Typical pricing below

Timber Retaining Walls

Timber retaining walls use treated pine or hardwood sleepers stacked between steel or timber posts to hold back soil. They're generally the lowest-cost retaining wall material and give a natural timber finish, but they have a shorter service life than concrete because timber eventually rots or is attacked by termites, even when treated. They suit low-to-moderate height walls where budget matters more than longevity.

Get free quotes for timber retaining walls Read the FAQs

Pricing guide: How much does a timber retaining wall cost?

Typically $300 to $600 per square metre of wall face, making it one of the more affordable retaining wall materials, depending on height, timber grade and access.

Why homeowners choose it

Lower material cost than concrete sleeper or masonry walls
Natural timber look suits garden and landscaped settings
Treated pine or hardwood sleepers slot in relatively quickly
Straightforward to extend or repair a section if damaged
Suited to low-to-moderate height walls within engineering limits

How it works

1

Assessment

Wall height, soil type and drainage needs are assessed to confirm timber suits the application.
2

Post installation

Steel or treated timber posts are set into concrete footings at the spacing the design requires.
3

Sleeper installation

Timber sleepers are cut and slotted between the posts course by course, checked for level.
4

Fixing

Sleepers are fixed to posts with bolts or brackets to keep the wall aligned under soil pressure.
5

Drainage and backfill

Agricultural drain and free-draining gravel are placed behind the wall before backfilling.

Hiring guide

Questions worth asking before you commit to a contractor.

Are they licensed and insured for this work?

Ask to see it, not just take their word for it. Insurance protects your property if something goes wrong on site.

What exactly is included in the price?

Site preparation, disposal of old material, and any council permits can be included or charged separately — get it in writing before you compare quotes.

Who will actually be on site?

Some contractors do the work themselves; others subcontract parts of it. Neither is wrong, but you should know who is doing your job.

What happens if something unexpected turns up?

Old concrete, tree roots or drainage issues are common surprises. Ask how a change of scope gets costed before it happens, not after.

What is the warranty on the work?

Materials usually carry a manufacturer's warranty. Ask specifically about the contractor's own workmanship warranty too.

More guides and advice

Frequently asked questions

How much does a timber retaining wall cost?

Typically $300 to $600 per square metre of wall face, making it one of the more affordable retaining wall materials, depending on height, timber grade and access.

How long do timber retaining walls last?

Treated pine commonly lasts around 15 to 25 years, while hardwood can last longer, but both are shorter lived than concrete sleepers in ground contact.

Do timber retaining walls need drainage?

Yes. Trapped water accelerates timber decay as well as adding pressure behind the wall, so agricultural drain and free-draining backfill are essential.

Is there a height limit for timber retaining walls?

Practical and engineering limits mean timber is generally best suited to lower walls, with taller walls more commonly built in concrete sleeper or reinforced masonry.