5 July 2018

June was a very busy month with some interesting jobs completed. A handyman can be asked to tackle a huge array of jobs and in this update we discuss a few of them.

Installing A Low Treated Pine Retaining Wall

An inner west client needed a very rough retaining wall (of sorts) that was constructed by cut down sheets of galvanised iron and supported by hardwood posts that had been concreted into the ground. It looked like it had been built at least 30 years ago. The supporting posts were well and truly rotted away and the galvanised iron had rusted through in may areas. The height of the ‘wall’ was only around 600 mm and actually, there was only minimal rubble behind it, but the client wanted it replacing as is offered a safety factor for them

Removal Of Old Retaining Wall

Firstly, we had to removed the old wall. The galvanised iron was only hanging onto the posts by a few rusty nails so we made quick work of removing it. The old support posts had been concreted well into the ground – around 800 mm deep, so we had to dig down and around the concrete before it finally came free. All rubble and weeds around the area where the new retaining wall was t be built was cleared away so we had a clear working area.

Building The New Retaining Wall

The client wanted us to use treated pine sleepers for the wall and we recommended no less than 75 mm width. When it comes to posts there are many options available these days. Probably the lowest cost option would be treated pine posts but we elected to use galvanised iron ‘channel’ type posts. These have a big advantage in that the treated pine sleepers forming the wall can neatly be slid into the channels that form part of the posts.

(Image courtesy https://www.bunnings.com.au)

The posts, pictured above, have pre drilled holed in them. Once the sleepers have been cut to length, they are simply slid into these posts (typically concreted at least 800 mm into the ground) and then secured in place with screws (galvanised or stainless steel) that attach through the pre drilled holes in the posts.

Conclusion.

Using treated pine sleepers and steel ‘channel’ type posts makes for an effective and relatively simple to assemble retaining wall (where only low retaining walls are required – always check with your local council re regulations).

The solution is cost effective and required minimal tools other than a good cross cut saw, a shovel, concrete mixing gear, a level and a few hand tools, including screwdrivers or nut drivers.