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How Much for a 100-Foot Retaining Wall? Labor Costs, Budget Choices, and Who to Hire

A 100-foot retaining wall is a big decision, and not just because it changes how your yard works. It affects drainage, property value, and long-term maintenance. If you live in Asheville or nearby towns like Fletcher, Weaverville, or Black Mountain, the hills and soil types shape your options and your price. This guide breaks down typical costs for a 100-foot wall, explains labor rates, and shows how different materials change the final number. You’ll also see where to save, where not to cut corners, and how to hire the right crew for Western North Carolina terrain.

If you’re comparing retaining wall installation near me, this article gives you realistic numbers and the reasoning behind them. And if you want a site-specific quote, Functional Foundations designs and builds walls across Asheville with drainage, grading, and engineering support when required.

Quick price snapshot for a 100-foot retaining wall in Asheville

Most homeowners ask for a 3- to 4-foot wall across 80 to 120 feet of yard. At that height range, many walls don’t need a structural engineer, but they still need correct drainage, base prep, and compaction. In Asheville, expect the following ballparks for 100 linear feet:

• Timber (treated) wall, 3–4 feet tall: $6,500–$12,000 installed
• Split-face or textured concrete block (SRW), 3–4 feet tall: $9,500–$18,000 installed
• Natural stone (dry stack veneer over structural block), 3–4 feet tall: $16,000–$32,000 installed
• Poured concrete with veneer, 3–4 feet tall: $18,000–$36,000 installed
• Boulder wall, 3–4 feet tall: $12,000–$24,000 installed

These ranges include excavation, base stone, drainage pipe, geotextile, backfill, and cleanup. They widen for steep access, rock excavation, tall walls, curves, steps, and permitting. Taller than 4 feet? Your city or county may require engineering and a permit, which adds design fees and more materials like geogrid or footers.

What drives the price: height, access, and soil

Height matters most. Every extra foot increases the load, base depth, and reinforcement. A 2.5-foot wall can be basic. A 4-foot wall often needs geogrid and a bigger base. Go above 4 feet, and you may need a permit and signed engineering.

Access is second. If we can get a mini-excavator and skid steer close to the wall, costs stay reasonable. Tight backyards on Montford hillsides, or properties with no machine access, take longer. Hand-carrying block or stone up stairs adds hours and extra laborers.

Soil is third. Asheville soils often include red clay with pockets of decomposed granite and rock ledge. Clay holds water. Water adds pressure behind a wall. We plan for drainage and compaction to deal with it. If we hit bedrock while digging, we either change the design or break rock, both of which change the budget.

Labor costs in Asheville for a 100-foot wall

Local labor and equipment shape your final number. Here’s how crews in Buncombe County usually price the work on a 3–4 foot wall, 100 feet long.

Excavation and base prep often run $2,000–$5,000 depending on access, haul-off, and how consistent the trench stays across the run. Installing the base stone, leveling, and first course is the slowest, most careful part. Expect $2,500–$6,000 in labor for layout, leveling, and setting the first course of block or timber.

Block stacking or timber assembly varies. A 100-foot block wall at 3–4 feet tall might take a small crew 4–7 days. With Asheville wages, plan on $4,500–$9,000 in labor for block installation alone. If you add curves, corners, or steps, stacking time increases.

Drainage, geogrid, and backfill add more labor, usually $1,500–$4,000, depending on the soil, whether we’re importing stone backfill, and how far the crew must carry materials.

Equipment and hauling fees usually land in the $1,200–$3,500 range, covering mini-excavators, skid steers, compactors, plate tampers, laser levels, and dump runs.

On a standard 100-foot project, total labor plus equipment can range from $9,500 to $20,000 before materials. Material choices then push the total up or down.

Material options and how they change your budget

Timber is the entry point. Pressure-treated timbers are affordable and quick. They look warm and natural for the first few years. The trade-off is lifespan. In our climate, with wet-dry cycles and termites, even treated wood typically lasts 10–20 years. Materials for a 100-foot timber wall often cost $2,000–$4,000, plus deadmen anchors and hardware. Labor is lower than block, but you still need drainage stone and a perforated pipe.

Segmental retaining wall blocks (SRW) are the most common choice for residential https://www.functionalfoundationga.com/retaining-wall-contractors-asheville-nc Asheville yards. Brands like Allan Block, Belgard, and Anchor offer textured faces that blend with the landscape. Materials for 100 feet at 3–4 feet tall typically run $3,500–$8,500 depending on block style, cap choice, geogrid, and stone. They drain well when installed with proper backfill and hold their shape for decades.

Natural stone looks right at home in North Asheville and Biltmore Forest settings. True hand-laid dry stack stone is a premium craft and needs the right base and drainage. To get strength with the look of stone, we often build a structural block wall, then veneer it with fieldstone or river rock. Expect materials for a 100-foot run to land between $7,000 and $16,000, with higher labor due to sorting, cutting, and face-work.

Poured concrete offers a clean line but needs formwork, rebar, footers, and drainage. It is strong but can crack if the base or drainage is wrong. Many homeowners add a stone or brick veneer to soften the look. Materials vary widely: $6,000–$14,000 on the low side for 3–4 feet tall, more with decorative finishes or veneer.

Boulder walls can be cost-effective if we have easy access and local supply. They drain well because they are porous by nature. They need heavy equipment and a skilled operator to lock in each stone with correct batter. Material costs depend on boulder size and source. Many 100-foot runs land $4,000–$10,000 for stone, with labor driven by placement and access.

Why Asheville terrain changes the plan

This region has slopes, seeps, and red clay that swells. Those conditions push us to oversize drainage compared to flatland builds. Behind most walls we install:

• A perforated drain pipe wrapped in fabric, daylighted to a safe outlet or sump.

• A minimum 12 inches of clean stone backfill with a geotextile barrier to keep fines out.

• Compacted lifts of backfill soil away from the wall in 6–8 inch layers.

These three choices prevent hydrostatic pressure. They cost a little more upfront and save a lot later. You see the difference when spring rain hits and your yard doesn’t slump.

How wall height changes materials and permitting

Building codes vary by city and county, but in much of Western North Carolina, a wall above 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top often requires engineering and a permit. Some municipalities count terraced walls as one if they are too close together. A safe rule: if you think the wall might reach 4 feet at any point, talk with a contractor early.

Engineering fees for a typical 100-foot wall can range from $800 to $2,500 for calculations and stamped drawings. Permitting adds $100 to $400 in fees and a few weeks for review. For slopes or structures close to the wall, expect higher design fees, geogrid layers, and more stone backfill. That extra planning prevents movement and protects decks, driveways, and downhill neighbors.

Real examples from local jobs

We recently rebuilt a failing timber wall in East Asheville that ran 90 feet at about 3.5 feet tall. The old wall had no drain and was bowing. We replaced it with a textured SRW block, added a drain pipe to daylight on the low side, and used geogrid in two layers. Access was easy, so we finished in one week. Total project cost was around $14,000, including disposal of the old lumber.

In West Asheville, a client wanted a natural look for a sloped backyard and garden beds over 100 feet of run, averaging 3 feet high. We used a boulder wall with local stone, set with a 6-inch crushed stone base and fabric separation. Access was tight through a fence, which slowed the work. Total came in near $18,000.

In Weaverville, a homeowner needed a 4.5-foot wall to hold a driveway edge. That height triggered engineering and a permit. We built a poured concrete stem wall with a stone veneer to match the house. The site had rock near the surface, so we used it to our advantage for bearing but spent extra time with the hammer attachment. The project cost was about $32,000, driven by height, concrete, veneer, and access.

What you can do to lower cost without hurting quality

Shorten the height if you can. Terracing two shorter walls with a wide planting bed between them often costs less than one tall wall with heavy reinforcement. The spacing between terraces matters, so plan it with your contractor.

Choose straight lines. Curves look great but use more block and labor. Gentle radius sections add premiums, especially with cap stone cutting.

Improve access. If removing a fence panel lets equipment get closer, you save hours of hand-carrying. We reinstall the panel at the end.

Pick a practical finish. A mid-range split-face block will hold up as well as a premium face. If budget is tight, spend on drainage and base before face style.

Plan the outlet. Daylighting the drain pipe to a safe slope or catch basin beats tying into a costly storm system. On flat lots, allow for a sump or dry well at a low corner.

Where not to cut corners

Base preparation is everything. We use compacted crushed stone, not loose gravel, and we compact in lifts. Skipping this step causes settlement and wavy walls.

Drainage matters as much as block choice. A drain pipe with clean stone and fabric is cheap insurance. Without it, hydrostatic pressure pushes the wall forward.

Compaction behind the wall must be thorough, especially in clay. We compact in thin lifts to avoid future settling and bulges.

Geogrid is not optional when the design calls for it. The grid ties soil and block together, increasing the wall’s capacity. Using less than the plan requires is a false savings.

Weep holes in solid walls and fabric separation in stone backfill reduce clogging. Dirt migrating into stone turns a free-draining system into a bathtub.

How to read a retaining wall estimate

A clear estimate should spell out the wall length and height, base depth, block or timber type, cap style, drain pipe details, stone backfill thickness, fabric type, geogrid layers with spacing, and how far the drain will daylight. It should include hauling of spoils, disposal of the old wall if applicable, restoration of disturbed lawn areas, and any steps or corners.

Ask how they will handle rain during the project. Open excavations collect water. A good plan includes pumping, temporary drains, or covering the trench. Ask who is responsible for permits and inspections if the wall is tall. If trees or roots are near the wall line, ask about root trimming or protection and how that affects stability.

Timeline for a 100-foot wall

Most 3–4 foot walls that are 100 feet long take 4 to 8 working days with a three- to four-person crew, assuming decent access and no surprises. Engineering and permitting add time on the front end. If the project includes removing a failing wall first, add a day or two. Weather also matters. We avoid compacting wet soils and will pause during heavy rain to protect the base.

Retaining wall installation near me: Asheville-specific tips

Asheville building season runs long, but spring and fall are prime times for earthwork with fewer weather delays. Summer thunderstorms hit hard and test drainage. Winter installs are possible if the ground isn’t frozen, but we keep an eye on moisture and freeze-thaw.

Neighborhood rules differ. In Biltmore Lake and some South Asheville communities, HOA approvals may govern materials and appearance. Montford and historic areas may prefer stone looks or limit height on street-facing walls. Downtown infill lots often need careful access planning and traffic coordination.

Soils change quickly from one yard to the next. If your neighbor’s wall used one method, yours might still need a different approach based on slope, runoff, and tree roots. During an on-site look, we check for seepage lines, downspout discharges, and where the water wants to go.

Maintenance and lifespan by material

Timber walls: budget for 10–20 years. Keep soil off the top course, keep plants with aggressive roots away, and watch for termites. Staining helps appearance but doesn’t change structural life much.

SRW block walls: expect decades if installed with correct base and drainage. Keep the drain outlet clear. Avoid heavy sprinklers right behind the wall. If caps loosen after freeze-thaw cycles, they’re easy to re-adhere.

Boulder and natural stone: long lifespan. Occasional plant trimming and clearing outlets is the main task. Through-wash water should stay clean; if you see fines running through, check the fabric barrier or slope above.

Poured concrete: rock solid when drained and reinforced. Seal small cracks early to keep water out. Inspect weep holes and outfalls yearly.

Signs your wall needs replacement or repair

Leaning forward at the top, bulges along the middle, stepped cracks, or rotation at the base point to pressure building behind the wall. Efflorescence streaks and soggy soil above the wall suggest clogged drainage. If caps separate or timbers bow, the base or backfill may be settling. Small issues caught early can be fixed with drainage upgrades, partial rebuilds, or tie-backs. Long, continuous movement usually means it is time for a rebuild.

Permit and property line concerns

Walls near property lines can trigger zoning setbacks. You will need consent for access to a neighbor’s yard if equipment or spoils must cross. If a wall supports a driveway, parking pad, or structure, expect permitting and engineering. Functional Foundations handles drawings, permit applications, HOA documentation, and coordinates inspections as needed. That keeps your project on schedule and avoids fines or stop-work orders.

DIY vs hiring a pro

A handy homeowner can build a short garden wall for planters or edging. A 100-foot structural wall is different. The base needs careful grading and compaction. The first course must be dead level or errors multiply. Drainage must daylight somewhere safe. There’s real risk if a tall wall fails, especially on a slope or near a driveway. Pros bring compaction equipment, lasers, grading attachments, and a crew that can keep the work moving even with Asheville’s pop-up showers. If you DIY, we recommend limiting the height to 2 feet, using small blocks, and overbuilding drainage.

How Functional Foundations estimates your project

We start with a site visit. We measure slope, check soil with a probe, and look for water sources like downspouts and hillside seeps. We ask how you plan to use the space: garden beds, patio, driveway expansion, or play area. That guides height and layout.

We provide a written scope that lists the wall length, height ranges, base depth, block or material type, cap choice, and all drainage specs. For taller walls, we coordinate with an engineer and include those costs upfront. If budget is tight, we offer a couple of material options with the same drainage and base quality, so you can choose where to spend. We flag any tree or utility conflicts. Then we schedule with a weather-aware plan to protect the base.

Budget examples for common 100-foot scenarios

A budget-friendly 3-foot timber wall for a backyard grade change: $7,500–$10,500. This includes excavation, crushed stone base, treated timbers with deadmen anchors, 4-inch perforated drain pipe, fabric, and restoration.

A mid-range 3.5-foot SRW block wall for a sloped side yard: $12,000–$16,500. Includes two layers of geogrid, 12–18 inches of stone backfill, drain pipe to daylight, caps, and cleanup.

A premium 4-foot structural block wall with natural stone veneer for a front yard: $22,000–$30,000. Includes engineering if required, veneer stone, and custom caps.

A boulder wall averaging 3 feet for a wooded backyard: $13,500–$19,500. Includes base stone, fabric, drain pipe, and careful placement with machine access.

Your exact price depends on access, soil, curves, steps, and where we can send the water. Square footage of face, site logistics, and material lead times also play roles.

How to choose the right contractor in Asheville

Ask for projects you can go see. Photos help, but seeing a wall in person tells you how straight the lines are and how the caps meet at corners. Ask what base and drainage they plan to use. If the answer is vague, keep looking. Confirm they carry liability and workers’ comp. Check that they pull permits when required, and that they will be on site to answer inspector questions.

A good crew explains why they choose a certain block system, fabric weight, or geogrid spacing. They talk through water paths with you and they care where the drain daylights. They build mockups of curves or cap styles if you want a visual before ordering material.

Your next step

If you’re searching for retaining wall installation near me and you live in Asheville, Functional Foundations will walk the site with you, give you clear numbers, and build it right. We work across Asheville, Arden, Fletcher, Candler, Weaverville, Black Mountain, and Fairview. Whether you need a 100-foot wall along a driveway or a series of terraces for a backyard garden, we’ll match the design to your slope, soil, and budget.

Call or request a site visit. We’ll bring a level and a plan, not guesswork. You’ll get a wall that manages water, holds its line, and looks good from day one.

Functional Foundations provides foundation repair and structural restoration in Hendersonville, NC and nearby communities. Our team handles foundation wall rebuilds, crawl space repair, subfloor replacement, floor leveling, and steel-framed deck repair. We focus on strong construction methods that extend the life of your home and improve safety. Homeowners in Hendersonville rely on us for clear communication, dependable work, and long-lasting repair results. If your home needs foundation service, we are ready to help.

Functional Foundations

Hendersonville, NC, USA

Website: https://www.functionalfoundationga.com

Phone: (252) 648-6476

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