatory
Example Costs (10m wall)
- Timber 600mm: $1,500-2,500
- Timber 1m: $2,000-3,500
- Concrete 1m: $3,000-5,000
- Sandstone 1m: $4,000-7,000
What's Included
- Excavation
- Drainage (ag pipe, gravel)
- Wall construction
- Backfill
- Basic soil reinstatement
When You Need Engineering
- Walls over 1m in most councils
- Near boundaries
- Supporting structures
- Poor soil conditions
- Steep slopes