Timber Retaining Walls

What Are Timber Retaining Walls

Building a timber retaining wall brings a set of benefits. While its primary purpose is to provide a strong barrier and stabilise the soil and rocks around, it's hard to compete in terms of appeal, cost, and effectiveness. A timber retaining wall naturally blends with the landscape in the right environment, providing a more unified overall appearance.

There are two essential construction methods of a timber retaining wall, suitable for different conditions. One is often used for raised garden beds and features a concrete footing combined with horizontal planks. The other wall type is formed by stacking very large timbers, reinforced by steel rods. Each construction method fits with specific landscaping applications.

Advantages of Timber Retaining Walls

Natural Look

Timber retaining walls are commonly created from treated timber sleepers, widely used in landscaping for their beautiful natural appeal. Timber retaining wall design is a great way to add decorative flair to any home or garden.

Retaining Timber Is Cost-Effective

Timber is more affordable than many popular high-end materials on the market, yet it provides the same or similar benefits. 

Durability of Retaining Timber

Appropriately treated and maintained timber retaining walls can last for more than two decades. 

Wood Retaining Wall Prevents Erosion

The retaining wall's first job is to hold a slope in place, preventing the soil from being washed away. 

Quick Construction

Timber retaining wall is easy to build. The process is also faster than raising a concrete retaining  wall or some retaining stone walls with a lot of mortar to mix. 

Where to use Timber Retaining Walls

Sloped terrain, neglected garden areas, or front yards, are just some of the places where a timber retaining wall could make a visual and functional impact.

A well-built timber retaining wall will form and define an attractive outdoor area, whether for entertaining, gardening, lounging, or as a playground. It can change the landscape, turning a slant into a series of useful cascades.

Soft grounds are not the best choice for the retaining timber; it works best on terrains covered in gravel, sand, rock, or stiff clay. This kind of walls should be placed strategically and built with a proper drainage system. Otherwise, rainwater can accumulate and lead to rotting of the material, compromising the wall's structural integrity.

Types of Timber Retaining Walls

Hardwood retaining wall system

Durable hardwood retaining wall system provides a quick and efficient way of building retaining walls. It offers a variety of characteristics apparent in different timbers, including grain, density, pore size, growth and fibre pattern.

Permacrib timber crib retaining wall

By utilising timber header and stretcher components, Permacrib timber crib forms a cage filled with stone. The gravity principle means that the wall mass will resist the applied forces and retain structural integrity. These walls feature specific aesthetics, sought after in both residential and commercial environments.   

Railway sleeper retaining wall

Wooden sleepers are a functional alternative to bricks or concrete for building retaining walls. They look attractive and present a more affordable option. Garden sleepers can be used vertically and horizontally - the latter is more common when constructing a short wall. 

Building consents for Retaining Walls

Retaining walls perform serious work, and everything high or complicated should be designed and raised by experienced contractors.

As a general rule, when remodelling a home or property, most of the actions that involve alterations, additions, or new construction, require a permit.

However, there are exceptions to the rule, and local jurisdiction should know their stipulations. The type of permit will depend on zoning rules, the scope and scale of the wall, as well as the local conditions.

If you need help to decide what is the best timber retaining wall, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.