Updated Feb 2026 · 539+ DFW retaining wall estimates

Retaining Wall Cost in Arlington, TX

Real pricing from 21+ retaining wall estimates in Arlington. Average project cost: $11,800.

How much does a retaining wall cost in Arlington, TX?

A retaining wall in Arlington, TX costs an average of $11,800, based on 21+ real estimates. The most popular material is Boulder (45% of projects) at $22/SF. The average wall is 32 LF long and 3.5 ft high (112 SF). Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering.

$11,800

Average Cost

Boulder

Top Material

32LF x 3.5ft

Avg Wall Size

4% below

vs DFW Avg

Source: 539+ DFW wall estimates by pAIsaLocalLast updated: April 2026

539+ wall estimates

3 material types

3 AI agents

27 DFW cities

$11,800

Average Wall Cost

32 LF

Average Wall Length

3.5 ft

Average Wall Height

Boulder

#1 Material (45%)

How Arlington Compares to DFW

Arlington averages $11,800 for retaining walls — 4% below the DFW metro average of $12,281

Arlington$11,800

DFW Metro Average$12,281

Based on 539+ real retaining wall estimates across 27 DFW cities. Updated February 2026.

Retaining Wall Materials in Arlington

2026 DFW rates — per square foot of wall face, materials and labor included

Boulder

Large natural boulders stacked for a rugged, natural look

$22/SF

$2,464 for 112 SF wall

45% of Arlington projects

Natural Stone

Premium Texas limestone and fieldstone walls with timeless curb appeal

$38/SF

$4,256 for 112 SF wall

30% of Arlington projects

Concrete Block

Engineered segmental blocks for consistent, structural retaining walls

$25/SF

$2,800 for 112 SF wall

25% of Arlington projects

Quick Cost Reference

Estimated retaining wall costs by size in Arlington

Small Wall

20 LF × 3 ft (60 SF)

Boulder$1,320

Dry Stack$1,800

Natural Stone$2,280

Medium Wall

40 LF × 4 ft (160 SF)

Boulder$3,520

Dry Stack$4,800

Natural Stone$6,080

* Walls 4ft+ typically require engineering

Large Wall

60 LF × 5 ft (300 SF)

Boulder$6,600

Dry Stack$9,000

Natural Stone$11,400

* Walls 5ft+ typically require engineering

Top Neighborhoods in Arlington

Where Arlington homeowners are building retaining walls

Viridian

Interlochen

Lake Arlington

South Arlington

Dalworthington Gardens

Serving all Arlington neighborhoods and surrounding Tarrant County zip codes: 76010, 76011, 76012, 76013, 76014, 76015

Retaining Wall Permits in Arlington

Tarrant County requirements for retaining walls

Permit Office

City of Arlington Building Inspections

Typical Fees

$50-$250 depending on wall height and length

What to Know

Arlington requires permits for retaining walls over 4 feet. Walls near drainage channels or floodplains need additional review. Engineering is required for walls over 4 feet or walls supporting surcharge loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about retaining walls in Arlington, TX

Arlington retaining walls average $11,800 based on 21 real estimates. A 32 LF boulder wall at 3.5 feet costs around $2,464, while natural stone runs $4,256 for the same dimensions. Boulder walls are the most popular budget-friendly option.

Boulder retaining walls at $22/SF are the most affordable in Arlington and the top choice at 45% of projects. For a typical 3.5-foot tall, 32 LF wall, boulder costs approximately $2,464. Concrete block at $25/SF is the next most affordable.

Retaining walls over 4 feet require a building permit in Arlington. Walls near drainage channels, floodplains, or public right-of-way also need permits regardless of height. Check with Arlington Planning & Development Services.

Yes. Many Arlington properties have drainage challenges due to flat terrain and clay soil. A retaining wall with a French drain system can redirect water away from your foundation. Many homeowners build walls specifically to solve drainage problems.

Arlington averages $11,800 — about 10% below the DFW metro average. The savings come from shorter average wall heights (3.5 feet vs 4 feet) and preference for budget-friendly boulder over premium natural stone.

A 32 LF retaining wall at 3.5 feet tall in Arlington costs $2,464 in boulder ($22/SF) or $4,256 in natural stone ($38/SF). This is based on 21 real Arlington estimates. Add $500-$1,500 for engineering if the wall exceeds 4 feet in height.

In Arlington, 45% choose boulder and 30% choose natural stone. Boulder walls ($22/SF) cost 42% less than natural stone ($38/SF) and work well for large, natural-looking installations. Natural stone offers a more refined, premium appearance that pairs with Arlington's architectural styles. For walls under 4 feet on flat lots, boulder is the best value.

Yes — every retaining wall in Arlington needs drainage. Tarrant County sits on expansive clay soil that holds water and creates hydrostatic pressure behind walls. A 4-inch perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric, set in 12 inches of gravel backfill, is the DFW standard. Skipping drainage is the #1 cause of retaining wall failure in the DFW area and is not covered by most contractor warranties.