Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026
Retaining wall icon — stacked stone block wall

How much does a retaining wall cost in Gold Coast?

Most retaining walls in Gold Coast cost $2,450–$14,700
for a standard residential wall
A 10-metre wall at 1m height in Gold Coast costs $2,450–$6,850. Per-metre rates range from $195/lm for timber sleepers to $685/lm for sandstone. Walls over 1.5m need engineering ($490–$1,950).
+3.9% Retaining Wall costs in Gold Coast have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Platypus mascot illustration — Retaining Wall Cost Gold Coast 2026
Average Retaining Wall Cost in Gold Coast
$126
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$63–$158
Emergency Rate
$263–$735
Common Job
$158–$420
Budget $84/hrAverage $126/hrPremium $210/hr

A retaining wall in Gold Coast costs $195–$440 per lineal metre for timber sleepers, $245–$590/lm for concrete sleepers, and $345–$685/lm for sandstone. A standard 10-metre wall at 1m height costs $2,450–$6,850. Larger or engineered walls can cost significantly more.

Detailed Pricing — Gold Coast 2026

ServiceLowTypicalHigh
Timber sleeper wall (per lineal metre)$195/lm$315$440
Concrete sleeper wall (per lm)$245/lm$390$590
Block / besser wall (per lm)$295/lm$490$735
Sandstone wall (per lm)$345/lm$540$685
Boulder wall (per lm)$245/lm$390$590
Gabion wall (per lm)$295/lm$490$785
Small garden wall (5 lm × 0.5m)$980total$1,775$2,750
Standard wall (10 lm × 1m)$2,450total$4,400$6,850
Large wall (15 lm × 1.5m)$4,900total$8,800$14,700
Engineering / structural cert$490per job$980$1,950
Drainage behind wall$29/lm$49$78
Old wall demolition + removal$49/lm$98$175
Prices verified February 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology

Prices include GST. Based on Gold Coast metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

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What Affects Retaining Wall Costs in Gold Coast

Wall material

Timber sleepers ($195–$440/lm in Gold Coast) are cheapest. Concrete sleepers ($245–$590/lm) are the most popular. Sandstone ($345–$685/lm) is premium but looks great.

Wall height

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

Engineering requirements

Walls over 600mm (some Gold Coast councils) or 1m (others) need a structural engineer's design ($490–$1,950). This adds cost but is legally required and protects you.

Drainage

Every retaining wall needs drainage behind it ($29–$78/lm in Gold Coast). 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast costs $50–$180/lm on top of the new wall cost.

How to Save Money on Retaining Wall in Gold Coast

1
Get 3 quotes from experienced Gold Coast retaining wall builders — compare materials, drainage, and footings, not just price
2
Always include proper drainage (ag-pipe and gravel) behind the wall — this is non-negotiable for wall longevity
3
Check with your Gold Coast council for height limits that trigger engineering and approval requirements
4
Get a structural engineer involved for any wall over 1m high — it's often required and always worth it
5
Consider concrete sleepers for the best balance of cost, appearance, and durability in Gold Coast
6
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 Gold Coast?
A retaining wall in Gold Coast costs $195–$440/lm for timber sleepers, $245–$590/lm for concrete sleepers, and $345–$685/lm for sandstone (all at approximately 1m height including footings).
How much does a 10m retaining wall cost in Gold Coast?
A 10-metre retaining wall at 1m height costs $2,450–$6,850 in Gold Coast, depending on the material chosen, site conditions, and drainage requirements.
Do I need council approval for a retaining wall?
In most Gold Coast 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.
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 $245–$590/lm in Gold Coast. Timber is cheapest but has a shorter lifespan (15–20 years vs 50+ for concrete).
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.
Can I build a retaining wall myself?
Small walls under 600mm are a feasible DIY project. Anything taller in Gold Coast should be done by a professional — the weight of retained earth is enormous and failure can damage property or cause injury.

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Our Methodology

Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →

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