If you’re considering building a retaining wall, you might be wondering how to go about it. A wood wall is an attractive and durable option, but its lifespan is usually about ten years. This is largely because posts are not dug to the proper depth for the wall’s height, and the pressure-treated wood used to make them is likely to leach chemicals into the soil. This means that replacing it is an expensive proposition.
Factors to keep in mind when building a wood retaining wall
Building a wood retaining wall may be a great way to maintain the slope of your property. However, the best way to avoid groundwater is to follow proper grading practices. The slope of the ground naturally slopes towards the wall, and it is essential to divert surface water away from the wall. Installing a downspout behind the wall should be accompanied by a piping system. If possible, avoid using perforated pipes to drain water from the retaining wall.
Another advantage of wood is its natural aesthetics. The grain and texture of the wood are familiar and lend a rustic, natural feel to the finished wall. Additionally, wood’s natural color and texture blend in well with the environment. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, wood is also lightweight and easy to work with. However, if you’re not too concerned with aesthetics, you might want to choose a material that is more resistant to the elements.
While wood is the least expensive material available and can look good in a landscape, it also has its disadvantages. While wood is a very attractive option, it’s not resistant to termites and dry rot. Therefore, if you’re planning on building a wood retaining wall, it’s best to consult an engineer to ensure it’s installed properly and meets any HOA requirements.
The height of the retaining wall is another factor to consider when building one. Depending on its height, a wood retaining wall can be as low as 24 inches high. Taller walls may require a different structure and should only be constructed from pressure-treated lumber. A good practice is to stake the wood in the ground at least 186.5 inches apart. Next, tie a line from stake to stake, then tighten it to the staking.
For taller timber retaining walls, use buttresses on the soil side. If you can’t find any of these options, you can use buttressed walls. These have supporting beams on the open air side of the wall and are disguised as planter boxes. Without buttresses, a wood wall will lean, bulge and eventually fail.
Cost of building a timber retaining wall
The cost of building a timber retaining wall can vary greatly depending on the size of the wall and the level of skill required for its construction. These walls are typically constructed of 6′ x 6′ pressure-treated timber, although you can find them made from used railway ties as well. Newly-treated timbers, however, will give a more consistent look and will cost more. The cost of a timber retaining wall also increases if the wall involves complicated corners or steep slopes.
As the cost of timber varies, it is important to keep in mind that the stronger the timber, the lower the cost. Pine is the cheapest material, but you’ll need to budget $250-$350 per square metre. You can save some money by using railway sleepers, but these are more expensive than pine. If you’re building a big wall, you’ll probably need to spend an extra $200 per sleeper, and expect to pay $350 to $400 per square metre.
The price of a timber retaining wall varies widely, from about $400 to $54,000. Depending on the size and type of timber used and where you live, the cost can run anywhere from $10 to $40 per square foot. You should also factor in the labor costs. For a 50′ retaining wall, the cost should be about $4,000 to $54,000. If you want a smaller, cheaper retaining wall, consider hiring someone who knows how to make wooden retaining walls.
As far as the materials used, concrete blocks and poured concrete blocks are generally more affordable than timber and interlocking block walls. A concrete block retaining wall will cost around $20 to $30 per square foot, and natural stone retaining walls will run about $16 to $25 per square foot. The materials for timber retaining walls vary greatly, but you’ll find that these retaining walls are durable and add beauty to your landscape.
Maintenance of a timber retaining wall
The first step in maintaining a timber retaining wall is to make sure that it is well-drained. Water can cause considerable damage to wood, so a drainage system is essential. If you have a sloped area, for example, you should install a stone under the first timber. This will allow water to drain away from the sloped side of the wall. You may also want to consider installing a drain at the base of the slope-side wall.
Depending on the type of timber used, a timber retaining wall will either be constructed with new or used railroad ties. If you opt for a new timber, it is better for a timber retaining wall than one made from a used railroad trestle. However, new pressure-treated timbers will be more expensive than used railroad ties and provide a more uniform look. Another factor in the price of a timber retaining wall is the type of slope or corner you have. Moreover, if you want to construct a complicated retaining wall, you will have to spend more than a standard retaining wall.
Having a retaining wall can be an inconvenience for neighbours. Before you start construction, you must check the boundaries of properties, as well as the drainage patterns of the area. If you find an existing wall, you can repair it. The structural integrity of the wall is crucial and can be determined through a consultation process. If the wall is not stable, you should not ignore it, as it can cost you money later.
Timber retaining walls can last for a decade or more, if properly maintained. They are vulnerable to bushfires, termites, and water damage. Concrete and brick masonry walls, on the other hand, can last for 50 to 100 years if properly maintained. You will need to consult a timber retaining wall specialist if you want to maintain its quality. If you’ve already installed a timber retaining wall, make sure you check its condition regularly and use appropriate wood preservatives.
Cost of building a concrete block retaining wall
When it comes to retaining walls, the cost depends on several factors. If you want to avoid paying too much, consider using poured concrete. While this type of concrete is more expensive, it looks better than plain concrete. It costs approximately $30 to $40 per square foot to complete and requires little maintenance. This material is a good choice for retaining walls because it is extremely durable and will last for years. For example, fourSons Concrete charges about $16 per square foot to complete its projects.
The basic cost of a retaining wall includes the price of the walls above and below ground. It also includes the price of the materials. You can find professionals in your area who specialize in this type of work, such as masonry contractors and landscape architects. A good place to start your search is online, where you can compare prices and read reviews. Customer reviews give you a good idea of the quality of work and the pricing of various professionals.
The cost to build a concrete block retaining wall varies, but it is generally in the $10 to $30 range per square foot. However, if you have a wall that has poor drainage, you may need to replace it with a different one. In this case, the cost of building a new wall can range from $30 to $70 per linear foot. Aside from these two main costs, you will have to pay a construction company for the delivery of materials.
The cost of a concrete block retaining wall depends on several factors. Some factors affect the cost of construction, such as how accessible the building site is. If it is not easy to access the building site, the contractor will need to bring in topsoil and fill the wall with it. The cost of building a retaining wall can vary from state to state. The costs of construction-related labor can be higher in Hawaii, while low-cost states such as Oklahoma are known for low labor costs.
When choosing a material for a concrete block retaining wall, consider the type of block you wish to use. Solid concrete blocks are heavier than their hollow counterparts, so they are a more expensive option. They will also require more cement and are more likely to withstand pressure and weight. In addition, you should check with local utility companies to mark underground wires so that you can avoid them. Also, keep in mind that solid concrete blocks near a sidewalk or other structure may require code-compliant rails. Hiring a professional contractor will help you get all the necessary permits and ensure your project passes inspection.
