timber vs block for retaining wall
Moved into new house a few months ago. I got a sloping back yard with an existing retaining wall that looks "do-it-yourself". It needs to be redone. The wall is at the property line in the backyard and faces a side of the next house. There is zero curb appeal and even those in the backyard won't see the wall. Given that fact, I am leaning towards the cheaper timber, but some contractors warn against it. Some say no problem, they can last 20 years easy with no fail. The cost difference is about $2000. Advice?
Depends on how long you plan to live there. Timber will rot and need to be repaired when it gets loose. How old will you be in twenty years. Would you want to replace it then. Cinder block, unless there is an earthquake or a truck runs into it will last a lifetime. Just don't plant anything up against it. you don't want roots getting under the foundation and most plants do not like to be up against a hot wall anyway. Only vandas and night blooming cereus actually went' toward it. Everything else leaned away to get more light and away from the heat of the wall. Make sure it has the proper drain holes, footings and supports.
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Then what about termites? When we bought this house the previous owners had a railroad timber edged flower bed in the back yard. The ties were infested with termites which were also working on the house framing. Fortunately we found the problem before much damage was done to the house. The ties went to the landfill.
Those rr ties still smelled like the creosote used to treat them.
Those rr ties still smelled like the creosote used to treat them.
We actually use CMU all of the time as retaining walls. They have to be properly reinforced and they need weep holes. Rock walls also work as retaining walls but they cost more to build and they harbor more critters. Most slopes between lots are 3 ft or shorter, but some can be 5-6 ft. Slopes can be 30 ft or more. Some lots have a steeply sloping front or side yard which is also usually terraced or turfed. You have to use a weedwhacker on a slope. Terracing gives you more usuable yard and land here costs more than the house.
We would also have the termite problem, but wood is usually treated or it is redwood, but even redwood rots. If it is a tall slope, most people terrace it. If you have to pay for a slope, you may as well make it useful. Wood is not cheap here as it has to be imported so it is not cost effective to use wood to retain anything. In a tropical climate wood would not last long.
We would also have the termite problem, but wood is usually treated or it is redwood, but even redwood rots. If it is a tall slope, most people terrace it. If you have to pay for a slope, you may as well make it useful. Wood is not cheap here as it has to be imported so it is not cost effective to use wood to retain anything. In a tropical climate wood would not last long.