How Many Retaining Wall Blocks for a 10-Foot Wall, 5 Feet High?
Short answer for a 10 ft long, 5 ft high retaining wall: about 158 blocks (wall blocks, 12×4 in face (+5%)). Also: cap blocks, 12 in (+5%): 11 caps; drainage gravel, 12 in deep behind the wall (+10%): 2.04 yd³.
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| Cap blocks, 12 in (+5%) | 11 caps |
|---|---|
| Drainage gravel, 12 in deep behind the wall (+10%) | 2.04 yd³ |
How this number is calculated
Wall face = 10 × 5 = 50 sq ft. A 12×4 in block covers 1/3 sq ft, so 3 blocks per sq ft: 150 blocks; +5% = 158. Caps: 11.
Nearby sizes
| Size | Wall blocks, 12×4 in face (+5%) |
|---|---|
| a 10 ft long, 4 ft high retaining wall | 126 blocks |
| a 10 ft long, 3 ft high retaining wall | 95 blocks |
| a 15 ft long, 2 ft high retaining wall | 95 blocks |
| a 10 ft long, 2 ft high retaining wall | 63 blocks |
Tips
- Walls over about 3–4 feet usually need engineering and geogrid; check local rules.
- Bury the first course below grade and set it level on compacted base.
- Always provide drainage behind the wall.
Frequently asked questions
How much retaining wall blocks do I need for a 10 ft long, 5 ft high retaining wall?
Short answer for a 10 ft long, 5 ft high retaining wall: about 158 blocks (wall blocks, 12×4 in face (+5%)). Also: cap blocks, 12 in (+5%): 11 caps; drainage gravel, 12 in deep behind the wall (+10%): 2.04 yd³.
How is the quantity for a 10 ft long, 5 ft high retaining wall calculated?
Wall face = 10 × 5 = 50 sq ft. A 12×4 in block covers 1/3 sq ft, so 3 blocks per sq ft: 150 blocks; +5% = 158. Caps: 11.
How much does retaining wall blocks for a 10 ft long, 5 ft high retaining wall cost?
Using rough planning prices (per block, depending on style), the material for a 10 ft long, 5 ft high retaining wall comes to about $316 to $1,106. Prices vary by region and supplier, so get a local quote.