Dig a foundation trench for the first row of timbers image 3.
Building a retaining wall out of landscape timbers.
Tie a string to a stake at the wall s desired height and stretch across to opposite stake or stakes.
Drill 1 2 inch wide holes through the ends of each timber with a hole drill bit and hammer an 18 inch long metal.
Place the first row of landscape timbers in place 2 inches out from the dug out bank or where you are planing to.
Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks.
For diy purposes opt for manufactured blocks that are.
If your retaining wall is going to be 40 feet 12 m long you need 14 posts 40 length of the wall divided by 3 space between each post for your wall.
Use landscape marking paint to outline the area where the retaining wall will be built.
If it s going to be 5 feet 1 5 m tall make sure your posts are 5 feet 1 5 m tall with an additional 18 inches 46 cm on top.
How to use landscape timbers for a retaining wall 1.
If the distance is greater than 8 drive additional stakes so that the gaps do not exceed 8.
Connect the stakes with a string and adjust until it is level images 1 and 2.
Make the trench about 8 inches deep.
Dig a trench 12 inches deep around perimeter of retaining wall.
Wood retaining wall instructions set up wooden stakes and nylon strings to represent the height and perimeter of the retaining wall.
Drive stakes into the ground at each end.