Cost to Retaining Wall Construction in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)
If you’re budgeting a retaining wall construction in Salt Lake City, most projects run $2,964-$9,880, 1% below the $5,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Wall Height. On its own it can swing the cost by $1,500 - $10,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Build a terraced system of two 3-foot walls instead of one 6-foot wall to avoid engineering requirements and permit costs
In the Mountain West (where Salt Lake City sits): Steep mountain lots in CO and UT often need taller walls. Rocky soil and limited access add to excavation costs.
$2,964-$9,880 in Salt Lake City
1% below the national average · 0.99x cost multiplier
Homeowners in Salt Lake City typically spend $2,964-$9,880 on a retaining wall construction, about 1% below the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Mountain West region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.
Cost Breakdown in Salt Lake City
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per linear ft | $20 | $44 | $84 |
| Materials | $1,560 | $2,912 | $5,720 |
| Labor | $1,090 | $2,453 | $4,088 |
| Permits | $208 | $364 | $520 |
| Total | $2,858-1% vs. national avg | $6,249-2% vs. national avg | $11,888-1% vs. national avg |
Budget
Interlocking concrete block (Allan Block or similar), 3 ft tall, 50 linear feet, no engineering required, basic gravel backfill and drainage
Mid-Range
Natural stone or premium block, 4 ft tall, 50 linear feet, geogrid reinforcement, proper drainage system, landscape-ready cap
Premium
Natural stone or poured concrete, 6 ft tall, 50 linear feet, engineered design, full drainage system, geogrid layers, rebar reinforcement
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Salt Lake City may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Interlocking Concrete Block | $20-$35 per linear ft (3 ft height) | Most residential applications, garden terracing, functional retaining up to 4 feetMost cost-effective, uniform appearance, no mortar needed, excellent drainage integration |
| Natural Stone (Fieldstone/Limestone) | $40-$70 per linear ft (3 ft height) | Front-yard walls visible from the street, upscale properties, blending with natural landscapesBeautiful natural appearance, ages well, each wall is unique, excellent curb appeal |
| Poured Concrete | $30-$55 per linear ft (3 ft height) | Tall walls over 6 feet, commercial-grade strength needs, modern or contemporary home stylesStrongest option, smooth modern appearance, can be formed to any shape, can add decorative finishes |
| Timber/Landscape Ties | $15-$25 per linear ft (3 ft height) | Garden terracing, short-term solutions, rural properties, DIY projects under 3 feetCheapest option, easy DIY installation, natural look, quick to build |
| Boulder Wall | $35-$60 per linear ft (3 ft height) | Wooded or natural settings, lakeside properties, slopes where a rustic look fits the landscapeVery natural appearance, extremely durable, minimal maintenance, no mortar needed |
Other Projects in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Estimate
Typical Range
$2,964-$9,880
vs. National Average
1% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.99x
Cost Per linear ft
$20-$84
This 0.99x estimate prices Salt Lake City labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →