The Trades Playbook

How much does a retaining wall cost in Australia?

Written by Edris Nazari
Checked 11 November 2026
5 min read

A worker using a power trowel on freshly poured concrete

The short answer

Airtasker says retaining wall installation ranges from $80 to $650 per square metre, with a median of $365. Material is the biggest driver, from boulder at $82 to $125 up to concrete at $353 to $555 and brick at $248 to $650.

Figures are Airtasker estimates from a page updated on 15 December 2023, so they may be out of date. Tall or structural walls can need council approval and an engineer, so check with your council.

Check these before you agree

  • whether the wall needs council approval and an engineer
  • drainage behind the wall
  • who is responsible if the wall is on a boundary
  • the height, length and footing
  • removal of soil and old materials

Price ranges

Ranges, not quotes. Use them to judge whether a quote is in the right area.

JobLowHighChecked
Boulder retaining wall$82$125 per m²11 November 2026
Block retaining wall$98$152 per m²11 November 2026
Stone veneer retaining wall$151$252 per m²11 November 2026
Sandstone retaining wall$205$495 per m²11 November 2026
Brick retaining wall$248$650 per m²11 November 2026
Timber sleeper retaining wall$249$353 per m²11 November 2026
Concrete retaining wall$353$555 per m²11 November 2026

Source: Airtasker, retaining wall cost. Page updated 15 December 2023, checked by us on 11 November 2026.

Common questions

How much does a retaining wall cost per square metre?

Airtasker says $80 to $650, with a median of $365. Material changes the price a lot.

Sources

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