Easy install retaining wall
Build a boundary without using fasteners, spending just $400 on a DIY galvanised post system for pine sleepers
Share it
Related Stories
Handyman deputy editor Frank Gardner needed to find a simple system for installing a retaining wall in a just a day.
‘The wall had to go up before the house extensions blocked access to the yard so I had to move fast,’ says Frank.
‘I found the Retain-iT system at the hardware store and liked how the galvanised posts would look with pine sleepers. I added pine capping and a set of wide steps.’
To start, establish the line of the wall, excavating 200mm behind it, then use a laser level or dumpy to set the finished height of the wall either end, setting out a stringline as a guide.
‘Be sure to install drainage behind the wall using geotech filter cloth, agflo pipe and gravel,’ says Frank.
TIP Check local council regulations as many allow a wall up to 1000mm high to be built without approval.
CALCULATING THE MATERIALS
‘I went three sleepers high and opted for a sleeper thickness of 75mm for strength and less timber flexibility.
‘The posts were concreted into the ground at a maximum of 2400mm apart on the sandy site,’ says Frank.
Measure the length of the wall, setting the posts to match the sleeper sizes. Multiply the spacings between posts by the number of vertical sleepers to find how many you need.
‘I worked out I need 15 sleepers 2400mm long plus six each of 1200 and 1800mm for about 16 metres of wall with steps set in one panel.’
How to install a retaining wall
|
| ||||||
3 of 4 Comments |
| Handyman Editor on 15 February 2012 ,08:24 Hi Linda, the sleepers for this retaining wall were treated pine (probably CCA), purchased from Bunnings, and finished with merbau stain. Hope this helps! - HM Editor |
| linda on 12 February 2012 ,22:04 I love the look of this retaining wall. Were treated pine sleepers used? What type of finish was applied to the sleepers as they look really nice. Thanks |
| RD Editor on 01 February 2012 ,11:12 Hi Libby, the Retain-IT posts are from the Whites Group, www.whitesgroup.com.au – click on the Outdoor section, and they're right there. Good luck! HM Editor | See More Comments |
Post A Comment
| Name* | |
| Email* | |
| Comment* | |
Comments are published and responded to (if required) weekly. For queries or comments relating to our Sweepstakes or product purchases from our online store, please call Customer Service on 1300 300 030 or email customerservice.au@readersdigest.com. Comments containing personal or inappropriate material may be modified or removed at our discretion.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Have You Seen...
 Medical Health |  Build It |  Holidays & Occasions |  Embrace Life |  Food & Recipes |  Medical Health |
| Important Information |  | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Care | |||||
| | |||||
 | WIN! WIN! |
 | Shop at our store!• Books • DVDs • Music • Gifts |
