Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in Prudenville, MI

While vinyl is the least costly material for building a retaining wall, the most cost-effective method is to use wood or concrete blocks for a DIY retaining wall under 2 feet tall. Wood is inexpensive but lasts 20 years or more with care. Concrete can cost a little more but is stronger and will last longer with less maintenance.

Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they’re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that’s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.

The lifespan of a retaining wall varies based on its particular material, whether it was properly installed, how well it’s maintained, and your local climate. Concrete, stone, and brick retaining walls last the longest, with concrete lasting between 50 and 100 years on average. Brick tends to last the longest, with a minimum of one century, under the right conditions. 

Timber retaining walls can start to deteriorate at 20 years, depending on the wood quality, but in the best case, they can last 40 years. Pressure-treated wood retaining walls last 30 years on average.

Yes, you can use cinder blocks for many purposes, including retaining walls, foundations, garage walls, and fences. Building a cinder block retaining wall costs between $60 and $200 per linear foot, including materials and professional labor. For a 30-foot-long retaining wall, the cost ranges from $1,800 to $6,000.