The cost of a retaining wall varies wildly depending on what you choose. Here's what you can expect per running metre for the three main options.
Timber Walls
Cost: $150–$300 per running metre (1m high)
What you get: Rustic, warm look. Relatively quick to install. Ages beautifully.
Pros: Affordable, looks great when new, good for gardens
Cons: Rots over time (typically 15–25 years), needs regular maintenance and occasional replacement, weakens with age, not ideal for tall walls
Best for: Low walls (under 1m), gardens with budget constraints, rustic aesthetics
Concrete Block or Besser Brick
Cost: $250–$450 per running metre (1m high)
What you get: Uniform, tidy appearance. Durable and long-lasting. Easier to finish with render or cladding.
Pros: Durable (30+ years), consistent look, good for tall walls, takes render well, stronger structurally
Cons: Can look institutional, visible mortar joints, needs good detailing to look polished, rendering adds cost
Best for: Tall walls, sloped sites, areas that need durability over aesthetics
Sandstone (Natural Stone)
Cost: $400–$800+ per running metre (1m high)
What you get: Premium look, stunning when weathered, increases property value. Each stone is unique.
Pros: Beautiful aging, timeless appearance, extremely durable (50+ years), high resale value, distinctive look
Cons: Expensive, slower installation, requires skilled labour, not all sites suit stone aesthetically, variable quality
Best for: Feature walls, streetfront boundaries, heritage properties, when budget allows
What Affects Actual Cost
Height: These prices are per metre for a 1m wall. A 2m wall costs roughly 1.5–1.8x the 1m price (increased engineering, deeper footings, more material).
Site conditions: Rocky soil = expensive excavation. Sloped sites = more complex installation. Difficult access = slower work.
Drainage: Proper drainage behind the wall is essential but invisible. It adds $20–$40 per metre regardless of wall type.
Finishing: Render, cladding, or capping details add $30–$100 per metre.
Council approval: If your wall needs engineering certification or council approval, add $500–$1,500 for documentation and inspections.
Real Project Example
A 15-metre wall, 1m high, on level ground:
- Timber: $2,250–$4,500
- Block with render: $3,750–$6,750
- Sandstone: $6,000–$12,000
Add $500 for drainage, $750 for council approval if needed, and potentially more if site conditions are challenging.
Best Value?
For durability, concrete block with good detailing offers best value. It lasts 30+ years and costs half what stone does.
For aesthetics and longevity, sandstone wins if budget allows — it genuinely ages better and adds property value.
For tight budgets, timber works fine for low walls, but plan for replacement in 20 years.
Don't Skimp on Foundations
Whatever material you choose, the foundation is critical. Poor footings fail, regardless of what's on top. Budget properly for dig, drainage, and compaction.
The Long View
A $6,000 sandstone wall that lasts 50 years costs $120 per year to own. A $2,500 timber wall that lasts 20 years costs $125 per year. So the "cheaper" option often isn't.
Choose based on longevity, aesthetics, and what your garden needs. We're happy to discuss material options and give you firm quotes for your specific situation.
