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Build Your Own Retaining Wall

Do you have a problem area on the border of your garden and you’re just note quite sure what to do with it? Chances are the border of your garden would look great with a raised garden bed full of colour and foliage. This easy to follow guide to install a HARDAZ retaining wall system can solve all your problems from leveling a lawn, giving structure to your garden border or even an easy way to build a raised vegetable garden.

What you’ll Need

Tools
Shovel or post-hole digger
Tape measure
String line
Level
Drainage aggregate such as blue metal or scoria

Materials
Sleepers (either 50mm or 75mm)
HardAz posts
Rapid Set Concrete
Agricultural drainage pipe
Drainage aggregate such as blue metal or scoria

Planning

The first step in your project is to check your local council requirements to see if you need to comply with any regulations. If you’re planning on working with a large amount of earth it is also recommended that you consult an engineer.

Next is to draw up on paper your desired retaining wall. If possible plan using readily available sleeper lengths to avoid having to cut the sleepers. Check with your local Mitre 10 which lengths they have in stock.

Make a list of the number and size of sleepers that you’ll require. Allow for the first sleeper to be embedded around 100mm into the ground.

Make a list of the number and type of HardAz posts that you’ll require. The space between posts is suggested to be around 1200mm. Around half the length of the posts will be below ground level. For example, a 900mm high retaining wall will require 1800mm posts.

Step 1- Dig Post Holes

Mark and dig the post holes at the planned spacing. Remember to dig the holes the same depth as the wall will be high.

Step 2- Insert and Level Posts

Using a string line to ensure the retaining wall is straight and level, concrete the posts into the ground ensuring the required height is achieved (taking into account the first rail being imbedded 100mm into the ground) and that the posts line up and are vertical. If the retaining wall steps down at any point ensure it steps down at the same height as your rails.

As you proceed from post to post, place into position the intervening bottom sleeper. That will allow the next post to be better positioned. Using the string line and level ensure the post is horizontally and vertically level, then concrete into position. Repeat the procedure for remaining posts.

Step 3- Drop in Sleepers

Slot in the timber sleeps, ensuring the first sleeper is embedded 100mm into the ground. Prior to back filling, suitable drainage is recommended such as slotted agricultural drainage pipe laid in a trench of drainage metal.

TIP: Seal sleeper cut ends with suitable timber preservative to resist rotting.