Getting Started

One of the most effective ways to change the look of your property is to create levels with a series of retaining walls.  Retaining walls are economical and easy to build using the techniques outlined below.  To be on the safe side, however, if your retaining wall is going to be higher than 3', get professional advice.

It is strongly recommended that timber walls be constructed using 4" x 6", 6" x 6" or 8" x 8" CCA pressure treated timbers, the size and type depending on the project.  The timbers are installed in a brick-like pattern, with joints staggered on each row.  Stability is added by installing tiebacks - single timbers inserted perpendicularly from the face of the wall.  The end of the tieback is nailed to a 2' long deadman aligned parallel to the wall.