Retaining Wall Construction in Knoxville, TN — Costs $2,938 to $24,486

What does retaining wall construction cost in Knoxville? Average $8,325, ranging $2,938–$24,486. Labor runs $29.86/hr locally — 2% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Knoxville, TN Market

-2% vs national

Labor Rate

$29.86/hr

Material Index

96

Avg Permit Cost

$982

Median Home Price

$247,979

Knoxville is a mid-sized city in Tennessee with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a retaining wall construction, which helps keep pricing competitive. Knoxville offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $247,979, homeowners in Knoxville should weigh the project cost (3.4% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$2,938

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$8,325

National: $8,500

High End

$24,486

National: $25,000

Per Sq Ft

$39

National: $40

Duration: 3-7 days
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 45%

Retaining Wall Construction Cost Calculator for Knoxville

Adjusted for Knoxville's labor rate ($29.86/hr) and material costs (index 96).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Knoxville

$8,325

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Knoxville market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (55%)$4,579

At Knoxville's average rate of $29.86/hr (0% below national avg)

Materials (45%)$3,746

Material cost index 96 (4% below national baseline of 100)

Retaining Wall Construction vs. Home Value in Knoxville

MetricKnoxvilleNational Avg
Retaining Wall Construction (Mid-Range)$8,325$8,500
Median Home Price$247,979$350,000
Project as % of Home Value3.4%2.4%
Estimated ROI45%45%
Median Household Income$58,880$75,000

What Affects the Price in Knoxville

  • 1Local labor rates ($29.86/hr in Knoxville)
  • 2Material cost index (96 vs national 100)
  • 3Wall height
  • 4Linear footage
  • 5Material (block, stone, timber)
  • 6Drainage system

Popular Upgrades

  • Natural stone facing
  • Integrated drainage
  • Built-in steps

Planning a Retaining Wall Construction in Knoxville

Building permits are typically required for a retaining wall construction in Knoxville. The average permit fee in this area is $982, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 3-7 days from start to finish.

A retaining wall construction is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Knoxville, skilled contractors charge an average of $29.86/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Knoxville household earning $58,880/year, this project at $8,325 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators