Easy install retaining wall
Build a boundary without using fasteners, spending just $400 on a DIY galvanised post system for pine sleepers
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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
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3 of 10 Comments |
| HM Editor on 05 December 2012 ,14:24 Hi John, unfortunately, the highest post available is not recommended for walls above 750mm. There are several possible solutions; the simplest is to create a tiered wall, with two steps of, say, 500mm to cope with 1000mm of height difference. Without seeing your specific site, it's not really possible for me to make suggestions as to the best solution; I would recommend contacting a local landscaper, who will be able to advise you on your options. For example, you may decide to use upright sleepers for posts, with shallower Retain-iT components on either side to hold the horizontal sleepers; refer to your local council's building regulations for what you can get away with, as the rules themselves may inspire you with an even better solution. - HM Editor |
| John on 13 November 2012 ,07:51 I love the simplicity of this and the finish, I need to go slightly higher than 750 though, do you know if there are higher posts? The alternative is to use upright sleepers as posts but I would prefer this as it gives a smooth finish - unless I suppose you put the sleeper posts at the back? |
| HM Editor on 27 August 2012 ,13:07 Hi Tony, the Retain-iT system is available from Bunnings, with a starting price of $11.90 for the 750mm end post. The connectors and corner joints cost $24.65 and $24.90 respectively. - HM Editor | See More Comments |
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