How Much Does a Railroad Tie Retaining Wall Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,000 - $2,400
A railroad tie retaining wall costs $2,200
on average based on an average 80 square foot retaining wall.
You’ve probably seen railroad ties before. As the name suggests, this treated timber material is used to support railroad tracks—but it’s often reclaimed and reused for residential retaining walls. A typical 80 square foot railroad tie retaining wall costs $2,000
to $2,400
but price can rise depending on the design and installation.
Tip: Traditional railroad ties are treated with creosote, which might be banned in your local area. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote may pose a health risk to humans and wildlife. Instead, you may want to consider modern alternatives made from recycled plastic or composite, which offer a very similar look to reclaimed railroad ties.
Railroad Tie Retaining Wall Cost Factors
Compared to the cost of retaining walls made from other materials, railroad ties are relatively affordable. A high-end material like steel or natural stone could cost as much as $100 per square foot, while the average wall made from railroad ties costs $27.50 per square foot. Nonetheless, there are a few factors that impact the total cost of the job.
Tip: Traditional railroad ties are treated with creosote, which might be banned in your local area. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), creosote may pose a health risk to humans and wildlife. Instead, you may want to consider modern alternatives made from recycled plastic or composite, which offer a very similar look to reclaimed railroad ties.
Size
Most retaining walls are between 3 and 4 feet in height. The larger your wall, the more it’s going to cost. This is especially true if you want a taller wall that requires reinforcement and a solid foundation. For example, a 2-foot-tall wall will cost $50 per linear foot on the low end, while a 6-foot-tall wall could cost more than $180 per linear foot. Here are some common retaining wall sizes and costs.
Length (Linear Feet) | Average Cost Range | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
10 | $500 – $1,800 | $1,150 |
15 | $750 – $2,700 | $1,730 |
20 | $1,000 – $3,600 | $2,300 |
25 | $1,250 – $4,500 | $2,880 |
30 | $1,500 – $5,400 | $3,450 |
50 | $2,500 – $9,000 | $5,750 |
100 | $5,000 – $18,000 | $11,500 |
150 | $7,500 – $27,000 | $17,250 |
Slope and Location
If you’re installing a railroad tie retaining wall over sloped land, expect labor costs to increase by 50% or more. Your contractor will have to excavate the area and terrace the slope, which requires a significant amount of extra work.
Costs will also increase if you build a retaining wall in an area with unstable or rocky soil. Your contractor will have to do extra work to make sure the dirt is compact enough to support the wall.
Design
The cost of your retaining wall depends on the design. A simple, straight retaining wall is typically the most affordable. Elaborate designs—including elements like curves, steps, openings, and flower beds—cost more because they take longer to install. Labor is a large portion of the cost to build a railroad tie retaining wall. Most contractors charge between $50 and $75 per hour, but you may pay more in an area with a higher cost of living. It can take anywhere from six hours to a few work days to build a retaining wall.
Labor
Labor is a large portion of the cost to build a railroad tie retaining wall. Most contractors charge between $50 and $75 per hour, but you may pay more in an area with a higher cost of living. It can take anywhere from six hours to a few work days to build a retaining wall.
Planning
Before you get a permit, you may need to hire a local structural engineer or local landscape architect to draft plans for your retaining wall. These plans ensure that your wall meets all residential safety codes. Most structural engineers cost $100 to $200 per hour, with homeowners spending $300 to $3,000 per project.
Permits
Depending on the size of your retaining wall, you may need a permit before you can start the installation. Generally, a building permit costs somewhere between $60 and $500—but different areas have different regulations, especially when it comes to treated wood.
Railroad tie is extremely durable because it’s soaked in creosote, which prevents it from rotting as quickly as untreated wood. Unfortunately, according to the EPA, creosote also poses a health risk to humans and wildlife. As a result, some areas have banned or heavily regulated the use of railroad ties. For this reason, it’s hard to find and purchase railroad ties, even at big box stores. Most of the time, contractors get them from dealers since they're reclaimed.
You can always use alternative options, like untreated wood or railroad ties made from recycled plastic, so check with your local municipality before installation.
Site Preparation
Before your contractor can build a retaining wall, they’ll need to prepare the land. This can include a number of different jobs—from excavation to tree removal. Each will increase total costs. Here are some things to consider:
Excavation costs $50–$200 per cubic yard
Tree removal costs $150–$2,000 per tree
Reinforcements
If your wall is more than 4 feet tall, you’ll need to reinforce it with steel rebar (though local building codes may differ, especially if you live in an area prone to earthquakes). Reinforcements generally cost $2.50 to $5 per square foot.
Foundation
If your railroad tie retaining wall is more than 4 feet tall, you’ll also need to install footings to create a sturdy foundation. Expect to spend an additional $18 to $55 per linear foot. Footings are typically made from concrete and rest below the ground, where they offer support while remaining out of sight.
Drainage
For most homeowners, landscape drainage costs between $2,100 and $6,500, though you can install a basic system for a little as $500. Many homeowners use retaining walls to prevent erosion in their yard. In this case, drainage is a worthwhile addition that also helps prevent pooling and flooding.
Backfill
When your contractor builds your retaining wall, they may need to backfill any area they’ve excavated. Depending on your wall’s design, this could add a significant cost. Expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $30 per cubic yard on the cost of fill dirt in addition to your contractor’s hourly labor rate.
Cost to Install a Railroad Tie Retaining Wall Yourself
Building a retaining wall is no simple DIY. This challenging project requires construction knowledge, though experienced homeowners can tackle a small wall and save on labor costs. Larger walls typically require permits, and you may need a pro to submit the plans. In this case, DIY isn’t an option.
Even so, construction mistakes can lead to costly fixes. You may not end up saving money if your DIY retaining wall collapses or causes flooding and erosion on your property. It can also be pretty dangerous. Instead, it’s best to hire a retaining wall builder near you.
Cost of Common Retaining Wall Add-Ons
Many homeowners don’t just build a retaining wall—they also add landscaping features. This makes the wall look like an intentional part of your landscape design, rather than a way to create a usable, level area in your yard. Consider adding the following to your budget:
Flower bed costs: $1,000–$3,000
Landscape lighting costs: $2,000–$6,000
Fence installation costs: $1,750–$4,400
Building a patio costs: $1,950–$5,650
Planting a tree costs: $100–$2,000
3 Ways to Save on Railroad Tie Retaining Wall Costs
Retaining walls aren’t typically an inexpensive project. Most homeowners spend between $1,150 and $17,250 on retaining walls made of railroad ties. That said, there are some ways you can save.
1. Tackle the Smaller Stuff
While we’d strongly suggest hiring a professional to build your wall, you can save money by tackling some of the smaller projects involved in this job. If you’ve got a green thumb, you can re-install landscaping around your retaining wall without the help of a pro. Mulching flower beds, installing shrubbery, and planting grass seed does the trick.
2. Choose a Simple Design
Since intricate designs take longer to build, you can save money by keeping things simple. Choose a straight retaining wall (rather than curved) and limit the number of stairs or openings.
3. Keep It Under Four Feet
Once your retaining wall is taller than 4 feet, it will need more structural support. This comes with additional costs, like laying down concrete footings and reinforcing the wall with steel rebar. You can shave money off your budget by opting for a shorter wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl retaining walls are generally the least-expensive type of retaining wall, at $10 to $15 per square foot. This budget-friendly material is lightweight and durable, but it doesn’t have many decorative options. Untreated timber and railroad ties are the next step up, and start at $15 to $25 per square foot, respectively. High-end steel or natural stone tend to be the least wallet-friendly, but they’re extremely durable and come with a high-end look.
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 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.
Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they’re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that’s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.
Generally, a railroad tie retaining wall should be between 3 and 4 feet tall—and it should never exceed 6 feet of height. Higher walls put pressure on the ground, which impacts everything from erosion to drainage. In the wrong place, it could cause some serious damage to the landscape. You’ll also need to reinforce taller walls with steel rebar and concrete footings.