Types of Wood Retaining Walls

Retaining walls help reinforce areas, especially garden beds created on slopes or hills. One type of retaining wall is the wood retaining wall as opposed to the common block or concrete retaining walls. Wood fits naturally into your environment, and you generally have your choice between three different wood retaining wall types: railroad ties, treated wood and timber. Wood, however, does not last as long as stone, and you must properly install and treat it.

Timber are boards used in building, commonly for framing, and you can purchase it finished or raw. Raw timber is rough and is often made from natural hardwoods that are resistant to the elements. Finished timber is usually made from softwood like fir, pine and cedar, and it usually has some type of coating or treatment added to it to protect the wood from the elements and rotting. You can also purchase painting timber to give it a more decorative flare. Use timber retaining walls for controlling a steep slope or for erosion control, and you can also use this wood to create flower beds or supports for steps.

Railroad or landscaping ties are long, thick and rectangular pieces of wood; real railroad ties or railway sleepers were used as railroad track bases. According to Retaining Walls USA, railroad ties are good alternatives to brick, concrete and stone since these pieces of wood are very strong and can hold a lot of weight. Generally, railroad ties are laid on top of some type of drainable material, like sand or gravel, and then they are connected together via rebar to hold the ties in place. If you do not have proper drainage for railroad ties, the ties will rot. Real railroad ties have creosote, which is a type of wood tar with which the wood was treated. Always use gloves if your ties are coated in creosote since it can burn or cause a rash to break out on your skin, mouth and throat.

You can use any type of wood for retaining walls, including pine and cedar sheets. But you always need to treat regular wood for it to withstand outside elements. Also look for wood that is naturally resistant to rot and terminates, especially if you live in a damp climate. Wood retaining walls are easier for do-it-yourselfers to assemble over the other types of wood retaining walls according to Retaining Walls USA. You can add natural stains to this wood or paint it, and you can customize the retaining wall design based on your preferences.