Can you use cinder blocks for a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can use cinder blocks for many purposes, including retaining walls, foundations, garage walls, and fences. Building a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-cinder-block-wall.htm">cinder block retaining wall costs</a> 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.</p></div>

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Q: What is the cheapest way to build a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Poured concrete is often the cheapest material for a retaining wall, costing around $6 to $8 per square foot. Other budget-friendly options include vinyl and landscaping timbers, which range from $10 to $15 per square foot; landscaping timbers are particularly well-suited for DIY projects. Untreated timber and railroad ties are a step up in price, starting at $15 to $25 per square foot. Natural stones can also be a cost-effective choice if you can source them from your own property, but they can be expensive to purchase. High-end materials like steel are typically the most expensive but offer superior durability and aesthetics.</p></div>

Q: Can I build a retaining wall myself?

• <div><p>Even if you think you know <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-retaining-wall.htm">how to build a retaining wall</a> theoretically, doing the actual work is a completely different story. There are lots of nuances in building retaining walls, and the slightest oversight can compromise their integrity. Therefore, we recommend you hire a pro to build, repair, or replace retaining walls.</p></div>

Q: How long will a railroad tie wall last?

• <div><p>Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of <b>20 to 30 years</b>, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it&rsquo;s repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. Railroad ties are typically treated with creosote, which makes them much more durable than untreated wood. Though they last longer, they don&rsquo;t last forever. For the most longevity, make sure your retaining wall has a sturdy base and steel reinforcements. You should also install drainage to direct water away from the wall.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a foundation wall and a retaining wall?

• <div><p>With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Kirtland, NM

*The Angi rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Kirtland, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Retaining Wall Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Kirtland, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Retaining Wall Installation needs.

Last update on December 28, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Would give zero stars if I could. Hired them to install an automatic security gate for my driveway. They told me they were ordering the gate from their supplier in Texas. What I got was two flimsy $150 fence panels welded together that buckle whenever the gate opens or closes. You can push it...
T&T Fencing LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
I recently hired LA Handyman for a mix of home repairs, and I couldn?t be happier with the results. They handled everything from fixing a leaky faucet and patching drywall to installing a new ceiling fan and repairing a sticking door. From the start, their communication was clear and...
L.A. Handyman
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Reviewed in October 2024
The installer was very professional and had really good attention to detail. I purchased a specialty carpet with a pattern on top of it and it looks perfect throughout my home.
Prime Services
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Reviewed in September 2022
Company officials have refused to repair the flashing that was identified as "not installed properly" by one of their own recommended roofing experts. After their representative inspected our roof earlier this month, and reported his findings of roof flashing being improperly installed in 2016...
TL Roofing
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Reviewed in December 2020
Tyler and Sonny did a great job for the amount of work required after our house flooded. Repair dry wall, tape, texture, and paint. The teamwork the company possess was great too and great customer service.
HYF Painting Services
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Reviewed in February 2019
They are Awesome. They are polite, pay attention to detail. They replace old hardware on the doors, fixed holes in the walls from a grandson, replaced closer closet doors. Painted base bords, wooden trim.. Truly amazing company.
Desert Winds Paint and Repair, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2018
Jim was on time and very professional. His fee was reasonable and he did great work! Very pleasant to be around and made sure the job was done right! We are hiring him again to install a tankless hot water heater in our home.
Fentiman Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in November 2017
Each time an appointment was scheduled, the employees showed up on time. The installation went as was planned, and all followup work was completed when promised. Everyone that I dealt with was courteous and helpful. I couldn't have asked for better service.
Robbins Heating And AC
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Reviewed in June 2014
Mr. Winn came recommended by not only the reviews here, but by the trades dept at San Juan College. So when I had to wait over a month to get his help, I was happy to wait to have a good job done. <br /> His men were nice enough, and were here when they said they would be. Mr. Winn...
Winns Home Improvement LLC
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Find Retaining wall installation pros in Kirtland

Bobcat Construction, LLC

3.3(

)

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Kirtland, NM and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1973

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The owner is very knowledgeable and kind"

Response time2 days

21 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by82%of homeowners

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Kirtland, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Contractor keep appointment (even though there were 2 or 3 calls expressing confusion about time and day); installed the drywall and cleaned the area. The drywall installation was not smooth and when textured looked amateurish at best. Before I could paint I had to sand several areas and apply canned texture-not the most professional look but time was a factor. the next time the wall is painted will require extensive prep work to make it look professional.
Good things: appointment keep; work was done as explained; no extra charges.
Not so good: Technician was not a drywall guy.
"

+107

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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HBB, LLC

New to Angi

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Kirtland, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

HBB LLC is your premier contracting professional, servicing residents across San Juan county and surrounding areas. At HBB LLC, we always make sure to execute our promise to deliver professionalism, punctuality and excellent work to all of our clients. Our services include but are not limited to: Concrete Driveways and Patios, Retaining Walls, Interior Remodeling and Renovation, and Structural Steel Beam Installations. No job is too big nor small for us to handle! For your dream project, give HBB LLC a call today for your free estimate!

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Retaining Wall Installers questions, answered by experts

Poured concrete is often the cheapest material for a retaining wall, costing around $6 to $8 per square foot. Other budget-friendly options include vinyl and landscaping timbers, which range from $10 to $15 per square foot; landscaping timbers are particularly well-suited for DIY projects. Untreated timber and railroad ties are a step up in price, starting at $15 to $25 per square foot. Natural stones can also be a cost-effective choice if you can source them from your own property, but they can be expensive to purchase. High-end materials like steel are typically the most expensive but offer superior durability and aesthetics.

Even if you think you know how to build a retaining wall theoretically, doing the actual work is a completely different story. There are lots of nuances in building retaining walls, and the slightest oversight can compromise their integrity. Therefore, we recommend you hire a pro to build, repair, or replace retaining walls.

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.

Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it’s repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. Railroad ties are typically treated with creosote, which makes them much more durable than untreated wood. Though they last longer, they don’t last forever. For the most longevity, make sure your retaining wall has a sturdy base and steel reinforcements. You should also install drainage to direct water away from the wall.

With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.

The Kirtland, NM homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost to Build? [2026 Data]
Kick erosion to the curb with an eye-catching retaining wall. Retaining wall costs vary based on the material, but this guide will help you budget.
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Do Retaining Wall Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]
Retaining wall repair cost can vary widely based on the age and condition of the wall being restored. Learn why finding the right pro is important for getting the job done.
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Concrete Retaining Wall Cost? [2026 Data]
Find out how much a concrete retaining wall costs. Get average prices, cost factors, and expert tips to budget and save on your installation.
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who to Hire to Build a Retaining Wall: A Complete Guide
While it’s possible to DIY build a retaining wall, several pros have advanced knowledge of hardscaping and building. Learn who to hire to build a retaining wall.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
20 Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Yard
There is no one-size-fits-all retaining wall for your yard. In fact, the options are endless. Check out 20 retaining wall ideas to upgrade your hardscape.
Dan Simms
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
6 Retaining Wall Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional
Replacing a retaining wall or installing a new one after grading? Here are some retaining wall questions you should be prepared to answer when hiring a pro.