How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Edmonton?
Planning a retaining wall for your Edmonton property? Understanding costs helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about materials, size, and installation. Retaining wall prices vary widely based on materials, height, length, site conditions, and complexity.
Here's what Edmonton homeowners need to know about retaining wall costs, material options, and factors affecting pricing.
Average Retaining Wall Costs in Edmonton
Cost per linear foot by material:
Treated timber walls: $25-$50 per linear foot Concrete block (Allan Block, Versa-Lok): $40-$75 per linear foot Natural stone: $75-$150+ per linear foot Poured concrete: $60-$100+ per linear foot Boulder walls: $100-$200+ per linear foot
Typical project costs:
Small wall (25 linear feet, 2-3 feet high): $1,500-$4,000 Medium wall (50 linear feet, 3-4 feet high): $4,000-$10,000 Large wall (100 linear feet, 4-6 feet high): $10,000-$25,000+
Engineering and permits (walls over 4 feet): $500-$2,000+ additional
Costs include materials, labor, excavation, base preparation, drainage, and backfill.
Retaining Wall Material Options
Treated Timber Walls
Cost: $25-$50 per linear foot
Pros:
- Lowest cost option
- Natural appearance
- Easier DIY installation
- Works well for low walls (under 3 feet)
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan (10-15 years in Edmonton)
- Susceptible to rot despite treatment
- Not suitable for walls over 3-4 feet
- Can shift during freeze-thaw cycles
Best for: Small garden walls, temporary walls, budget-conscious projects.
Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks
Cost: $40-$75 per linear foot
Popular brands: Allan Block, Versa-Lok, Belgard
Pros:
- Good durability (30-50 years)
- Interlocking design (easier installation)
- Many styles and colors available
- Handles freeze-thaw cycles well
- Can build taller walls (up to 8+ feet with engineering)
Cons:
- More expensive than timber
- Requires proper base preparation
- Needs geogrid reinforcement for taller walls
- Must follow manufacturer specifications
Best for: Most residential projects, property boundaries, terracing.
Natural Stone
Cost: $75-$150+ per linear foot
Stone types: Limestone, sandstone, granite
Pros:
- Premium appearance
- Very durable (50+ years)
- Increases property value
- Unique look (no two walls identical)
Cons:
- Highest cost
- Requires skilled installation
- Heavier (needs equipment)
- Limited DIY options
Best for: High-end landscaping, visible locations, property value enhancement.
Poured Concrete
Cost: $60-$100+ per linear foot
Pros:
- Extremely strong and durable
- Can achieve any shape
- Smooth or textured finishes available
- Best for tall walls (over 6 feet)
Cons:
- Requires concrete forms
- Professional installation only
- Can crack over time
- Higher cost
Best for: Tall walls, basement retaining walls, structural applications.
Boulder Walls
Cost: $100-$200+ per linear foot
Pros:
- Natural, rustic appearance
- Very durable
- Minimal maintenance
- Unique character
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Requires heavy equipment
- Skilled installation necessary
- Not suitable for formal landscapes
Best for: Natural landscapes, large properties, unique aesthetic.
Factors Affecting Retaining Wall Cost
1. Wall Height
Wall height dramatically affects cost:
Low walls (2-3 feet):
- Simpler construction
- Minimal engineering required
- Lower material and labor costs
- $25-$50 per linear foot
Medium walls (4-5 feet):
- May require engineering
- Geogrid reinforcement needed
- More complex drainage
- $50-$100 per linear foot
Tall walls (6+ feet):
- Engineering required
- Permits needed
- Complex installation
- Significant drainage needs
- $100-$200+ per linear foot
2. Wall Length
Longer walls cost more total but may have lower per-foot pricing due to economies of scale.
3. Site Conditions
Easy sites:
- Level access for equipment
- Good soil conditions
- Minimal excavation needed
- No existing structures to work around
Difficult sites:
- Poor soil requiring excavation and replacement
- Limited equipment access (backyard only, no gate)
- Slopes requiring terracing
- Existing utilities to work around
- Rocky soil
Difficult sites can add 30-50% to project cost.
4. Drainage Requirements
All retaining walls need drainage to prevent:
- Water pressure buildup behind wall
- Frost heave
- Wall failure
Drainage costs include:
- Drainage pipe (weeping tile): $5-$10 per linear foot
- Drain rock: $50-$150 total
- French drains if needed: $1,000-$3,000
Poor drainage is the #1 cause of retaining wall failure in Edmonton.
5. Permits and Engineering
City of Edmonton requirements:
Walls 3 feet or under: Usually no permit required (verify with City) Walls over 3 feet: Require engineering and permits
Engineering costs:
- Structural engineer consultation: $500-$1,500
- Engineering drawings: $500-$2,000
- Depends on wall complexity
Permit costs: $200-$500 depending on project
6. Additional Features
Steps or stairs: +$500-$2,000 Curves or corners: +20-30% cost Multiple tiers: +40-60% cost (each tier is separate wall) Lighting: +$200-$1,000 Caps or coping: +$10-$30 per linear foot
When Do You Need a Retaining Wall?
Functional purposes:
Slope stabilization:
- Prevent soil erosion
- Create level areas on sloped property
- Protect foundation from soil movement
Drainage management:
- Direct water flow
- Prevent flooding
- Create functional landscape
Property usability:
- Create flat areas for patios, lawns, gardens
- Maximize usable space on slopes
- Terrace steep yards
Aesthetic purposes:
- Define property boundaries
- Create visual interest
- Add dimension to flat yards
- Garden beds and raised planters
Professional hardscaping services include retaining wall design and installation.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY makes sense for:
- Small walls (under 2 feet high)
- Timber or small block walls
- Non-critical applications
- You have experience and proper tools
Hire professionals for:
- Walls over 3 feet high
- Structural/load-bearing walls
- Walls requiring engineering
- Limited equipment access
- Natural stone or boulder walls
Risks of poor installation:
- Wall failure or collapse
- Property damage
- Safety hazards
- Expensive repairs
- Permit violations
Retaining Wall Lifespan
Expected lifespans:
Treated timber: 10-15 years Concrete blocks: 30-50 years
Natural stone: 50-100+ years Poured concrete: 50+ years Boulders: 100+ years
Lifespan depends heavily on:
- Quality of installation
- Proper drainage
- Base preparation
- Ongoing maintenance
- Edmonton's freeze-thaw cycles
Retaining Wall Maintenance
Annual tasks:
- Inspect for cracks, bulging, or leaning
- Clear drainage outlets
- Fill settled areas behind wall
- Check for vegetation growth
- Repair minor issues promptly
Every 3-5 years:
- Professional inspection for tall or critical walls
- Verify drainage system functions
- Check for structural issues
Well-maintained walls last decades. Ignored problems lead to expensive repairs or replacement.
FAQ: Retaining Walls in Edmonton
Q: How much does a retaining wall cost in Edmonton?
A: Average costs range from $25-$50 per linear foot for treated timber to $100-$200+ per linear foot for boulder walls. Typical projects range from $1,500 for small garden walls to $25,000+ for large structural walls.
Q: Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Edmonton?
A: Walls 4 feet or under typically don't require permits, but walls over 4 feet require engineering and City of Edmonton permits. Always verify current requirements with the City.
Q: What's the best material for retaining walls in Edmonton?
A: Concrete retaining blocks (Allan Block, Versa-Lok) offer the best balance of durability, cost, and freeze-thaw resistance for most Edmonton applications. Natural stone is premium but costly. Timber works for low walls but has shorter lifespan.
Q: How long do retaining walls last?
A: Timber: 10-15 years. Concrete blocks: 30-50 years. Natural stone: 50-100+ years. Lifespan depends heavily on installation quality and proper drainage.
Q: Can I install a retaining wall myself?
A: Small walls (under 2 feet) can be DIY projects. Walls over 3 feet should be professionally installed. Poor installation leads to wall failure, property damage, and expensive repairs.
Q: What causes retaining walls to fail?
A: Poor drainage is the #1 cause. Water pressure builds up behind walls without proper drainage, leading to failure. Other causes include inadequate base preparation, incorrect installation, and using wrong materials for wall height.
Q: Do retaining walls need drainage?
A: Yes, all retaining walls need drainage systems (weeping tile, drain rock) to prevent water pressure buildup. Without drainage, walls fail during freeze-thaw cycles.
Q: How tall can a retaining wall be without engineering?
A: In Edmonton, walls 4 feet or under typically don't require engineering. Walls over 4 feet require structural engineering and permits.
Planning a retaining wall project? Serene Landscaping provides professional retaining wall design and installation throughout Edmonton, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park, and Stony Plain. We handle site assessment, engineering coordination, permits, and quality installation. Contact us for a free quote or call (587) 566-9879.
