When the setting is right, it is good to have a retaining wall that is easy to install. When you have a retaining wall made of timber, your landscape will achieve a natural appearance as opposed to other materials. Plus, when the timber is stained and matching a home, the overall appearance of the property will be enhanced.
Retaining Walls Made Of Timber Are Installed Easily
When it comes to the construction of a timber retaining wall, the cost makes all of the difference as well as making timber the best choice for retaining walls. Having a timber retaining wall also allows the contractor to have more control of the slopes, which may gradually erode.
Constructing the Timber Retaining Wall
When timber is used for the retaining wall, the material needs to be the proper type and built well. It also needs to incorporate wood preservatives and waterproofing to ensure that it stands the test of time. The timber can be weak due to rot caused by being exposed to moisture. When the moisture is excessive, the amount of pressure increases. The pressure of the weight, along with the rot will ultimately cause the wall to fail. Having a vulnerability like this will ultimately decrease the longevity of the timber
Maximizing Timber Wall Longevity
In order for the timber retaining wall to last, you must keep an eye on water and the spots where the water will pool behind and on the top of the wall. If an accumulation takes place, there will be rapid decomposition of the wood. This decomposition can be prevented by allowing drainage and a bit of a slope on the bottom.
Douglas fir is used most frequently for the timber retaining wall and it needs to be treated in order to fend off rot. When using large timber for the wall, you may see a higher expense. To keep the costs low an alternative commonly used will be railroad ties. The railroad ties provide more affordability as compared to newer timber. Plus, the timber used for railroad ties are treated heavily with creosote and other preservatives.
A disadvantage of a wood preservative is a strong odor due to the hot sun during the summer. Often times there will be a layer of sheeting that helps to waterproof the timber by separating it from fill. With gravel also being filled, it is able to extend the wall’s length and may allow the use of tubing in order for a French drain to be created so that the accumulation of water is prevented.
With the timber retaining wall being the easiest to install, it is also the easiest to maintain once it has been treated. If you plan to have a retaining wall installed, consider a timber retaining wall and make sure to get in contact with us for the install today.
