Retaining walls in the Texas Hill Country, Austin, and DFW bluffs must resist intense lateral earth pressures and torrential storm runoff without tilting or failing.
Retaining Wall Material Specifications & Pricing
| Wall System | Cost / Sq Face Ft | Max Height (Standard) | Drainage Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segmental Block (Keystone/Allan Block) | $35 – $60 | Up to 12+ ft (with geogrid) | Dry-stacked with backfill gravel zone |
| Poured Reinforced Concrete | $65 – $115 | 15+ ft (cantilever footing) | Requires weep holes every 6 – 8 ft |
| Texas Chopped Limestone Block | $45 – $80 | Up to 6 ft | Mortared joints with PVC drainage pipes |
| Treated Wood Timber / Railroad Tie | $25 – $38 | Up to 4 ft | Not recommended (short lifespan in TX heat/termites) |
Engineering Requirements: Geogrid & Backfill Stone
For any segmental block wall over 3.5 feet, biaxial geogrid reinforcement must be placed between block courses extending back into the slope 4 to 8 feet. The space directly behind the blocks must be backfilled with a minimum 12 inches of clean #57 crushed limestone gravel wrapped in non-woven geotextile fabric.