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How to Price Up a Retaining Wall Like a Pro (With a Dash of Humour!)

If you’ve ever stared at a retaining wall and thought, “How on earth do I even begin to price this up?”—you’re not alone. Retaining walls are one of those things that look simple until you start crunching numbers. But fear not, my friend! I’m here to break it down for you in a way that’s equal parts helpful and hilarious. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of pricing up a retaining wall, complete with sleepers, posts, concrete, and a whole lot of math.  

Step 1: Know Your Sleepers (And No, I’m Not Talking About Pyjamas) 

First things first, let’s talk about sleepers. No, not the kind you wear to bed—these are the heavy-duty pine sleepers that’ll form the backbone of your retaining wall. In the video transcript I’m referencing, the builder uses 200 by 50 mm pine sleepers. These bad boys are sturdy, reliable, and perfect for holding back dirt like a champ.  

To figure out how many sleepers you’ll need, you’ve got to do a bit of math. Don’t worry; it’s not rocket science. The builder in the video calculates 35 metres divided by 2.3, which gives you 16 sleepers per row. But wait, there’s more! The wall is five sleepers high, so you’ll need to multiply that number by five. That’s 80 sleepers in total.  

Pro tip: Always round up. Trust me, you don’t want to be one sleeper short when you’re halfway through the project.  

Step 2: Posts Are Your Best Friends (Even If They’re a Bit Rigid)  

Next up, we’ve got the posts. These are the vertical supports that’ll keep your wall standing tall and proud. The builder uses 75 by 200 mm posts, which are sturdy enough to handle the weight of the sleepers and the dirt behind them.  

In the video, the builder counts out 16 posts for the entire wall. That’s one post every 2.3 metres, which is a pretty standard spacing. If you’re working on a smaller or larger wall, you’ll need to adjust the number of posts accordingly.  

Step 3: Concrete—The Glue That Holds It All Together  

Now, let’s talk about concrete. This is the stuff that’ll keep your posts firmly planted in the ground, even when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum. The builder in the video uses a metre cube of concrete blend, which is delivered straight to the site.  

If you’re working on a smaller project, you can mix your own concrete using bags of cement. The builder mentions using 10 bags of cement, which is a good starting point for a wall of this size. Just make sure you’ve got a sturdy wheelbarrow and a strong back—mixing concrete is no joke!  

Step 4: Labour—Because You Can’t Do It All Yourself (Unless You’re Superhuman)  

Let’s be real: building a retaining wall is hard work. Unless you’ve got the strength of a thousand suns, you’re going to need some help. The builder in the video mentions having labour on-site, which is a smart move.  

If you’re tackling this project on your own, make sure you’ve got a friend or two to lend a hand. Trust me, your back will thank you later.  

Step 5: Crunching the Numbers—Because Math Is Fun (Said No One Ever)  

Alright, it’s time to talk numbers. Pricing up a retaining wall involves a bit of math, but don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it.  

First, let’s break down the materials:  

- Pine sleepers: 80 sleepers at $20 each = $1,600  

- Posts: 16 posts at $30 each = $480  

- Concrete blend: 1 metre cube at $293 = $293  

- Cement: 10 bags at $10 each = $100  

That’s a total of $2,473 for materials.  

Now, let’s talk labour. If you’re hiring a builder, you’ll need to factor in their hourly rate. Let’s say the builder charges $50 an hour and the project takes 20 hours to complete. That’s an additional $1,000.  

So, your total cost for the retaining wall would be around $3,473.  

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Extras

Before you start celebrating, don’t forget to factor in the extras. Things like tools, equipment, and even a cold beer for when you’re done can add up.  

The builder in the video mentions using a concrete pump for larger projects, which can save you time and effort. If you’re working on a smaller wall, you can probably get away with mixing the concrete by hand.  

Step 7: Double-Check Your Calculations (Because Mistakes Are Expensive)  

Before you start buying materials, double-check your calculations. The last thing you want is to run out of sleepers or concrete halfway through the project.  

If you’re not confident in your math skills, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of online calculators and resources that can help you get it right.  

Step 8: Get Started (And Don’t Forget to Call Mum)

Now that you’ve got all the numbers, it’s time to get started. Grab your tools, round up your friends, and get to work.  

And don’t forget to call mum and tell her you’ve still got it. After all, building a retaining wall is no small feat, and you deserve a pat on the back (or at least a cold beer).  

Final Thoughts  

Pricing up a retaining wall might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning and a dash of humour, it’s totally doable. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a DIY newbie, this guide should help you get started on the right foot.  

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sleepers, posts, and concrete, and get to work. And remember, if all else fails, just call mum—she’ll know what to do.