Retaining walls often serve a very important role of preventing soil erosion and maintaining the grade of a landscape. They often hold the land back, preventing it from sliding. Retaining walls can be as beautiful as they are functional and can be the focal point of a landscape. Many different materials can be used to blend with any design and the cost of a retaining wall can vary.

There are several factors that affect the price of a retaining wall, mainly labor and materials needed for the project.

Labor is a significant cost for any construction project, and that cost will vary depending on the size, scale, and complexity of the landscaping project. Labor to construct a retaining wall often ranges between $50-$60 per hour, but the amount of labor needed will need to be estimated. Consider requesting a professional retaining wall estimate to get an accurate labor cost. You may be able to complete the project yourself as well, minimizing labor costs.

Retaining wall material can range in price from $10-$40 per square foot, with some material options including cinder block, wood, interlocking concrete block, natural stone, or poured concrete.

Cinder block is a cost effective material for a retaining wall, and usually runs between $10-$15 per square foot. Cinder block is often not the most desirable choice for a retaining wall since it is not structurally designed for lateral support and to hold the land back, but may be used for short retaining walls. Cinder block can be plastered or painted to improve the cosmetic appearance. Check out our concrete block calculator to estimate how many cinder blocks you will need for your wall.

Wood timbers are a great material for retaining walls since they are beautiful and strong. Wood timbers often cost $15-$25 per square foot. Wood walls often last many years, however they do tend to rot and degrade over time and will eventually need to be replaced.

Interlocking concrete blocks are beautiful and designed and structured specifically for use in retaining walls. Block walls usually cost $20-$30 per square foot, which can vary depending on the type of block used. Concrete block walls can last a lifetime when installed correctly and add beauty to almost any landscape. Estimate how many blocks you need for your retaining wall.

Natural stone retaining walls are very attractive, and stones can range in size from a few inches to a several feet. Natural stone usually costs $25-$40 per square foot but usually cost a bit more than concrete blocks to install. Learn more about installing natural stone retaining walls.

Poured concrete has become more popular for use in retaining walls as color and patterns have become more commonly used, making them look much better than a plain concrete wall. Poured concrete is often the most expensive choice for a wall at about $30-$40 per square foot, but is also extremely durable. When installed correctly a poured concrete wall will last a very long time with virtually no maintenance.

People often overlook some additional materials needed to install any retaining wall. A proper wall installation often starts with a solid base, sometimes gravel, sand, or concrete. Walls also need a way to drain excess water from behind the wall, which requires gravel, backing, and drain materials. After the wall is constructed fill material will be needed for behind the wall, but often this is available on site. Consider the cost of these extra materials when estimating the cost of your wall project.

Other factors can affect the cost of a retaining wall. Once common factor is the amount of excavation needed for the project and the material that needs to be excavated. Removing rock and boulders will be more labor intensive then removing dirt for example. The height of a wall can also affect the cost. Higher walls need to have a stronger base, more drainage, more excavation, and often require more planning and engineering. Adding steps to a wall can also add to the cost, so consider that when estimating your project. Every property is different so always consider getting professional estimates for a more accurate cost assessment of your retaining wall.

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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Retaining Wall in 2018 ...

Let the strength and durability of hand-crafted, specially-designed concrete not only enhance the aesthetic value of your home, but provide the structural support you need as well. StoneMakers of Pittsburgh has the ability to create a custom concrete retaining wall for your Pittsburgh home that will last for decades. Our retaining walls are functional while increasing the value of your home. Our experience and our high-quality product have made us the number one concrete retaining wall designer and installer in western Pennsylvania.

Retaining walls are used in many residential and commercial areas. They add beauty to a front yard, back yard, or entrance way, but they also have an important and functional purpose: They prevent rock, soil, and vegetation from falling into a home, building, or other structure, such as a driveway or parking lot.

Retaining walls are commonly used around new construction areas, especially in the Pittsburgh area, since western Pennsylvania terrain is very hilly. Youve no doubt seen retaining walls on the highway and outside of businesses on hillsides.Most retaining walls are designed to prevent unstable soil from sliding into a yard or building.

StoneMakers designs and installs the best retaining walls in the Pittsburgh area. Our knowledge and products are second to none, and we back up every installation with our service guarantee.

We use only the highest-quality product: a solid monolithic concrete that is cast as one piece. This kind of concrete is durable, is stronger than stone, and can be used in both hot and cold climates. The concrete is poured, carved and textured to look just like real rock, and it lasts for a lifetime. Using a special technique, we can make the concrete appear as distressed rock, giving your outdoor area a new, natural look. We have different rock patterns available and will be glad to show you each.

A concrete retaining wall is not a DIY project. They should only be designed by a professional who understands the proportioning of the wall, its structural design, and the minimum reinforcement cover. StoneMakers will determine the dimension of the walls by calculating the slope of the ground, evaluating the type of soil in your yard, and measuring the proposed length of the wall. In addition, a drainage system will have to be installed to prevent groundwater from exerting further pressure on the wall.We do great work, but we also work quickly because we have more than 25 years of experience. We can be finished with a 50 foot by 5 foot retaining wall within 3-5 days. (A traditional stone wall will cost much more and take several weeks to complete.) We guarantee that you will love the design of your new retaining wall!

Call StoneMakers today to learn more about our decorative concrete retaining walls and take a look at this video to see just how we install retaining walls.

If youre interested in seeing more of our excellent retaining wall work, feel free to continue on to our retaining walls gallery page!

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Retaining Walls Pittsburgh | StoneMakers of Western PA

Poured retaining walls with elaborate curves require complex formwork and will drive up cost for a wall.

The total cost to have a concrete retaining wall installed will be a combination of material and labor prices. For a basic wall you can expect to pay between $30 and $40 per square foot. If you add a decorative finish, curves, steps, lighting or other upgrades, the cost will rise.

What factors influence the cost of a concrete wall?

For Ralston, $39 per square foot is the average cost he charges for a wall under 4 feet tall. For walls below 4 feet, he says his prices are often competitive with finished block. A block wall has to be stuccoed or finished with veneer, while a concrete wall does not need an added finish. If the concrete mix was integrally colored, all you need to do is remove the forms. This can be an area where concrete has a cost advantage over other retaining wall materials. Furthermore, concrete walls can be stamped to look like stone at a much lower price than a natural stone wall.

Protecting Your InvestmentHiring a contractor who is experienced with pouring concrete walls will ensure that you get a quality product that will last for years. When constructing a concrete wall it is imperative that the forms be built properly, or else the end result could have waves or bulges that make it appear sloppy. Waterproofing and drainage are also important elements of wall construction that Ralston stresses as essential. He warns that without the proper waterproofing, moisture could move through the wall and discolor the finished surface. Without the proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure could build up behind the wall and cause it to lean outwards. Fixing these problems can be quite costly and may even lead to demolishing the existing wall and re-pouring fresh concrete with the proper construction methods. To avoid maintenance issues, costly repairs or complete replacement, shop around for a contractor with proven experience in building concrete retaining walls.

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Concrete Retaining Wall Cost - The Concrete Network

Secaucus Retaining Wall Construction

Wood, bricks, blocks, concrete AAP Construction has built retaining walls from all these materials in Secaucus, New Jersey and we'll be pleased to build a retaining wall for your property in your choice of materials.

A Secaucus retaining wall can separate an elevated patio from the rest of your property, enclose a raised flower bed, or protect a vegetable garden we've done them all since 1993. Your Secaucus retaining wall may be a purely functional one built of concrete. Or you can have a purely ornamental one built from multi-hued stones. Call us at (973) 298-1013 and we'll spoil you with choices and give you attractive prices with no sales pressure!

Whichever materials you choose, rest assured that your Secaucus retaining wall will be rigorously constructed. Would you believe that there is some science to building retaining walls? The main purpose of a retaining wall is to separate and hold back soil layers so a retaining wall has to have the requisite strength to hold back a certain tonnage of soil. Having been in the Secaucus masonry business since 1993, AAP Construction knows how to 'do the math.'

No matter what the needs of any resident of Secaucus, NJ, we have him or her covered. We'll build a standard gravity wall, a cantilevered wall when extra buttressing is needed, and, where the soil pressure is extreme, an anchor wall which has bulbous, concrete subsoil 'anchors'.

Let us do your Secaucus retaining wall job, big or small call us now at (973) 298-1013 for a no-obligation visit and a free quote!

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING:

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Pawan in Richmond Hill, NY

"He is a great great guy, very responsible company which is hard to find. I had him do a small project for me in the past, before we started this larger project. I have a lot of confidence in his work and what I like is that he delivers what he promises."

John

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Retaining Wall Secaucus NJ - aap-construction.com

Pittsburgh Retaining Walls

J Birds Landscaping LLC buildsretaining walls in Pittsburgh from the ground up, as well as repairs to the rugged wall you may currently have. We specialize in Precast and VERSA-LOK retaining wall systems, which provide strength, durability and reliability. This is an excellent way to add style and value to your home!

Retaining walls are often built as something that is pleasing to the eye; whether constructed to provide a tiered effect, or to showcase specific types of plants. Retaining walls can offer low maintenance on a difficult slope, hill or landscape.

In Pittsburgh, however, we have many hills and valleys, so it is important to have the right concrete structure around your yard. Homeowners can find shifts or settling in and around their property, and retaining walls offer a solution to keep soil where it belongs. Retaining walls help disperse water, offer a comfortable habitat for plants and vegetation, and give a break from constant lawn maintenance. Feel free to fill out our request form to the left, or head to Service Area Page to learn more about our retaining walls and services!

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Pittsburgh Retaining Walls | J Bird's Landscaping

City officials said more than 28,000 vehicle trips are made each day along College Avenue between Cleburn and Prospect streets.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Fayetteville will soon have yet another piece of large-scale public art.

City officials are seeking an artist to create a mural on the old retaining wall along North College Avenue between Cleburn and Prospect streets.

The area is currently receiving a major overhaul as part of the College Avenue Improvement Project, which includes adding new sidewalks, lighting and street trees in the half-mile stretch of road between Maple and North streets. Crews completed work on the east side of College Avenue early this year, and work on the west side began in April.

The original plan was to plant street trees on the west side of the road, but crews discovered a fiber line buried in a vault underneath the existing sidewalk. Officials said the available soil depth is not able to sustain healthy trees, and the costs to relocate the line are too high.

In an effort to incorporate some type of functional aesthetics on the east side of the road, the city asked for and received approval from the Arkansas Department of Transportation to install a 1,654-square-foot mural on the original retaining wall that now separates the new sidewalk and the new multi-use trail.

Chris Brown, Fayettevilles city engineer, said the old retaining wall was kept because the soils behind it were too poor to replace it entirely with a new wall closer to the businesses on that side of the road.

We wouldve had to remove so much soil that the buildings near the right of way would have been damaged, Brown said. So, we left the wall in place and installed the sidewalk near the top of the wall, then constructed a smaller wall behind the sidewalk.

An online form is available through Sept. 12 for artists to submit a resume, list of qualifications and work samples.

Once the submissions are in, the Fayetteville Arts Council will meet to select three artists from the applications to submit formal proposals for a mural on the wall. The artist chosen to complete the work will receive a stipend of $17,367. The other two artists will receive $250 each for compensation of their time.

According to the project timeline (see below), the mural is expected to be completed by Nov. 9.

Visit city website to submit an application

Sept. 5 Call for artist qualificationsSept. 12 Submission form closes at 7 p.m.Sept. 13 Fayetteville Arts Council meets to select three finalistsSept. 14 Three finalists notified to produce renderingsSept. 25 Renderings dueSept. 27 Fayetteville Arts Council meets to select final artistSept. 28 Artist notified and contract process startsOct. 5 Contract process complete at 12 p.m.Oct. 13 Mural work beginsNov. 9 Mural work ends (artist must complete mural within 10 calendar days).

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Fayetteville seeks artists for mural along College Avenue ... - Fayetteville Flyer

POST FALLS A lonely, dirt-filled, circular retaining wall in White Pine Park won't be lonely anymore.

It is now the home of the Kootenai County Kindness Wall, courtesy of the new painting-hiding-finding rock group, KC Rocks.

Everybody has a right to have a smile and a reason for joy, said Post Falls mom Winn Koehler, who arranged the new wall last week. Everybody should be able to feel a little bit of kindness every day in their life.

Koehler originally organized a rock-trading kindness wall in Falls Park where little children and disabled individuals could easily access thecache of decorated rocks and participate in the rock painting/trading community, but it was destroyed.

"This is for little kids and the disabled that actually cant go out and rock hunt, Koehler said about a month ago. "Theres a gal who comes to Falls Park who is in a wheelchair, and she cant actively go out and find the rocks, but she could pull right up to my wall and get a rock, trade them out. The little guys have a hard time finding them and they get discouraged when they dont. I figured this is a good thing for them.

For a week she enjoyed bringing her own wee ones to sit on a nearby bench and witness the magic.

"The excitement and squeals I heard from the little kids when they come up and see all these beautiful rocks was amazing," she said back then. "The joy you could hear in their voices was amazing. It was the greatest feeling ever. It made me emotional. Youd see the big smiles on their face. It was well worth it."

Unfortunately, the Falls Park wall was destroyed by unknown persons who threw the painted rocks into the Spokane River. Koehler's friend, Debby Carlson, who also assisted with the White Pine kindness wall, said the destruction of the Falls wall was "heartbreaking."

I was like, Oh my God, after all the work shes done for this, Carlson said, gesturing to the White Pine wall. "We don't want to see this one destroyed."

A friend of Koehler's donated a heavy rock slab to mark the new wall. It tells the three steps necessary to be a part of the KC Rocks community: Take one rock so you have a bit of kindness, leave one to spread the kindness and share one sothe kindness wall can grow.

For info and photos, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/353956238371586/ or visit the KC Kindness Wall KC Rocks Facebook page.

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Wall-to-wall kindness - Coeur d'Alene Press

The Southern Pines Town Council approved $30,000 in new capital improvements at Pool Park during Mondays work session.

Three new retaining walls near the basketball court will replace the existing wood walls and new fencing will be installed at the baseball backstop.

As we continue to improve our parks, there were a few maintenance issues to bring forward. These are projects that our staff cannot do in house because they are more specialized, said Recreation and Parks Director Robert Reeve.

The retaining walls will be constructed with Diamond D block, a rough-hewn, natural looking concrete block that is frequently used in outdoor applications. The three walls will connect directly to the walking trail and will be stepped back slightly more than the existing retaining wall. Each wall will extend between 100 to 135 feet and plans calls for them to be spaced approximately six feet apart.

The top of the walls will be reinforced and will provide block seating, Reeve said. It will give an amphitheater-type look to serve the basketball court and will also provide more seating for the new performance stage.

Reeve said the new walls will create a cleaner, nicer look at the park and are in keeping with the towns multi-phased enhancement program for Pool Park. The project is anticipated to cost approximately $25,900 to install.

By putting in this type of structure, it will be secure and safe and look a lot better. It will also create a new function for the park, he said.

In addition, he recommended new fencing for the baseball backstop area, at an estimated cost of $4,000. The town will also use approximately $860 that was donated to the Pool Park fund by a local Boy Scout as part of his Eagle project.

We all express our appreciation to this young man for his generous donation, said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Simeon.

In other discussion on Monday, the Southern Pines Town Council:

* Considered a request to allow private businesses to use town-owned outdoor facilities. The discussion was raised when a local entrepreneur asked to conduct exercise classes at area parks. The town attempted to hire the woman so the business could operate as a recreation program offering but she opposed the differing fee structure set up for residents and non-residents. The other option is to pay a standard facility fee on a per hour basis.

We want to be fair to everybody and very consistent with how we run our programs based on our ordinance, Reeve said. If we have someone who wants to do a program that we feel could benefit the community, we want to work with them.

The town has traditionally restricted rental use of any facilities indoor spaces and outdoor areas to individuals and nonprofits.

One of the aspects we like about our parks is that people can rent a shelter for a birthday party. You have to balance that will how much you allow private (business) renters to come in and possibly take away those opportunities, Reeve said. We dont want to get in a situation where we have to decide that you can use it but you cant.

* Considered a request to amend the design standards for fuel stations in the towns Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The request is based on a proposed plan to construct a kiosk-style fuel station at the Harris Teeter store location at Mill Creek Village, near the corner of N.C. 22 and Airport Road.

There were some not-quite-anticipated hurdles with design and site work, said Assistant Town Manager Chris Kennedy. As we worked through this application, we ran into some issues with the UDO language.

Specifically, Harris Teeter is interested in building a small fuel station with an attended kiosk; however, current UDO regulations stipulate fuel station pumps should be screened behind the building and the roof line of the canopy must be lower than the building. This language is based on the typical, historical model of a fuel station with an attached convenience store.

In recent years, grocery stores have moved into the fuel business by opening up smaller, kiosk style stations as part of its integrated shopping center services. Examples already in place in the area include the Lowes Food fuel station at Morganton Park South and the Harris Teeter fuel station at Pinecroft Shopping Center in Taylortown.

It is difficult for a small building to screen pumps, as written in the code, versus a more traditional gas station, Kennedy said. We dont want people to think there is a special allowance. We want to make sure we are applying things correctly.There is always a rhyme and reason to why a code gets changes. Over time conditions change and the code has to apply to all kinds of nuance and there are certain situations that dont always fit.

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SP Approves Improvements at Pool Park - Southern Pines Pilot

MOLINE, Illinois (KWQC) Many drivers may be getting used to construction on John Deere road, but you may have noticed a new addition to the plan, a retaining wall being built alongside the road.

The Illinois department of transportation says not only is this a retaining wall, it will also be used to block out noise from the road. Some neighbors in the area aren't sure if the wall will benefit their community.

For 14 year Moline resident Tammy Reynolds, the wall seemed like a good idea until it was placed in her backyard.

"This wall is definitely, it kind of makes you feel like you live in a prison," said Tammy Reynolds.

But that's not her only concern; she thinks the wall is a safety hazard.

"When you pull out of my driveway there is no visual to traffic, or pedestrians walking either direction coming from the corner," said Reynolds.

Illinois DOT plans to stretch the wall east bound along John Deere for nearly a mile. The 20 foot wall is designed to send sound decibels 200 feet up and around the wall. IDOT officials say this is the best option for the community once the 3 lane traffic this added.

"Keep noise from penetrating and keep it quieter there for both neighborhoods that are on both sides there, It will definitely keep the road noise from John Deere road, it'll be a lot quieter," said Residential Engineer, Brian Holiday.

IDOT officials say they expect the wall to be completed by Mid-October.

Meanwhile, construction continues on John Deere road. The massive, six lane projects is expected to be completed in 2018.

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Community reacts to new retaining wall on John Deere road - KWQC-TV6

Beginning on Monday, Park Street will be reduced to one travel lane to accommodate a $1 million retaining wall repair project expected to last around 12 weeks.

Vehicular traffic will be allowed to travel in the direction of downtown during the project, but access to Park Street will be from Center Street only and not from Exchange or State streets, the city of Bangors Engineering Department said Thursday in a news release.

The partial closure of Park Street is needed to allow for repairs to the 405-foot long Park Street hill retaining wall located directly behind City Hall.

The retaining wall was built about a century ago and hasnt been repaired since 1978, according to a 2015 evaluation of the wall done by the Bangor-based consultants FGS/CMT Inc., City Engineer John Theriault said in June.

While Theriault said at the time that the wall was not on the verge of collapse, it is showing breaking, cracking and tilting as well as extensive weather wear. Without repair, he said, the wall could become unstable and give way, putting part of the street at risk of collapse.

A team comprising Sargent Corporation, CES and Geostabilization International will be performing the repairs, which are likely to take about 12 weeks. Motorists are urged to drive safely within the work zone and observe all signage.

Businesses along Park Street will remain open throughout the project and on street parking will continue to be available along Park Street, city officials said.

Additionally, access to Bangor City Hall by the handicapped entrance will remain available throughout the project. Handicapped and mobility challenged parking will be available in the upper lot immediately adjacent to city hall.

City staff will provide updates throughout the project through the citys website, Facebook page and Twitter accounts and government access cable television channel.

The public can receive traffic alerts by subscribing to the Citys email notification services at http://www.bangormaine.gov/subscribe.

Any questions or concerns regarding this project should be directed to City Engineer John Theriault at 992-4249 or via email at john.theriault@bangormaine.gov.

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Park Street to be one-way travel during 12-week retaining wall ... - Bangor Daily News