Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in Prentice, WI

Each design is different, so we can’t say definitively if you’ll need a dedicated drainage system in place for a two-foot retaining wall. However, you can likely skip the drainage, as this project is typically served for walls that are 4 feet tall or more. Even with a relatively low wall, consider drainage if you are building on top of clay or poor-draining soil types or if there are buried water sources nearby, like a well used for other outdoor garden projects.

Options include concrete, stone, brick, and wood, tailored for specific design needs.

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.