How Much Does Retaining Wall Installation Cost in Sarasota FL?

If you can’t sleep at night because you’re thinking about retaining walls, maybe you’re worried about the cost. 

Or you might be concerned that a sudden heavy rain will wash out the hill in your backyard and the whole thing will slam into your house, knocking it off its foundation. 

Either way, you need your sleep, so let’s get right to some answers that might ease your mind, from the cost of a retaining wall to ways they come to the rescue. 

First, Do You Need a Retaining Wall? 

You might. 

These walls made of concrete blocks, stone, or other materials hold back the soil behind them, which is especially handy if your property includes a hill or a slope. 

If you have trouble with soil erosion during heavy rain, a retaining wall can help your soil stay put. Here in Sarasota, we can get nine inches in a day. 

Erosion is bad news. It washes away fertilizer and nutrients your soil needs. It can destroy your plants and damage your home’s foundation. No wonder you can’t sleep. 

A good retaining wall helps prevent erosion by reducing the speed that water travels across the soil.

So, What’s the Cost to Install a Retaining Wall?

There’s a bit of a quirk when figuring the cost of a retaining wall. They’re measured by what we call 
the “face square foot,” measuring the wall length by the wall height. 

Plan on spending $45-$55 per face square foot.

No idea what this actually means for your budget? Don’t feel bad. Also, you might be reading this in the morning, when it’s way too early for math. 

How about this: the typical 50-foot long retaining wall that’s 3 feet high will cost between $7,000-$10,000. 

Some customers want their retaining wall to exactly match their house, which means adding stucco and paint over concrete block, which adds to retaining wall prices. 

But in most cases, Belgard engineered concrete block works great, with lots of cool colors and textures that can complement your existing paver patio or walkways.

Other Factors That Affect Retaining Wall Cost

There can be complications on your property that affect the cost to install a retaining wall.

Installation crews can’t leave tree stumps or any natural debris that will eventually rot and cause the wall to sink. Any tree stumps need to be excavated before installation. 

Tropical Gardens crews pour a 6-8 inch concrete footer before constructing retaining walls, so there’s a solid surface to build the wall on — otherwise the wall can sink or tumble. You’ll see the cost in your itemized bid. Don’t see it in other bids you’ve received? That’s because not all landscaping companies take this precaution. 

Another possible extra retaining wall cost? You might need drainage work done behind the wall so excess water won’t push against it and compromise the structure, especially if your retaining wall will be higher than 12 inches tall. 

Any retaining walls higher than 3.5 feet high require engineered plans for construction, which adds to the cost to install a retaining wall.

Other Cool Uses for Retaining Walls 

Maybe you’re not losing sleep about erosion. That’s great. But there are other ways a retaining wall can add to your landscaping. Landscape design services in Sarasota FL have lots of ideas: 

• They’re great permanent seating. Call them seating walls and start planning that cookout.
• How about raised flower beds? The same construction that creates a retaining wall is also perfect for raised flower beds that look great lining walkways or curving around the edge of your patio.
• They help with new construction rules. Florida building codes continue to take into account rising sea levels. That means you’ll likely face new construction rules that require you to build several feet higher than an existing structure. A retaining wall will even out the difference and give you usable level space.

Ready for Great Retaining Wall Landscaping? Talk to Us 

Now, instead of lying awake at night worrying about that hill slamming into your house, you can enjoy sweet dreams about engineered concrete blocks enhancing your landscaping and saving the day. Better yet, work on having more exciting dreams. 

Get started by chatting with one of our landscape designers, who are happy to help you figure it all out. 

Give us a call or fill out our form today! Our team of Sarasota designers will help you decide if a retaining wall is the perfect addition to your backyard or vacation rental property.