How much does a 10m retaining wall cost in Australia?

A 10-metre retaining wall at 1m height costs $2,500–$7,000 in Australia, depending on the material chosen, site conditions, and drainage requirements.

What's the best material for a retaining wall?

Concrete sleepers offer the best value — they're durable, low-maintenance, and look good. They cost $250–$600/lm in Australia. Timber is cheapest but has a shorter lifespan (15–20 years vs 50+ for concrete).

Cost Guide

Retaining Wall Cost Australia 2026

Q: How much does a retaining wall cost per metre in Australia?

A retaining wall in Australia costs $200–$450/lm for timber sleepers, $250–$600/lm for concrete sleepers, and $350–$700/lm for sandstone (all at approximately 1m height including footings).

Q: Do I need council approval for a retaining wall?

In most Australia councils, walls over 600mm–1m require a development application. Walls over 1.5m almost always need engineering certification and council approval. Always check with your local council first.

Q: How long does a retaining wall last?

Timber sleeper walls last 15–25 years. Concrete sleeper and block walls last 50+ years. Sandstone and boulder walls can last indefinitely with proper drainage. The biggest factor is drainage — poor drainage is the #1 cause of wall failure.

Q: Can I build a retaining wall myself?

Small walls under 600mm are a feasible DIY project. Anything taller in Australia should be done by a professional — the weight of retained earth is enormous and failure can damage property or cause injury.

Retaining wall costs depend on the material, wall height, length, and whether engineering certification is required.

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National Pricing Overview

Service	Low	Typical	High
Timber sleeper wall (per lineal metre)	$200/lm	$320	$450
Concrete sleeper wall (per lm)	$250/lm	$400	$600
Block / besser wall (per lm)	$300/lm	$500	$750
Sandstone wall (per lm)	$350/lm	$550	$700
Boulder wall (per lm)	$250/lm	$400	$600
Gabion wall (per lm)	$300/lm	$500	$800
Small garden wall (5 lm × 0.5m)	$1,000total	$1,800	$2,800
Standard wall (10 lm × 1m)	$2,500total	$4,500	$7,000
Large wall (15 lm × 1.5m)	$5,000total	$9,000	$15,000
Engineering / structural cert	$500per job	$1,000	$2,000
Drainage behind wall	$30/lm	$50	$80
Old wall demolition + removal	$50/lm	$100	$180

Prices verified February 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology

National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.

A retaining wall in Australia costs $200–$450 per lineal metre for timber sleepers, $250–$600/lm for concrete sleepers, and $350–$700/lm for sandstone. A standard 10-metre wall at 1m height costs $2,500–$7,000. Larger or engineered walls can cost significantly more.

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What Affects Retaining Wall Costs in Australia

Wall material

Timber sleepers ($200–$450/lm in Australia) are cheapest. Concrete sleepers ($250–$600/lm) are the most popular. Sandstone ($350–$700/lm) is premium but looks great.

Wall height

Walls under 1m are straightforward. Walls over 1m in Australia typically need stronger footings. Over 1.5m requires structural engineering certification.

Engineering requirements

Walls over 600mm (some Australia councils) or 1m (others) need a structural engineer's design ($500–$2,000). This adds cost but is legally required and protects you.

Drainage

Every retaining wall needs drainage behind it ($30–$80/lm in Australia). Without proper drainage, water pressure builds up and the wall can fail within a few years.

Site access

Easy access for a small excavator in your Australia property keeps costs low. If materials need to be carried by hand (steep slopes, narrow access), costs increase significantly.

Existing wall removal

Demolishing and removing an old failed wall in Australia costs $50–$180/lm on top of the new wall cost.

How to Save Money on Retaining Wall in Australia

Get 3 quotes from experienced Australia retaining wall builders — compare materials, drainage, and footings, not just price

Always include proper drainage (ag-pipe and gravel) behind the wall — this is non-negotiable for wall longevity

Check with your Australia council for height limits that trigger engineering and approval requirements

Get a structural engineer involved for any wall over 1m high — it's often required and always worth it

Consider concrete sleepers for the best balance of cost, appearance, and durability in Australia

Don't build on or near boundary lines without checking with your neighbour and council first

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a retaining wall cost per metre in Australia?

Timber sleepers cost $200–$450/lm, concrete sleepers $250–$600/lm, and sandstone $350–$700/lm (all at ~1m height including footings).

Do I need council approval for a retaining wall?

Walls over 600mm–1m (varies by council) typically need a development application. Walls over 1.5m almost always need engineering and council approval.

What's the best retaining wall material?

Concrete sleepers offer the best value — durable, low-maintenance, and attractive. They last 50+ years vs 15–25 for timber.

How long does a retaining wall last?

Timber 15–25 years. Concrete sleepers and blocks 50+ years. Sandstone and boulder walls can last indefinitely with proper drainage.

Can I build a retaining wall myself?

Small walls under 600mm are feasible DIY. Anything taller should be done professionally — retained earth weight is enormous and failure risks property damage.