Cost of Building a Boundary Wall in Sri Lanka (2025 Per-Foot Rates)
Cost of Building a Boundary Wall in Sri Lanka (2025 Per-Foot Rates)
"Good fences make good neighbors." In Sri Lanka, we take this literally—almost every property has a solid boundary wall.
A boundary wall is typically the first thing you build after buying land. It secures the property, defines boundaries, and signals ownership. But the cost can shock first-time builders.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost component of boundary wall construction in 2025.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Cost Per Linear Foot
- Foundation Requirements
- Wall Material Options
- Front Wall vs Side Wall
- Gate and Motor Costs
- Security Add-Ons
- Total Cost Calculation
- Cost-Saving Strategies
- FAQs
1. Understanding Cost Per Linear Foot
Boundary walls are priced per linear foot (running foot), not per square foot. This measures the length of the wall, assuming a standard height.
Standard Wall Specification:
- Height: 6 feet (most common)
- Thickness: 4 inches (cement blocks) or 9 inches (bricks)
- Finish: Plastered both sides, painted
| Wall Type | Cost Per Linear Foot (6ft Height) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cement Block (4") | Rs. 4,500 - 5,500 | Standard boundary |
| Cement Block (6") | Rs. 5,500 - 6,500 | Stronger, retaining walls |
| Red Brick (9") | Rs. 6,500 - 8,000 | Premium, very strong |
| Blind Wall (One Side) | Rs. 3,500 - 4,500 | Unplastered on neighbor's side |
| Fancy Front Wall (Decorative) | Rs. 8,000 - 15,000+ | Pillars, design, expensive |
2. Foundation Requirements
You can't just stack blocks on the ground. A proper foundation is essential, especially in Sri Lanka's monsoon-prone climate.
Standard Strip Foundation
For normal, level ground:
| Item | Specification | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | 1.5ft deep, 1.5ft wide | Included in total |
| Rubble Packing | 6" layer of granite rubble | Included |
| Concrete Footing | 6" thick, 1:3:6 mix | Included |
| Total Foundation Cost | Rs. 1,200 - 1,800/ft |
Foundation cost is typically included in the "per linear foot" wall quote.
For Soft/Wet Soil
If your land is low-lying or has clay soil:
- Pile Foundation: Rs. 8,000 - 12,000 per pile (every 10ft)
- Deep Rubble: Additional Rs. 500/ft
- Soil Compaction: Rs. 300/ft
⚠️ Warning: Walls built on soft soil without proper foundation will crack and lean within 2-3 years. Don't cut corners on foundation.
3. Wall Material Options
Option A: Cement Blocks (Most Common)
| Block Size | Dimensions | Price Per Block | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" Block | 4" × 8" × 16" | Rs. 70 - 85 | ~9 per sq ft of wall |
| 6" Block | 6" × 8" × 16" | Rs. 95 - 115 | ~9 per sq ft of wall |
| 8" Block | 8" × 8" × 16" | Rs. 130 - 160 | ~9 per sq ft of wall |
Block Wall Total (Material + Labor + Plaster):
- 4" Wall: Rs. 4,500 - 5,500 per linear foot
- 6" Wall: Rs. 5,500 - 6,500 per linear foot
Option B: Red Bricks
Bricks create stronger, more traditional walls.
| Brick Type | Price Per Brick | Bricks Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Red Brick | Rs. 38 - 48 | ~80 per sq ft (9" wall) |
| Wire-Cut Brick (Facing) | Rs. 60 - 80 | For exposed front walls |
Brick Wall Total: Rs. 6,500 - 8,000 per linear foot (9" double-brick wall)
When to Use Bricks vs Blocks
| Use Case | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Standard boundary | Cement Blocks (4") |
| Retaining (holding earth) | Bricks (9") or Blocks (6") |
| Premium front wall | Bricks with facing |
| Dividing neighbor's land | Cement Blocks (4") |
4. Front Wall vs Side Wall
Smart builders differentiate front and side walls to optimize costs.
Side and Rear Walls (Economy)
- 4" cement blocks
- Plastered on your side only ("blind wall")
- Simple paint finish
- Cost: Rs. 3,500 - 4,500 per foot
Front Wall (Premium)
- 9" bricks or stone cladding
- Decorative pillars every 8-10 feet
- Name board, letter box, intercom
- Lighting fixtures
- Cost: Rs. 8,000 - 15,000+ per foot
💡 Pro Tip: Negotiate with your neighbor to share the cost of the common boundary wall. Legally, both parties benefit from the wall, so a 50/50 split is reasonable.
5. Gate and Motor Costs
The gate is often the most expensive single item in your boundary work.
Manual Gate Options
| Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Welded Iron Gate | Rs. 50,000 - 80,000 | Traditional, heavy |
| Aluminum Gate | Rs. 80,000 - 120,000 | Rust-proof, modern |
| Timber Gate | Rs. 60,000 - 100,000 | Classic look |
Motorized Roller Gate
| Brand | Gate + Motor + Installation | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Elcardo | Rs. 180,000 - 280,000 | 2 years |
| Three Singha | Rs. 150,000 - 230,000 | 1-2 years |
| Chinese Import | Rs. 100,000 - 150,000 | 6 months - 1 year |
Gate Column Requirements: Roller gates are heavy and need reinforced support:
- RCC Columns: 12" × 12" with 4 steel bars
- Additional Cost: Rs. 50,000 - 75,000 for the two columns
6. Security Add-Ons
| Item | Cost Per Linear Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Razor Wire (Single Coil) | Rs. 400 - 600 | Most effective deterrent |
| Metal Spikes | Rs. 600 - 900 | Aesthetic option |
| Electric Fence | Rs. 800 - 1,200 | Requires power, periodic maintenance |
| CCTV Conduit (for future wiring) | Rs. 200 - 300 | Run empty pipe during construction |
| Motion Sensor Lights | Rs. 3,000 - 8,000 each | At corners and gate |
7. Total Cost Calculation (For a 10-Perch Land)
Land Dimensions
A typical 10-perch rectangular plot:
- Width: 30 feet
- Depth: 90 feet
- Perimeter: 30 + 90 + 30 + 90 = 240 feet
- Minus Gate Opening: 12 feet
- Total Wall Length: 228 feet
Budget Scenario (Block Walls, Manual Gate)
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Side/Rear Walls (3 sides) | 210ft × Rs. 4,000 | Rs. 840,000 |
| Front Wall (Fancy) | 18ft × Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 180,000 |
| Welded Iron Gate | Fixed | Rs. 70,000 |
| Gate Columns | 2 × Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 50,000 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 1,140,000 |
Standard Scenario (Block Walls, Roller Gate)
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Side/Rear Walls | 210ft × Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 1,050,000 |
| Front Wall | 18ft × Rs. 12,000 | Rs. 216,000 |
| Roller Gate (Three Singha) | Fixed | Rs. 200,000 |
| Gate Columns (Heavy Duty) | 2 × Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 70,000 |
| Razor Wire | 210ft × Rs. 500 | Rs. 105,000 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 1,641,000 |
Premium Scenario (Brick Walls, Designer Gate)
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Side/Rear Walls | 210ft × Rs. 7,000 | Rs. 1,470,000 |
| Stone-Clad Front Wall | 18ft × Rs. 18,000 | Rs. 324,000 |
| Designer Roller Gate | Fixed | Rs. 350,000 |
| Heavy-Duty Columns | 2 × Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 100,000 |
| CCTV System (6 Cameras) | Fixed | Rs. 150,000 |
| TOTAL | Rs. 2,394,000 |
8. Cost-Saving Strategies
Build Front First: If budget is tight, build a finished front wall with gate. Use cheaper chain-link fencing for sides and back temporarily.
Blind Wall Agreement: If your neighbor agrees, skip plastering/painting the neighbor's side. Saves Rs. 800 per foot.
Shared Boundary: Split costs 50/50 with neighbor for common walls. Both benefit.
Skip Decorative Pillars: Functional front walls without decorative pillars cost 40% less.
Manual Gate (Initially): Install a manual gate now; motorize later when budget allows.
Buy Materials in Bulk: Order all blocks at once for volume discount (5-10% savings).
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to build a boundary wall?
For a 10-perch land: 3-4 weeks with a team of 2 masons and 2 helpers.
Q2: Do I need planning approval for a boundary wall?
Technically yes for walls over 6 feet. Practically, most residential walls don't face enforcement. Check with your local authority.
Q3: Can I build a wall higher than 6 feet?
Yes, but taller walls need thicker construction (8" blocks or double-brick) and deeper foundations. Cost increases significantly.
Q4: Who owns the boundary wall between two properties?
If built on the boundary line: shared ownership. If built entirely on your land: yours. This affects responsibility for repairs and modifications.
Q5: What about retaining walls (for sloping land)?
Retaining walls holding earth require engineering. Use 9" brick or RCC concrete. Costs 2-3x standard boundary walls.
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