Guide
Concrete vs Block vs Wood Retaining Walls
A side-by-side look at the main materials, with cited costs and the trade-offs that matter for a Brentwood yard. No brand recommendations.
At a glance
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Where it fits | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (poured or CMU) | $15–$45 | Taller or loaded walls, solid property-line walls, stucco or stone finishes | Cracks from blocked drainage; engineering on taller walls |
| Segmental block | $15–$40 | Visible garden walls, curves and steps | Base and drainage quality; geogrid design on taller walls |
| Natural stone | $20–$95 | Natural look, boulder or veneer-faced walls | Labor-heavy; ask what is behind the face |
| Wood / timber | $15–$30 | Short garden or planter walls | Rot, termites, shorter life, low height |
Ranges per square foot of wall face from HomeGuide (source) and HomeGuide's concrete guide (source); Angi lists stone at $20–$100 and poured concrete at $30–$50 (Angi). Not quotes.
How to decide
- How tall is it? Brentwood limits retaining walls to four feet unless an exception is granted, and requires a permit over four feet. See the permit guide.
- What does it hold back? A driveway, slope or building above adds load and usually means engineering.
- How long should it last? If you plan to stay, longer-lived materials may cost less over time.
- How will it look? Block, stone and finished concrete give the most choice; wood has a natural look but the shortest life.
- What is your drainage situation? Every material needs water to drain from behind it.
Which material is right for your wall is a decision for you and a licensed contractor or engineer who has seen the site. We don't recommend brands or products.
Next: full cost guide · choosing a contractor.
Retaining wall material questions
What is the cheapest retaining wall material?
Per square foot of wall face, wood and timber ($15–$30) and concrete block ($15–$40) are among the lower-priced options in HomeGuide's ranges; poured concrete is $20–$45 and natural stone $20–$95. Compare lifetime cost, not just installed price.
Which retaining wall material lasts longest?
Concrete, block and stone are generally longer-lived than wood, which rots and attracts pests where it touches soil. We don't give lifespans in years; the contractor and their warranty are the better guide.
Which material is best for a tall retaining wall?
Taller walls and walls holding back driveways or structures are more often concrete or engineered block, and they involve engineering. In Brentwood, walls over four feet need a permit and are limited unless an exception is granted.
Request a retaining wall quote
Tell us the wall height, length and what is happening. We pass your request to an independent local contractor serving East Contra Costa, who contacts you to look at the project and quote it. There's no cost to send a request.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire
- Ask for a written, itemized quote