Garden & Brick Wall Cost: Price Factors

Short answer: The cost of a garden wall depends mainly on its length and height, the depth of foundation it needs, whether it is a single or double skin of brick, the bricks and copings you choose, and whether it holds back soil. A low freestanding wall is a modest job; a tall wall or a retaining wall needs deeper foundations, more material and more care. Removing an old wall and difficult access add to the price.

Grey stone patio with curved white walls and timber fencing

Length and height

More wall means more bricks, mortar and labour, so length is the starting point. Height has an even bigger effect, because taller walls need thicker construction, stronger foundations and sometimes piers to stay stable. Wind load on a tall freestanding wall is significant, and the design must allow for it.

If a wall borders a road or footpath, or exceeds certain heights, planning permission may apply. Check with your local council before you commit to a tall front boundary wall.

Foundations

Every brick wall needs a concrete foundation, and this is where a lot of the work sits. The trench has to be dug to firm ground, which may be deeper on clay or disturbed soil, and near trees roots may affect the design. Digging, concrete and spoil removal can be a large part of the price, even though none of it is visible afterwards.

An existing wall may be sitting on a poor foundation. If it is leaning or cracked, rebuilding is often better value than repairing.

Single skin, double skin and piers

A single skin wall is one brick wide, around half a brick thick, and suits low walls. Taller walls are usually built double skin, a full brick thick, or with piers at intervals to stiffen them. Double skin uses roughly twice the bricks and takes longer to lay.

Piers, either as stiffeners or as gateposts, add bricks and work. Decorative features such as curves, patterned brickwork or recessed panels also add time.

Bricks, copings and finish

Bricks vary widely. Common engineering and facing bricks differ in look, strength and cost, and reclaimed or handmade bricks can cost more again. If you want new brickwork to match a house or an existing wall, sourcing a close match may limit choices. Seeing samples next to the original is the best way to judge.

The top of the wall needs protection from water, usually with a coping stone or a brick-on-edge course. Copings overhang the wall and shed water, which helps the wall last. Good pointing, with joints finished neatly and consistently, also protects the wall from weather.

Some walls are built in block and then rendered. That changes both the cost and the look.

Retaining walls

A wall that holds back soil is a different job from a freestanding wall. Soil and water push against it, so it needs a stronger design, often thicker construction, and drainage behind it so water does not build up. Weep holes or a drainage layer let water escape. Retaining walls over a modest height may need an engineer's design.

Because of the extra work, retaining walls cost more for the same length than garden boundary walls. They are often part of levelling a sloping garden, which our landscaping cost guide covers. Our guide to retaining walls compares sleeper, brick and block options and explains drainage behind the wall.

Demolition and access

If an old wall is being replaced, it has to be taken down and the waste removed. Rubble is heavy, so how easily a skip can be placed nearby makes a difference. Rear gardens reached only by a narrow path take longer to supply with bricks, sand and cement.

Getting a useful quote

Measure the rough length and the height you want, and note whether the wall will hold back soil. Mention any wall being removed, how close trees are and what access is like. Ask each contractor what foundation depth, wall thickness and coping they are pricing, so you compare like with like. A wall often forms part of a patio, driveway or landscaping project, and pricing it together can simplify the job.

Frequently asked questions

Do garden walls need foundations?

Yes. Every brick wall needs a concrete foundation on firm ground, and taller or retaining walls need more substantial ones.

What is the difference between single and double skin?

A single skin wall is one brick wide; double skin is two bricks wide and is used for taller, stronger walls.

Why do retaining walls cost more?

They hold back soil and water, so they need stronger construction and drainage behind them.

Can you match new bricks to my house?

We will look at your existing bricks and talk through the closest options when we quote.

Do I need planning permission for a garden wall?

Sometimes, depending on height and whether it borders a road. Check with your local council.

Garden Wall Cost: What Affects the Price of a Brick Wall