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What is the best type of Retaining Wall?

Discussion in 'Landscaping' started by fullylucky, 2nd Mar, 2016.

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  1. fullylucky

    fullylucky Well-Known Member

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    What are the types of retaining wall?

    which ones are the best in terms of staying the test of time and strength?

    Which type is the best in terms of economical?
    Answered: Treated pine is the most economical.

    What's the best looking one?
     
    Last edited: 2nd Mar, 2016
    fullylucky, 2nd Mar, 2016
    #1
  2. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    walle.jpg
     
    Azazel, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  3. 4point5million

    4point5million Well-Known Member

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    Depends on the volume and type of mass you are trying to retain!
     
    4point5million, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  4. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    It's a fairly open question like, how tall is a temple? ;)

    Treated pine is economical
     
    bob shovel, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  5. datto

    datto Well-Known Member

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    Strength and beauty don't always go together.

    Reinforced concrete blocks on good foundations with ag pipe for water drainage will last looong time.

    You can camber the wall for added strength.

    Add a rockface fascia for appeal.

    Only drawback is dig deep $$$$$ into your pocket lol.
     
    datto, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  6. fullylucky

    fullylucky Well-Known Member

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    Ok thanks. That's what everyone else said.
     
    fullylucky, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  7. fullylucky

    fullylucky Well-Known Member

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    Height is more than a meter like 1000mm.

    So blocks at Bunnings won't work right?
     
    Last edited: 2nd Mar, 2016
    fullylucky, 2nd Mar, 2016
    #7
  8. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    Mine's about 280 cubits.
     
    Azazel, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  9. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    If it is over 1m then you will need an engineer's design to determine the forces that it is retaining.
     
    Scott No Mates, 2nd Mar, 2016
    #9
  10. EN710

    EN710 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    You'll need structural engineer to plan that :confused:
    Treated pine the cheapest from memory, reinforced concrete will last you years
     
    Last edited: 2nd Mar, 2016
    EN710, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  11. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Put your tape measure on a brick so it's under 1m! No engineer required! :p
     
    bob shovel, 2nd Mar, 2016
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  12. datto

    datto Well-Known Member

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    Try matchsticks and toothpicks if it's over a metre in height :)
     
    datto, 2nd Mar, 2016
    #12
  13. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    It's under a metre from the high side.
     
    Azazel, 2nd Mar, 2016
    #13
  14. jchan86

    jchan86 Well-Known Member

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    Do however keep in mind the longevity - whatever option you choose, ensure it's done properly, otherwise you'll be rectifying it and building it twice.

    I'm actually opting for concrete sleepers with a wood-grain look in charcoal for a Project i'm working on :) but this one is a keeper and a potential PPOR in the future (5-10yrs from now)
     
    jchan86, 3rd Mar, 2016
    #14
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  15. Joshwaaaa

    Joshwaaaa Well-Known Member

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    Galv steel beam and concrete sleeper. zero maintenance and will last a very very long time
     
    Joshwaaaa, 3rd Mar, 2016
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  16. Biz

    Biz Well-Known Member

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    Bodies of the deceased worked quite well for Sadam in the gulf war.
     
    Biz, 3rd Mar, 2016
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  17. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    He used sleepers too.
     
    Azazel, 3rd Mar, 2016
    #17
  18. jchan86

    jchan86 Well-Known Member

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    Bingo! A lot less headaches too!

     
    jchan86, 3rd Mar, 2016
    #18
  19. Plucka

    Plucka Well-Known Member

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    Treated pine is the cheapest, it is also the least durable you will be replacing it in anywhere from 5-20 years time, it also looks pretty ordinary. Concrete sleepers, pretty much last for ever but again look ordinary. When it came to building walls recently for my place I chose link block walls- Adbri Versa Blocks. Not only do they look great, will basically last forever if built correctly, can be built DIY and surprisingly total material cost was not much more than treated pine wall (when you factor in post hole digging, concrete, fixings etc).

    I built them on a compacted roadbase foundation so the only extra materials where roadbase and drainage (gravel, agpipe, geofabric), all quite cheap. Only issue is they have a height limit from memory about 1.2m.

    If I had to build a high wall I would use sandstone blocks as I believe these work out the most economical and again last forever.

    Treated Pine walls are a waste of time and a false economy given you will replacing it before you know.
     
    Plucka, 3rd Mar, 2016
    #19
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  20. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    That story about old rail sleepers having asbestos is a bit of a worry.
     
    Azazel, 3rd Mar, 2016
    #20
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