For those looking to construct a retaining wall, having an understanding of the materials you can use, their efficiency and cost are vital bits of information that can help inform your choice. In this blog, we will answer the question ‘how much does a concrete block retaining wall cost?’
Retaining walls are vital in order to organise land in order for development or to make it safer in a populated area, knowing how to build a retaining wall can be key for those who have the resources, or for those seeking to make alterations to their own land.
With the necessity of time and cost-efficient building solutions being needed, as construction output in Great Britain has seen an increase, alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar builds are required for those looking to save time and money. Interlocking concrete blocks present an alternative to some construction, including retaining walls.
The basics of a retaining wall
A retaining wall is a structure designed to restrain or land to a slope it would not naturally keep to. A retaining wall could be built in order to organise land in public places or around your own home. A retaining wall can also help to level any land that is on a slant or hill.
In terms of what can be used for a retaining wall, there are many options including gabion baskets, wood and metal, though it can be argued that the easiest and cost effective method would be interlocking concrete blocks.
The function of the retaining wall is in the name, it retains its content within a wall, and retaining walls are often used to alter the level of the land it is erected on, which usually means the land goes from being uneven, to even.
Want to know more? Click here for an in-depth look at retaining walls.
Which concrete blocks are used for retaining walls?
As building regulations came into being in England, the requirement of having fireproof dwellings was compulsory, this was achieved by subsequent houses being made of stone and brick. Interlocking concrete blocks present a modern alternative.
Interlocking concrete blocks are a unique form of pre-cast concrete blocks that are designed to hold together by using pre-measured studs and recesses. Built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other without the use of any mortar. Instead, the cementitious blocks simply snap together with each other.
Depending on the size of the block that is chosen will affect the number of studs that are on the block. In regards to the sizing, interlocking concrete blocks don’t need mortar to be held in place. This means the speed of building is improved, whilst using less manpower.
The advantages of interlocking concrete blocks
- Longer lasting and more durable than a Gabion basket
- Quicker and less hassle to install
- No need for mortar
- No need for steel reinforcement or shuttering
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Fire-resistant properties, mitigating the spread of fire depending on the structure
- Little maintenance required
- Often, no foundation is needed before installing
- Sound resistant
- Sustainable
- Ability to stack them upon each other
- Flexibility in sizes
- Appropriate for temporary and/or permanent buildings
- Unlikely to be displaced due to the interlocking function
- Can be moved with standard lifting equipment
How much does a concrete block retaining wall cost?
A concrete block retaining wall can have a varied cost, as it is subjective to the amount oc concrete blocks required for the build at hand, some may need 6 blocks altogether, and others may need 12 altogether, not to mention we also offer a variety of sizes per block.
We feel that prices for our concrete blocks will be dependent on the project at hand, and as a result, we strongly encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your plans, so we can understand the best price for you, as well as the amount and size of interlocking concrete blocks that you require.
Can concrete blocks be used for anything else?
Aside from retaining walls, our interlocking concrete blocks can be used for
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
And much more.
Do concrete block retaining walls last?
Yes, in comparison to metal, or wood retaining walls, concrete is the best option. The weather-resistant properties of concrete, in addition to its high level of durability, ensure that a concrete retaining wall can last the test of time with little to no maintenance.
Interlocking concrete block options
Our team at PPC Concrete Products supplies different types of interlocking concrete blocks. We have a variety of options when it comes to the interlocking concrete blocks that we make.
Our blocks are made by having a casting of the dimensions mentioned below and depending on the option chosen, the cast is then filled with concrete. Each block has a Lifting pin anchor system embedded in the concrete at the point of casting – this is how the blocks are moved once the concrete is set.
After setting, the cast is then removed and the blocks are transported to their destination.
we offer the option for your block to be:
- Standard Blocks
- Flat Top Standard Blocks
- Rock Face Block
- Rock Face Flat Top Block
Here are our size options:
- 300 x 600 x 600
- 600 x 600 x 600
- 900 x 600 x 600
- 1200 x 600 x 600
- 1500 x 600 x 600
- 1800 x 600 x 600
- 400 x 800 x 800
- 800 x 800 x 800
- 1200 x 800 x 800
- 1600 x 800 x 800
Half and thirds of the sizes displayed are also offered with your order if needed.
To view these options, take a look at our gallery.
Can a retaining wall be leaning?
Unless this is the intended choice, then no. As a retaining wall is holding the weight of the land behind it, any leaning could signify the wall isn’t strong enough to support the weight. Eventually, a retaining wall that is leaning will topple over due to gravity.
What makes a retaining wall lean?
When a retaining wall starts to lean it can be due to a number of things including
- Insufficient drainage, causes additional weight to be added to the wall.
- The wall’s material has become weak due to degradation over time.
- External damage/purposely manipulating the wall.
- Weak foundations or structure
- Using sub-quality materials when constructing the wall
- Natural changes in the environment can happen over time.
We advise that as soon as you notice your retaining wall leaning, contact your construction professional to rectify this immediately, delaying this can lead to the wall falling, possibly causing injury and costing you more money to rectify.
Interlocking concrete blocks can be the most easiest and effective method when it comes to setting up a retaining wall, let us tell you some more about them.
Order interlocking concrete blocks today
As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or take a look at our FAQ.
In this article, we hope to have answered the question ‘How much does a concrete block retaining wall cost’ While also providing extra information in regard to construction and the benefits of interlocking concrete blocks.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
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The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
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