Garden Retaining wall repair

[Emanresu]

The retaining walls in our garden are about 50 years old. Showing signs of age where the grout is loose or missing. Moisture seeps out which then leads to frost damage and more loose grout.

 

We have a choice to repair the poor sections or replace all the grout for the sake of not having to do it again in 10 years. 

 

Could anyone give me an idea of cost / sq meter for fully regrouting as that's the one my OH is tending towards. I'd like to have a ballpark idea before we commit (if we can find someone)

 

Appreciate any insights.

 

[Mr Punter]

At a guess, £100/m2.  At least it is easy access.  I know a bricklayer who uses a piping bag and can get a fair bit done.  If the wall always looks that wet, you have some drainage issues.

[Emanresu]

Wall has been power washed and the old grout taken out. Builder suggested that we do the whole wall rather than patches as it would likely need to be done again if patched. Bit the bullet and agreed.

 

Now moving onto replacing patio (600 sq ft) where they have removed 4 inches of earth and intend to put down Type 1 sub base. Trying to work out how much that would be  (weight) but don't know the density.   

[Gone West]

21 minutes ago, Emanresu said:

Trying to work out how much that would be  (weight) but don't know the density.   

 

This calculator reckons 12 tonnes, unless I've done something wrong.

 

https://www.primaryaggregates.co.uk/aggregates/aggregates-calculator

 

[Emanresu]

That sounds about right I think. My OH took the call and said he was ordering 20 tonnes but she now thinks he said 12.

 

We don't have anywhere for an additional 8 tonnes !!

[Mr Punter]

Out of interest, what was the repointing cost and square area for the wall?

[Emanresu]

On 12/07/2025 at 10:29, Mr Punter said:

Out of interest, what was the repointing cost and square area for the wall?

 

It's a bit vague as we had asked for patching to be done. Probably in the region of £60-£80 / sqm. It's also part of a larger job with taking up / replacing patio; improving drainage; and replacing fencing. Classic issue of starting small and then seeing other items you need done. It's being done by a firm we have used before and we were pleased with the standard of work done then. 

Edited July 13 by Emanresu