Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in San Juan, TX

Generally, a railroad tie retaining wall consisting of a single line of ties should be between 3 and 4 feet tall—and the height often tops out at around 6 feet. You can go taller, but you may need additional footings and reinforcements, including a second layer of railroad ties to support the added weight of the soil it’s holding back.

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.

Poured concrete is likely the cheapest way to build a retaining wall, as this material costs anywhere from $6 to $8 per square foot. The next best budget-friendly option is to use landscaping timbers. These timbers are great for DIY projects, as they don’t require tools to successfully build a retaining wall. Landscape timber costs around $10 to $14 per square foot. Depending on your chosen garden style, you can also go with natural stones or concrete blocks. Natural stones can be expensive if you buy them, but they’re a lot less costly if you can source them from your property. 

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.