Brett Hartwig
Well-Known Member
anybody know the average costs of different retaining wall materials? what's cheapest and most expensive way to go? landscaping blocks, limestone or granite boulders, railroad ties? thanks
retaining wall
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LaRue Medlin
In Memoriam 1955-2017
railroad ties NOOOOOOOOOOOOO been there done that we swapped out and used the stackable retaining wall bricks/blocks
David Ponder
Well-Known Member
Cheapest is concrete (Cinder) blocks @ $0.99 to $1.18 each I have been pricing.
Getting ready to do this myself. :banghead:
Getting ready to do this myself. :banghead:
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Mike Roncarati
Active Member
We used what they called "stonewall select". did this project 2 years ago and from what I recall the total for the materials was around $1800.00, that includes Blocks, caps, and all the stone. I also added a picture to drive home LaRue's point about ties!!!
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Doug Roland
Active Member
I've done it all, as far as different materials. And depending on the materials, will determine the cost, but also keep in mind the land you are trying to retain. yeah, the RR ties are cheap, but mostly they are treated with chemicals that can kill almost anything that gets close to it. Not to mention UGLY! lol
CMU (concrete masonry units) or block/cinder can be costly, considering you should have a solid foundation to mortar or wetset in/to, then rebar cost and grout. Yes, $0.99 per block is a great price, but with the cost of mortar and all...
Landscaping stones are a large variety and depending on the stone, the cost. Timewise, pretty efficient.
Also concrete retaining walls are an option, but again, foundation rebar, forms to set and remove. (If you're doing it yourself)
One thing to remember, in most anywhere, local codes will require engineering for a wall over a certain height (here, in Oregon, it is anything over 4 ft. in height). So, it might be wise to check that first.
Basically the height and your own taste will set your choice in the route you go. Good luck with your project and keep us informed.
BTW, Nice looking walls, Mike!
CMU (concrete masonry units) or block/cinder can be costly, considering you should have a solid foundation to mortar or wetset in/to, then rebar cost and grout. Yes, $0.99 per block is a great price, but with the cost of mortar and all...
Landscaping stones are a large variety and depending on the stone, the cost. Timewise, pretty efficient.
Also concrete retaining walls are an option, but again, foundation rebar, forms to set and remove. (If you're doing it yourself)
One thing to remember, in most anywhere, local codes will require engineering for a wall over a certain height (here, in Oregon, it is anything over 4 ft. in height). So, it might be wise to check that first.
Basically the height and your own taste will set your choice in the route you go. Good luck with your project and keep us informed.
BTW, Nice looking walls, Mike!
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LaRue Medlin
In Memoriam 1955-2017
Mike,,, that looks like what I had. We went with the rounded stone blocks. Much better.
Les
Well-Known Member
Freeport, do not consider the cost. Do what you like. If you are going to live in this home for a number of years, spending a little more now will save you in the long run.
David Clary
Active Member
We went with Key Walls NW out of Portland Oregon. I am about 200 miles from Portland. I had it installed by them.
It was costly but I wanted it done right. I believe if you google Keywalls you can find them on the web. Their web site even showed the steps of construction.
The blocks tie together with pins and at stress points they put in a fiberglass mat going back into what your retaining.
Its been about 3 years and I am still happy.
I had locals give me bids but found that they didn't have the knowlidge to do the job correctly, altho the all made big claims.
One thing I must stress is the base. Mine is packed and compacted gravel. They took great care to insure the base was correct. As with anything else the base will determine the quality of the whole job.
Good luck.
It was costly but I wanted it done right. I believe if you google Keywalls you can find them on the web. Their web site even showed the steps of construction.
The blocks tie together with pins and at stress points they put in a fiberglass mat going back into what your retaining.
Its been about 3 years and I am still happy.
I had locals give me bids but found that they didn't have the knowlidge to do the job correctly, altho the all made big claims.
One thing I must stress is the base. Mine is packed and compacted gravel. They took great care to insure the base was correct. As with anything else the base will determine the quality of the whole job.
Good luck.
