Retaining Wall Cost in St. Paul, MN

A Salt-Damaged Wall Rebuilt for Strength and Longevity

Not every retaining wall fails because of bad drainage or poor design — sometimes the problem is just time, weather, and salt.

That was the case for a homeowner in St. Paul, Minnesota, whose existing retaining wall had simply reached the end of its life. Years of exposure to road and alley deicing salt had eaten away at the blocks, leaving the wall discolored, crumbling, and unsafe.

When it came time for a permanent fix, they called Grey Cloud Outdoors.

The Problem: Salt and Winter Wear

Minnesota winters are hard on concrete. Between repeated freeze-thaw cycles and salt exposure from nearby pavement, even well-built walls eventually start to break down.

The homeowner’s old wall was no exception — the face of the blocks had deteriorated to the point where replacement was the only real option. Structurally, the wall still held, but cosmetically and functionally, it was done.

The Solution: A Complete Wall Rebuild

We removed the old wall entirely and replaced it with a new 45-foot-long by 2-foot-tall Belgard Diamond retaining wall, topped with a clean coping course for a finished, refined look.

Behind the new wall, we installed a drainage zone of clear ¾-inch limestone with a perforated drain pipe and outlet.
While the original wall didn’t appear to have water issues, this added drainage layer ensures any future runoff is safely redirected — protecting the investment for decades to come.

The wall was set on a compacted aggregate base rather than a poured concrete footing, allowing the system to flex naturally through Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.

The Materials: Belgard Diamond with Coping

For this rebuild, we chose Belgard Diamond® wall block with coping — a proven system known for strength, consistency, and timeless appearance.

Belgard’s pinless connection system and precise manufacturing make installation tight and uniform, while the coping adds a smooth top course that’s both practical and aesthetically clean.

It’s a go-to product for residential retaining walls under four feet — strong, simple, and built to last in harsh northern climates.

The Cost Range: $7,000–$9,000

A retaining wall of this size and type in St. Paul typically costs between $7,000 and $9,000, depending on:

• Access to the site – alley access, tight spaces, or adjacent structures can affect labor time.

• Existing wall conditions – walls built on rigid footings can take more time to remove.

• Material selection – colors, finishes, and coping options can influence cost.

That investment includes removal, disposal, excavation, new base and drainage materials, Belgard products, and final cleanup — everything done to professional, long-term standards.

The Result: A Wall That Will Stand the Test of Time

The new wall looks clean, sharp, and intentional — and more importantly, it’s built to withstand years of salt exposure and Minnesota winters without flinching.

Sometimes the best improvement isn’t changing the design — it’s rebuilding it the right way with the right materials.

📍 St. Paul, Minnesota
Built for the North. Built for you. Built for life.