If it was built correctly (designed with seasonal wood movement in mind) it shouldn’t need anything done to it. Depending on how you would like it to look you might want to use a sealer on it. As for how long it will last that all depends on what was used to build it.

How do you protect a retaining wall?

For extra protection, you can use concrete block to fill up to the ground level, and place your retaining wall material on top. Further, make sure you’ve placed gravel below and behind the concrete to help minimize the effects of frost heaving.

How do you stain a wood retaining wall?


Quote from Youtube video: So best thing to do is to pressure wash the area. So I've got a nice clean surface to apply my stain to if you don't have a pressure washer you can use a scrubbing brush in the hose.

What is the best wood for retaining walls?

Your best choice is a pressure-treated wood that has a rating of . 40 or higher. Avoid railroad ties—they’re heavy and soaked with creosote, which is messy and can harm plants.

What are the stability conditions should be checked for the retaining walls?

To ensure the stability of a retaining wall, the following conditions or requirements must be met: The wall should be structurally capable of resisting the pressure applied to it. The wall should be so properly proportioned that it will not get overturned by the lateral pressure.

How long will a wooden retaining wall last?

A timber retaining wall can last a little over a decade, if treated properly. If not maintained, the lifespan of a timber wall is around 3 to 5 years. To keep its fresh look, timber requires serious maintenance. The material will hold up for so many years only if its pressure-treated with chemicals.

How do you keep wooden retaining walls from rotting?

Unfortunately, as lovely as this might look, natural wood is vulnerable to rot since it can get wet and burrowing insects and other organisms can make their home within it. An excellent way to protect your wood is to paint it.



Paint The Wood

  1. Oil.
  2. Protective spray.
  3. Varnish.
  4. Wax.


Will a wood retaining wall rot?

The main culprit of any retaining wall failure is nearly always water and wood retaining walls are no different. Water soaks into the wood and starts to deteriorate and rot out from the back. Knowing this, you may not be able to tell when the wall is starting to fail.

Can you pressure wash wood retaining wall?

The good news is pressure washing a retaining walls is one of the easier jobs. Because they are often only a couple of feet in height many homeowners can tackle the cleaning of a retaining wall as a do-it-yourself project.

Does pressure treated wood need to be sealed?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

Can you build a retaining wall out of wood?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Into place we are taking three foot long rebar. And actually staking them through the timber. Into the ground. Below. This does take some strength and energy to do but it's extremely.

How strong are timber retaining walls?

Durable. If properly treated and cared for periodically, timber retaining walls are very strong and can last for a long time (20 years or more in most cases). This means less rebuilding and construction in your future.

How long will a treated timber retaining wall last?

Commonly Used Retaining Wall Materials



Pine treated timber that’s safe for contact with dirt will last you almost two decades. It’s natural, low-cost and low-maintenance.

What is the longest lasting retaining wall?

Concrete and Masonry Retaining Walls



Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.

How tall can a wood retaining wall be?

Your walls can be as long as you want, but limit the height to 4 ft. Add more terraces as needed to retain higher slopes, stepping them back about 4 ft.

How long do retaining walls last?

Stone retaining walls should last somewhere between 40 and 100 years or more. Wood retaining walls last around 40 years. Stone and concrete retaining walls last between 50 and 100 years. Brick retaining walls last at least 100 years.

Does a 2 foot retaining wall need drainage?

If your retaining wall needs a drainage pipe, make sure the pipe has slots on all sides, not just one. A drainage pipe might be needed if: The retaining wall is at least four feet high or taller. Clay or other poor draining soils are behind the wall.