Cheapest Retaining Wall Options

There are several types of retaining walls that are relatively cheap to build, including:

1. Timber retaining walls: Timber retaining walls are a type of retaining wall that is made from treated timber sleepers braced by cantilever posts, so typically cheapest retaining wall type - however may have limited durability and lifespan.

Pro's:

1. • • Cost: Timber retaining walls can be a more affordable option than some other types of retaining walls, particularly if the wood can be sourced locally.

     • Ease of construction: Timber retaining walls are relatively easy to construct and do not require special equipment or skilled labor.

     • Versatility: Timber retaining walls can be used in a wide range of settings, including residential gardens, commercial landscaping projects, and as a decorative feature.

     • Aesthetics: Timber retaining walls can add a natural, rustic look to a landscape and can be used to create a variety of different design styles.

     • Durability: Treated wood is resistant to rot and decay for 10-20 years, which makes it a durable material for retaining walls.

Con's:

1. • • Limited durability typically up to 20 years, subject to environment, timber types, and quality of installation detailing.

     • Lifespan: Timber retaining walls may not be as long-lasting as some other types of retaining walls, such as concrete or stone.

     • Maintenance: Timber retaining walls may require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition. This may include painting or staining to protect the wood from the elements and prevent rot.

     • Suitability: Timber retaining walls may not be suitable for use in areas with high levels of moisture or water, as the wood may rot over time.

     • Cost: While timber retaining walls can be an affordable option in some cases, they may be more expensive than some other types of retaining walls if the wood needs to be sourced from a distance or if the wall is particularly large.

     • Environmental impact: Timber retaining walls may have a larger environmental impact than some other types of retaining walls, as the wood may come from trees that have been cut down.

2. Gabion walls: Gabion walls are a type of retaining wall that is made from interlocking wire baskets filled with rock or other materials, so the cage costs are fixed and off-shelf and the rock is as cheap as your local supply.

Pro's:

2. • Strength: Gabion walls are very strong and can be used to retain large amounts of soil.

   • Ease of construction: Gabion walls are relatively easy to construct and do not require special equipment or skilled labor.

   • Versatility: Gabion walls can be used in a wide range of settings, including steep slopes, erosion control projects, and as a decorative feature.

   • Sustainable: Gabion walls can be filled with locally sourced materials, which reduces the environmental impact of the project.

   • Cost-effective: Gabion walls can be a more affordable option than some other types of retaining walls, particularly if the baskets can be sourced locally.

Con's:

2. • Cost: Gabion walls can be more expensive to install than some other types of retaining walls, particularly if the baskets need to be shipped over a long distance.

   • Appearance: Gabion walls can have a somewhat industrial or unfinished look, which may not be desirable in certain settings.

   • Maintenance: Gabion walls may require regular maintenance to ensure that the baskets are properly filled and that the wall is stable.

   • Durability: While gabion walls can be durable, they may not be as long-lasting as some other types of retaining walls, such as concrete or stone.

   • Flexibility: Gabion walls are generally not suitable for use in areas with large temperature fluctuations, as the wire baskets may expand and contract, causing the wall to become unstable.

3. Dry-stacked walls: Dry-stacked retaining walls are a type of retaining wall that is made from natural stone or concrete blocks that are stacked without the use of mortar. They can be relatively inexpensive to build, depending on the type of stone or blocks used, and are often used in natural or rustic landscape settings.

Pro's:

• Cost: Dry-stacked retaining walls can be a cheaper option than some other types of retaining walls, particularly if the blocks can be sourced locally.

• Ease of construction: Dry-stacked retaining walls are relatively easy to construct and do not require special equipment or skilled labour.

• Versatility: Dry-stacked retaining walls can be used in a wide range of settings, including residential gardens, commercial landscaping projects, and as a decorative feature.

• Aesthetics: Dry-stacked retaining walls can add a natural, rustic look to a landscape and can be used to create a variety of different design styles.

• Durability: Dry-stacked retaining walls can be very durable if they are constructed properly and the blocks are of good quality.

Con's:

• Stability: Dry-stacked retaining walls may not be as stable as some other types of retaining walls, such as those that are built with mortar or other types of adhesives.

• Maintenance: Dry-stacked retaining walls may require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition. This may include replacing or resetting loose blocks, as well as cleaning and sealing the surface of the wall.

• Suitability: Dry-stacked retaining walls may not be suitable for use in areas with high levels of water or moisture, as the blocks may absorb water and become unstable.

• Aesthetics: Dry-stacked retaining walls may not have a uniform or polished appearance, which may not be desirable in certain settings.

• Environmental impact: Dry-stacked retaining walls may have a larger environmental impact than some other types of retaining walls if the blocks are sourced from a distance or if they are made from materials that are not sustainably produced.

4. Reinforced block walls: Grouted and reinforced block walls are a type of retaining wall that is made from pre-cast concrete blocks that are connected with grout and reinforced with steel rebar. They have a number of benefits that make them a popular choice for certain types of projects. Some of the benefits of grouted and reinforced block walls include:

Pro's:

4. • Strength: Grouted and reinforced block walls are very strong and can be used to retain large amounts of soil.

   • Ease of construction: Grouted and reinforced block walls are relatively easy to construct and do not require special equipment or skilled labor.

   • Versatility: Grouted and reinforced block walls can be used in a wide range of settings, including residential gardens, commercial landscaping projects, and as a decorative feature.

   • Aesthetics: Grouted and reinforced block walls can have a clean, modern look and can be finished with a variety of different textures and colors.

   • Durability: Grouted and reinforced block walls are very durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Con's

• Cost: Grouted and reinforced block walls are not as cheap to install than some other types of retaining walls, particularly if the blocks and steel rebar need to be shipped over a long distance, or if outsourced labour.

• Suitability: Grouted and reinforced block walls may not be suitable for use in areas with high levels of ground water or moisture, as the blocks may absorb water and and leak.

• Environmental impact: Grouted and reinforced block walls may have a larger environmental impact than some other types of retaining walls if the blocks and steel rebar are sourced from a distance or if they are made from materials that are not sustainably produced.

• Maintenance: Grouted and reinforced block walls may require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition. This may include cleaning and sealing the surface of the wall and checking the steel rebar for rust or corrosion.

• Aesthetics: Grouted and reinforced block walls may not have a natural or rustic look, which may not be desirable in certain settings.

There are several types of retaining walls that are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. Some of the most durable retaining wall types include:

1. Concrete retaining walls: Concrete retaining walls are made from poured or pre-cast concrete and are known for their strength and durability. They are often used for larger retaining wall projects or in areas with high levels of water or moisture.

2. Stone retaining walls: Stone retaining walls are made from natural stone and can be either dry-stacked or mortared. They are durable and long-lasting, and can be used to create a natural, rustic look.

3. Timber retaining walls: Timber retaining walls are made from treated softwoods, hardwoods, or pressure-treated timbers and are typically used for smaller retaining wall projects. They are relatively easy to install and can be a more affordable option, but they may not be as durable as some other types of retaining walls, given they may rot, bend/twist and are more subject to pest risks. A Class 1 or 2 hardwoods typically have the best natural durability, and often seen around marine environments like jetties.

4. Segmental retaining walls: Segmental retaining walls are made from interlocking blocks or pre-cast concrete panels and can be used to create retaining walls of various heights. They are relatively easy to install and can be a more affordable option, but they may not be as durable as some other types of retaining walls.

5. Poured-in-place concrete retaining walls: Poured-in-place concrete retaining walls are created by pouring wet concrete into forms and allowing it to cure. They are strong and durable, but they can be more expensive to install than some other types of retaining walls.

Ultimately, the cheapest type of retaining wall for a particular project will depend on a number of factors, including the size and scale of the project, the site conditions, and budget constraints. 

It's important to note that all retaining walls should be designed and built by a professional to ensure that they are properly engineered and able to withstand the loads and forces that they will be subjected to. Cheap retaining walls vary based on your preferred lifespan, and also durability and construction efforts.