How much does a concrete block wall cost? The answer depends on wall height, block type, and whether you DIY or hire a pro. This guide breaks down every cost factor.
Quick Cost Summary
| Wall Type | DIY Cost/LF | Pro Cost/LF |
|---|
| 4 ft retaining | $20-30 | $50-80 |
| 6 ft privacy | $35-50 | $75-120 |
| 8 ft structural | $45-65 | $90-150 |
| Foundation (8” block) | $50-70 | $100-175 |
LF = Linear Foot
Block Costs by Type
| Block Type | Size | Cost Each | Per SF of Wall |
|---|
| Standard CMU | 8×8×16 | $1.50-2.50 | $1.70-2.80 |
| Lightweight | 8×8×16 | $2.00-3.00 | $2.25-3.40 |
| Split Face | 8×8×16 | $3.00-5.00 | $3.40-5.65 |
| Ground Face | 8×8×16 | $4.00-6.00 | $4.50-6.80 |
| Glass Block | 8×8×4 | $15-25 | $18-30 |
Based on 1.125 blocks per square foot
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|
| 8” CMU blocks | 36 blocks | $72 |
| Mortar (80-lb bags) | 4 bags | $20 |
| Gravel base | 0.3 cu yd | $15 |
| Rebar (#4) | 16 ft | $10 |
| Drain pipe | 8 ft | $8 |
| Materials Total | | $125 |
| Per Linear Foot | | $15.60 |
Add 25-30% for waste and tools if DIY.
Add $40-60/LF for professional labor.
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|
| 8” CMU blocks | 54 blocks | $108 |
| Mortar (80-lb bags) | 6 bags | $30 |
| Footing concrete | 0.4 cu yd | $60 |
| Rebar (#4) | 24 ft | $15 |
| Cap blocks | 8 pieces | $32 |
| Materials Total | | $245 |
| Per Linear Foot | | $30.60 |
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|
| 8” CMU blocks | 72 blocks | $144 |
| Mortar (80-lb bags) | 8 bags | $40 |
| Footing concrete | 0.6 cu yd | $90 |
| Rebar (#4) vertical | 24 ft | $15 |
| Rebar horizontal | 32 ft | $20 |
| Grout fill | 0.2 cu yd | $30 |
| Materials Total | | $339 |
| Per Linear Foot | | $42.40 |
Labor Costs
Professional masons charge by different methods:
| Method | Rate | Notes |
|---|
| Per block | $3-5 | Most common |
| Per square foot | $10-15 | Large projects |
| Per linear foot | $30-60 | Retaining walls |
| Hourly | $40-70 | Repairs, small jobs |
Labor by Wall Type
| Wall Type | Labor/LF | Labor/Block |
|---|
| Simple garden wall | $25-35 | $3.00-4.00 |
| Retaining wall | $35-50 | $4.00-5.00 |
| Foundation wall | $40-60 | $4.50-6.00 |
| Decorative/curved | $50-75 | $5.00-8.00 |
Total Installed Cost
Summary by Wall Height
| Height | Materials/LF | Labor/LF | Total/LF |
|---|
| 2 ft | $10-15 | $15-25 | $25-40 |
| 4 ft | $15-25 | $25-40 | $40-65 |
| 6 ft | $25-35 | $35-50 | $60-85 |
| 8 ft | $35-50 | $45-65 | $80-115 |
Project Examples
| Project | Length | Height | Total Cost |
|---|
| Garden border | 40 LF | 2 ft | $1,000-1,600 |
| Retaining wall | 50 LF | 4 ft | $2,500-4,000 |
| Privacy wall | 100 LF | 6 ft | $7,500-12,000 |
| Garage foundation | 100 LF | 8 ft | $10,000-15,000 |
Cost Factors
What Increases Cost
- Decorative blocks - Split face adds 50-100%
- Engineering - Required for walls over 4 ft
- Permits - $100-500 depending on area
- Access difficulty - Hillside adds 20-40%
- Reinforcement - Rebar and grout add $5-10/LF
- Waterproofing - $2-5/SF for below grade
What Decreases Cost
- DIY labor - Save 50-60%
- Standard gray blocks - Cheapest option
- Straight runs - Corners add complexity
- Bulk block delivery - Save 10-15% on materials
- Off-season work - Winter rates lower
DIY vs Hiring
DIY Saves Money When:
- Wall under 4 feet tall
- Decorative only (non-structural)
- No permit required
- You have time and help
- Willing to learn proper technique
Hire a Pro When:
- Structural or load-bearing wall
- Retaining walls over 4 feet
- Permits and inspections required
- Foundation work
- Waterproofing needed
Time Estimate (DIY)
| Wall Size | Time |
|---|
| 20 LF × 4 ft | 2-3 days |
| 50 LF × 4 ft | 4-5 days |
| 100 LF × 6 ft | 7-10 days |
Includes footing, blocks, and finishing
| Item | Quantity |
|---|
| 8×8×16 blocks | 36 |
| Mortar mix (80 lb) | 4 bags |
| #4 rebar (20 ft) | 2 pieces |
| Rebar tie wire | 1 roll |
| Concrete (footing) | 0.3 cu yd |
| Gravel | 0.2 cu yd |
2025 Price Trends
Block and masonry costs have increased:
| Year | CMU Block (8”) | Mortar (80 lb) |
|---|
| 2023 | $1.30-2.00 | $4.50-5.50 |
| 2024 | $1.40-2.20 | $4.75-6.00 |
| 2025 | $1.50-2.50 | $5.00-6.50 |
Expect 5-8% annual increases due to material and labor costs.
Alternatives to CMU
| Material | Cost/LF (4 ft) | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Poured concrete | $60-100 | Strongest | Needs forms |
| Retaining wall blocks | $40-70 | Easy DIY | Limited height |
| Natural stone | $80-150 | Beautiful | Heavy, expensive |
| Timber | $20-40 | Cheap | Shorter lifespan |
Use Our Free Calculator
Our Concrete Block Calculator helps you:
- Count blocks needed
- Calculate mortar bags
- Estimate rebar requirements
- Get total project cost
For brick comparisons, try our Masonry Calculator.
Bottom Line: Budget $40-80 per linear foot for a typical DIY block wall, or $80-150 for professional installation. Walls over 4 feet usually require engineering and permits. Get multiple quotes—prices vary significantly by contractor and region.
