Poured concrete is the cheapest type of retaining wall, in terms of materials. Pressure-treated pine is next, and wood retaining walls are becoming more popular now. If you prefer stone, granite is generally the least expensive option.
Wood is the most economical choice for retaining wall construction. It's not as strong as stone or concrete, but can be just as aesthetically pleasing, offering a natural look and rustic appeal. Wood retaining walls are also easy and efficient to install.
Gravity retaining walls
They are the simplest and earliest recorded type of retaining wall. Built of concrete, masonry, brick, blocks or mass cast-in-situ concrete, these hard-wearing structures rely on their large weight to resist toppling and sliding caused by the lateral earth pressure from the soil behind them.
Controlling the Height of the Wall
Adjusting the height of the retaining wall can lead to significant cost savings. In scenarios where it's feasible, reducing the height of the wall while allowing for a gentle slope can decrease the amount of materials needed and thus the overall expenses.
What Is the Cheapest Material to Build a Wall With? While prices of materials will vary depending on where you're building, the least expensive types of siding for exterior walls tend to be vinyl and composite. Vinyl is synthetic, low-maintenance, and comes in all different types to match aesthetic desires.
Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and boulder walls boast the longest lifespan. Their robustness ensures they can endure the test of time, often lasting 50 years and beyond.
The typical railroad tie retaining wall costs $2,200 to install, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 for 20 linear feet of wall at 2 feet high. For different wall heights and lengths, you can use the average price of $25 to $30 per square foot.
In this case, you would need to excavate a base that is at least 2.5 feet deep to provide adequate stability for the wall. Understanding the importance of depth calculation is crucial when constructing a block retaining wall.
The high price tag comes down to a combination of factors, including materials, labor, engineering requirements, and site conditions. Whether it's a small garden wall or a massive structure for slope stabilization, retaining walls require precise construction to handle the forces of nature and last for years.
Concrete is a common material for retaining walls because of its strength and durability. The typical lifespan of these walls is between 40 and 100 years, although they can persist for several decades.
To build a retaining wall with bricks, you will need the following materials: Retaining wall bricks: Choose bricks specifically designed for building retaining walls. Opt for high-quality, weather-resistant bricks that offer both strength and aesthetics.
A gabion wall is a retaining wall made of stacked stone-filled gabions tied together with wire. Gabion walls are usually battered (angled back towards the slope), or stepped back with the slope, rather than stacked vertically.
Concrete blocks are a low-cost option for constructing a retaining wall. They are strong, long-lasting, and come in various sizes and forms to meet your design tastes.
Railroad ties have been used the past few decades as a cheap solution for retaining walls in residential homes and commercial properties.
Traditional wooden railroad ties are typically made from treated hardwoods like oak or treated softwoods like pine. The weight of an 8-foot wooden railroad tie can be roughly estimated to be in the range of 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 91 kilograms).
Building a low-level retaining wall is a straightforward DIY project that offers many benefits and landscaping opportunities.
Soil saturation is the most common external factor that causes retaining wall failure, but there are many ways to prevent it.
Cantilever retaining wall:
It is the most common type of retaining wall and its height ranges up to 10-25 feet (3 to 8m). Counterfort retaining walls are economical for height over about 6 m.
Block Walls, The Cheaper Option
Each type has its own set advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation you're in as well as any other factors like budgeting constraints that may come up along your project timeline.
While there are many different materials that can be used for retaining walls, pavers retaining walls are becoming a popular option due to the variety of designs options and general ease of installation. Retaining wall pavers are available in many different colors, shapes, and sizes.