Timber Retaining Wall

What This Service Involves

Timber retaining walls use pressure-treated landscape timbers stacked and pinned together for a natural, cost-effective barrier that complements wooded PNW properties. Because untreated wood rots quickly in our damp climate, we use ground-contact rated lumber and install deadman anchors that tie back into the slope for lasting strength. A gravel backfill zone and perforated drain pipe behind the timbers carry away the constant Western Washington rainfall so water never pools against the wood. This keeps the wall solid and extends its service life well beyond an unprotected timber wall.

Benefits

Lower upfront cost than stone or concrete; Warm, natural look for wooded lots; Quick installation; Deadman anchors add strength on slopes; Easy to work around plantings and curves

Our Process

1) Excavate and level the base trench; 2) Set a gravel leveling base; 3) Lay and pin the first timber course; 4) Stack courses, install deadman tiebacks, and place gravel backfill with drain pipe; 5) Fasten the top course and finish grading

What Affects the Cost

Grade and quantity of pressure-treated lumber; Wall height and length; Number of deadman anchors; Gravel backfill and drainage; Site access and excavation

Best Time of Year

Best built in the drier months of late spring through early fall so timbers seat well and backfill compacts in Puget Sound soils.