Retaining wall price comparison
Retaining wall price comparison table
The table below shows you the cheapest retaining wall types and a cost comparison of twelve different types of retaining walls. To calculate your budget work out the area of your wall per m2, select the wall type and height and multiply the area by the rate. The rates are net of VAT.
| Heights | 1 m | 2 m | 3 m | 4 m | 5 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthbag | £263 m2 | £411 m2 | £509 m2 | £598 m2 | £688 m2 |
| Gabion basket | £346 m2 | £438 m2 | £455 m2 | £534 m2 | £612 m2 |
| Stepoc Hollow block | £481 m2 | £396 m2 | £459 m2 | – | – |
| Inclined concrete block | £372 m2 | £475 m2 | £693 m2 | £621 m2 | £778 m2 |
| Segmental | £380 m2 | £405 m2 | £484 m2 | £585 m2 | £690 m2 |
| Geoweb | £382 m2 | £423 m2 | £502 m2 | £599 m2 | £705 m2 |
| Concrete block | £386 m2 | £426 m2 | £611 m2 | £720 m2 | – |
| King post | £392 m2 | £488 m2 | £642 m2 | £750 m2 | – |
| Masonry | £400 m2 | £650 m2 | – | – | – |
| Precast L shape | £437 m2 | £473 m2 | £550 m2 | £829 m2 | £829 m2 |
| Retainer rock | £542 m2 | £534 m2 | £561 m2 | £600 m2 | – |
| Concrete crib | £592 m2 | £537 m2 | £793 m2 | £877 m2 | £945 m2 |
The prices are per m2 and based on a retaining wall 50m long. This was to give some scale for pricing. The prices are based on standard designs and a standard soil type. Please note the prices are only a guide. The true price of a retaining wall will depend on the final design based on local site investigation information, location, site constraints, and contractor risk.
The cheapest retaining wall on paper isn’t always the cheapest wall to build.
Then use the wording we have just developed:
Cost is only one consideration. Buildability matters too. Access, excavation, ground conditions and site constraints can completely change which retaining wall system is most economical.
We can help you identify a retaining wall solution that is practical to build, cost-effective and right for your site.
Send Bob Your Project; he can help you compare the Options.
The rates include:
1. Earthworks works to reduce levels
2. The wall materials, blocks, bags, gabions, precast concrete, etc.
3. Delivery to site of the wall materials/units within the UK
4. Concrete foundation including formwork, reinforcement and concrete.
5. Full Installation of the wall.
6. Drain behind the wall
7. Backfilling, including clean stone over the drain
8. Contractor’s overheads and profit allowance 15%
9. Good access to the works
The rates exclude:
1. Structural design and specifications
2. Working drawing
3. Any site establishment works.
4. Any access preparation works, including hardstanding and the like.
5. Removal of excavated spoil off-site.
6. Excavation in hard ground.
7. Excavation within the water table.
8. Demolition of existing retaining walls or structures.
9. VAT
The prices are 2026
What does a retaining wall cost?
Our retaining wall price comparison table answers that question, together with, which is the cheapest retaining wall type?
Firstly, we recommend you download our retaining wall design and price comparison guide it will give you a more detailed overview of how to get a retaining wall cost for your project. Haven’t got time to read? Use the enquiry form on this page and we will build a budget for you.
What is the cheapest retaining wall type?
The selection of a retaining wall is not always about cost. Other considerations are the look, design life, simplicity to build, built by hand, machine, DIY.
1# The cheapest retaining wall type is the earthbag. The earthbag gravity design is very economical, easy to build in any location and is good to 1.5m high, After 1.5m the design changes to a geogrid design and wall heights can go as high as 12m
2# The second cheapest retaining wall type is the gabion basket wall. Gabion baskets are gravity designed and are built by filling galvanised wire baskets with stone. Gabion baskets are labour-intensive to construct.
3# The third cheapest retaining wall is the hollow block stepoc system. Stepoc is a cantilever L-shaped retaining wall. The hollow blocks are connected to a foundation using steel reinforcement, and the cavity is filled with concrete that makes a reinforced concrete structure. Stepoc walls are limited to a height of 3m.
Other retaining design types
Gravity and cantilever retaining wall types are the most common retaining walls built. They may be more expensive to build, but they are very popular with structural engineers. Also take a look at our geogrid and solution retaining walls.
How we can support you
We can offer the following services:
- Retaining wall selection support
- Retaining wall design
- Retaining wall scheduling and getting the best prices using our supply chain.
Retaining wall design including calculations
Development of working drawings and reinforcement schedules
Good ground conditions data is critical for the correct design of a retaining wall.
We can offer the following services:
- 2D and 3D drawings of the walls
- Wall design including calculations
- Development of working drawings and reinforcement schedules.
Every project is different so we can only provide prices from a detailed conversation with you
If you are looking for some support to select a retaining wall type or if you have questions got to contact us and complete our form.
