Concrete retaining walls: cost per metre and approvals

What retaining walls involves

1. Check height, loads and boundary position
2. Engineer's design for taller walls or walls near driveways and buildings
3. Dig and pour post footings
4. Install steel posts and concrete sleepers (or form and pour a wall)
5. Ag-pipe drainage and free-draining gravel behind the wall
6. Backfill and compact

How much retaining walls costs

Price per lineal metre depends mostly on height. A wall supporting a driveway or building, or above about 1 m, usually needs an engineer's design and certificate, which adds to the cost.

Source: whatsthedamage.com.au, Retaining wall cost Sydney 2026. Prices include GST. Checked October 2026.

Estimate your job in the calculator Is my quote fair?

Before you hire

• Ask how drainage behind the wall will be done – it's the main cause of failure
• Check boundary walls with your neighbour and council first
• Ask for the post footing depth and spacing
• Get the engineer's certificate for taller walls

Standards and approvals

Who does retaining walls

128 businesses in the directory list this service; 128 of them mention it on their own website (the quote is on each business page).

Related guides

• Garden edging & kerbingOutdoor areas, edging & walls
• Tilt panels & precastSlabs, footings & structure
• Excavation & site preparationSlabs, footings & structure
• Footings, foundations & columnsSlabs, footings & structure