If your garden needs a retaining wall, and you have no idea how to set about getting it done, fear not — the retaining wall calculator is here to help! Whether you’re building your retaining wall for aesthetic reasons or to even out the landscape, this calculator will help you plan and carry out the construction process.
Save time
You would otherwise spend meticulously calculating the number of retaining wall blocks on paper, and kill two birds with one stone by having your retaining wall cost estimated simultaneously.
On top of that, the retaining wall calculator will show you how much gravel you will need for backfill, so there’s no need to worry about that either! Use this time-saving tool, and your retaining wall project will be as easy as pie!
How to use the retaining wall calculator?
The retaining wall calculator may seem complicated at first, but don’t worry! Just follow this simple set of instructions, and you will get your calculations done in no time.
1. Calculating the number of retaining wall blocks:
- Start by deciding whether your retaining wall will have a cap row (pick “Yes” or “No” at the very top of the calculator). A cap row is the topmost row of the retaining wall, reaching higher than the wall’s actual height, which is often used for decoration.
- Input the height and length of the retaining wall.
- Input the height and length of one of your chosen blocks.
- You will be given the total number of retaining wall blocks needed. If you’ve chosen to have a cap row, the number of blocks required for the cap will show as well.
2. Calculating gravel for backfill:
Backfill is something that cannot be forgotten when building a retaining wall. It is crucial for keeping the wall steady, as well as making sure it does not get eroded by water.
- Declare the backfill area’s height, length and thickness. Height and length typically correspond to the wall’s height and length. As for the thickness, it should be at least 12 in (30 cm) to assure proper drainage.
- The calculator will return both the volume and weight of gravel you should buy.
3. Calculating the costs:
Our retaining wall calculator also allows you to calculate retaining wall costs. To do so, all you need to do is:
- Input the price of a single retaining wall block (and that of a cap block, if you chose that option at the top of the calculator)
- Input the price of gravel per unit weight — any unit will do.
- The calculator will provide you with your total retaining wall cost.
Additionally, we recommend that you buy an additional 10%–15% of all the materials needed to account for any mistakes that may occur, as well as any unexpected repairs. Better safe than sorry — why waste gasoline driving to and from the store when you can be prepared in advance?
