How Do You Build A Retaining Wall With Railroad Ties?
A retaining wall makes a nice decorative feature in any backyard. Many retaining walls are strictly for cosmetic purposes, to support new landscaping or to prevent your hillside from sliding. Railroad ties make the perfect building material for retaining walls. They are easy to install, and if you get salvaged railroad ties, you are being kind to the environment by using recycled products. Check local regulations to determine if you need a permit to build a retaining wall. Obtain a permit if necessary. Design your retaining wall. Determine how long you want it and where you want it. Also, choose what size, shape and grade of railroad ties you want. Consider salvaged railroad ties for a rustic look that is environmentally friendly. Dig your trenches 6 inches deep and 9 inches wide. You need at least 8 inches for the drainpipe and gravel. Dig T-shaped trenches for your deadmans–the T-shaped support beams tied to the wall and buried in the soil. Install one for every 16 square feet of re