Retaining walls play an important role in the preservation of residential and commercial structures. They protect building foundations, prevent soil erosion and transform uneven ground into a stable space to build upon. Benefits like these make them exceptionally useful in the Adelaide and Adelaide Hills regions, which are widely known for steep ground and mixed soil conditions. So how much does a retaining wall cost, and can you afford to fit one into your budget?
First of all, a retaining wall is one of those additions that it’s worth paying a little extra for as far as quality goes. A good retaining wall not only raises the value of your property, it helps to protect your home or business for decades. On the other hand, a cheaply made retaining wall that cuts corners in manufacturing can fail within a few short years, leading to safety problems and expensive repairs.
Adelaide’s most trusted earthmoving contractors, Pinnacle Earthworks is a local family-owned business installing earthworks solutions including quality retaining walls throughout the Adelaide region. We have deep roots in the community and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional earthworks solutions with a personal touch.
Here is the Pinnacle Earthworks guide to the important question ‘how much does a retaining wall cost?’
What is a retaining wall?
As the name suggests, a retaining wall is a wall that retains (or holds back) a large body of soil at the edge of a terrace or excavation. It’s a sturdy structure that is built to withstand and restrain an enormous amount of soil and water. A retaining wall is the ideal solution if any of the following situations apply:
- You’re levelling sloping or uneven ground in order to build a structure on the land.
- You’re planting a tiered garden.
- Your home is at the base of a sloping block and you need to prevent soil erosion, collapse or flooding.
Pinnacle Earthworks specialises in several different types of retaining walls. So what kind of styles are available and how much does a retaining wall cost?
Types of retaining walls
The most common styles of retaining walls available include:
Concrete sleeper walls
South Australia’s most popular choice for retaining walls, concrete sleeper walls can boast 50+ year lifespans and perform exceptionally well in high-pressure sites like reactive clay areas. They’re available in many different colours and finishes for a sleek modern appeal.
Stone and rock walls
Retaining walls constructed from stone and rock blend exceptional beauty with timeless strength. Available in different styles including Bluestone, sandstone and moss rock, these walls are perfect for Heritage homes and anywhere with a rustic look.
Gabion walls
Contemporary in appearance but reliably strong, gabion walls are made from wire mesh cages filled with rocks. Their exceptional drainage properties are ideally suited for the Adelaide Hills region. They’re also conveniently cost-effective and low-maintenance for larger builds.
How much does a retaining wall cost in Adelaide?
Building a strong retaining wall is a complicated process involving planning and engineering, site preparation and the inclusion of drainage components. In the hands of professionals, how much does a retaining wall cost?
There are a number of factors that influence the price of your retaining wall including materials, height, design, site access, soil type and engineering requirements. Material is one of the most significant factors influencing the cost of your wall, with materials like concrete and sandstone a fair bit more expensive than timber. If your site is difficult or tight to access and requires more manual labour to complete the job, that drives up the cost even further.
In an area as diverse as Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills, you can expect to pay anything from $1000 minimum for a small retaining wall to over $10,000 for one that’s both large and effective. While an average ballpark figure is between $250 and $750 per square metre, a free quote is the best way to get a clear price for your retaining wall.
Get your free retaining wall quote with Pinnacle Earthworks
One of South Australia’s most trusted earthmoving contractors, Pinnacle Earthworks provide retaining wall services throughout Adelaide and Adelaide Hills and all the way out to Murray Bridge.
Our fully licensed and insured contractors meet all safety standards and regulations. We have extensive earthworks experience and deep knowledge of the area and its soil, and we can tell what sorts of solutions a property needs. With both state-of-the-art equipment and personalised service, we carry out each stage of the process from site preparation to final finishing with consistently high-quality results. The question “how much does a retaining wall cost?” may have no hard and fast answer, but a free retaining wall quote from Pinnacle Earthworks gives you a very clear idea. To find out more, call 0400 084 944 or e-mail admin@pinnacleearthworks.com.