How to Install a Timber Retaining Wall

The materials and tools required for timber wall addition include Gravel, rebar, composite timbers, string timber, spikes, drainage pipe, drainage sleeve, stakes, shovel, hand tamper, level tape measure, circular saw, sledgehammer, drill, spade and bit. The various steps that are involved in installation of timer retaining wall are as follows:

• In first step use marking paints to outline the area for building the retaining wall. Drive stakes and drive additional stakes if the distance is greater than 8’. Tie a string to a stake at the wall’s desired height and stretch across to opposite stakeks.
• In this step evacuation of entire wall base to a depth of 8" is done which is followed by spreading of approximately 4" of gravel evenly in the trench and rake the gravel smooth. Hand or power tamper should be used to level the area.
• In this step installation of drainage pipe behind the first course of timbers is done and the pipe is run to the point where water can exit. Measures should be taken to prevent clogging of pipe.
• In this step the timber of appropriate length is cut and laid in place followed by leveling. Shims can be used for timber leveling. Drill holes at every two feet and drive of 12' galvanized spikes is done into previous course to secure the timber. To add on the stability few timbers should be inserted perpendicular to the wall.
• In the last step the area behind the retaining wall is backfilled with gravel to cover the drainage pipe and this backfilling should continue up to the level of desired height.