Tag Archives: usable

How to Build a Retaining Wall with Railroad Ties: A Step-by-Step Guide Retaining walls are essential landscape features that prevent soil erosion, create usable flat spaces on sloped land, and add visual interest to your yard

March 16, 2026   Michelle

While many materials are available, railroad ties (also called railway sleepers) offer a rustic, durable, and cost-effective option. Their substantial weight and rugged appearance make them ideal for building sturdy, long-lasting walls.

Important Safety Note: Before beginning, check your local building codes. Many municipalities have regulations regarding retaining wall height, materials, and drainage. Walls over 3-4 feet often require a permit and professional engineering. Additionally, be aware that older, creosote-treated railroad ties can leach chemicals into the soil. For garden beds containing edible plants, consider using newer, untreated ties or an alternative material.

Materials & Tools You’ll Need

* Materials:
* Railroad ties (quantity depends on wall length and height)
* Galvanized steel rebar (12-18 inches long, ½-inch diameter)
* Drainage gravel (¾-inch crushed stone)
* Landscape fabric
* Coarse sand or road base (for leveling)
* Tools:
* Tape measure, level, and string line
* Shovel, spade, and digging bar
* Sledgehammer or heavy maul
* Circular saw or chainsaw (with a carbide-tipped blade)
* Drill with a long, ¾-inch spade bit
* Safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy boots

Step 1:

Planning and Layout

  • 1. Determine Location and Height::

    • Mark the proposed wall’s path with string and stakes. A good rule of thumb is to set the wall back 1 foot from the slope for every 2 feet in height for stability.

  • 2. Calculate Materials::

    • Measure the total length. Railroad ties are typically 8-9 feet long. Plan your layout to stagger vertical joints (like brickwork) for strength. For each vertical foot of wall height, you’ll need approximately one tie.

    Step 2:

    Excavate the Trench

    1. Dig a level trench along your string line. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate the full width of your tie (usually 8-10 inches) and deep enough to bury the first course (layer) by at least one-third of its height. For a standard 7-inch tall tie, dig a trench about 3-4 inches deep.
    2. Use a hand tamper or plate compactor to firmly compact the soil at the bottom of the trench.

    Step 3:

    Install the First Course

    1. Lay a 1-2 inch bed of coarse sand or road base in the trench and level it.
    2. Place your first railroad tie into the trench. This is the most critical step for a level wall. Use a long level and a sledgehammer to tap the tie until it is perfectly level from front to back and side to side.

  • 3. Drill and Pin::

    • To prevent shifting, drill two or three holes through the first tie down into the compacted soil beneath. Drive lengths of rebar through these holes with a sledgehammer to “pin” the base course securely to the ground.

    Step 4:

    Build Up Subsequent Courses

  • 1. Stagger Joints::

    • Begin the second course. Always offset the vertical seams so no joint is directly above the one below. You will need to cut some ties to length using a chainsaw or circular saw.

  • 2. Secure the Layers::

    • For each new tie you lay, secure it to the tie below. Drill two holes down through the new tie into the one beneath it. Drive rebar through these holes. For longer walls, also drill horizontally through the ends of abutting ties and connect them with a piece of rebar.

  • 3. Check for Level and Plumb::

    • Constantly check that each tie is level and that the wall face is plumb (vertical) or has a slight backward lean (“batter”) into the hill for added stability.

    Step 5:

    Install Drainage (Crucial for Longevity)

    Water pressure (hydrostatic pressure) is the primary cause of retaining wall failure.
    1. As you build the wall, line the excavated area behind it with landscape fabric. This prevents soil from washing into the drainage gravel.
    2. Fill the space behind the wall with 6-12 inches of drainage gravel as you build each course.
    3. Consider installing a perforated drainage pipe at the base of the wall, surrounded by gravel, with an outlet to direct water away from the wall.

    Step 6:

    Backfill and Finish

    1. Once the final course is pinned, fold the excess landscape fabric over the top of the gravel layer.
    2. Backfill the remaining area behind the wall with native soil and topsoil.
    3. You can cap the wall with a final course of ties laid flat for a finished look, or use soil and plants to soften the top edge.

    Maintenance Tips

    * Inspect your wall annually for signs of bulging, leaning, or rot.
    * Ensure drainage outlets remain clear.
    * Re-secure any loose rebar pins.

    Building a railroad tie retaining wall is a physically demanding but highly rewarding DIY project. By taking your time with site preparation, ensuring proper drainage, and securely pinning each course, you can create a functional and attractive landscape feature that will serve your property for years to come.

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    How to Level a Sloping Backyard Cheaply: A Practical Guide A sloping backyard can be a source of frustration, limiting usable space and complicating everything from gardening to outdoor entertaining

    December 08, 2025   Matt

    While professional grading can cost thousands, there are several effective, budget-friendly strategies to reclaim your yard. With careful planning and some sweat equity, you can create a more functional and attractive outdoor space without breaking the bank.

    1. Assess and Plan First
    Before moving a single shovelful of dirt, take time to understand your slope.
    * Identify the Grade: Determine the severity. A gentle slope may only need terracing, while a steeper one requires more strategic solutions.
    * Check Drainage: The primary rule of landscaping is that water must flow *away* from your home’s foundation. Your leveling project should never compromise this.
    * Call 811: Always contact your local utility locating service before any significant digging to avoid hitting underground lines.
    * Sketch a Plan: A simple drawing helps visualize the final result and estimate material needs.

    2. The Terracing Technique
    Terracing is one of the most affordable and visually appealing methods for managing a slope. It creates flat, usable tiers held back by retaining walls.
    * Materials: Use inexpensive, durable materials like railroad ties, concrete blocks, or naturally rot-resistant timber (e.g., cedar). For the very budget-conscious, recycled materials like old bricks or even strategically placed large rocks can work.
    * Method: Build retaining walls for each tier, starting at the bottom of the slope. Fill behind each wall with soil from the tier above. This cuts down on the need to import fill dirt.
    * Tip: Keep terraces low (under 3 feet for wooden walls) for stability and to avoid needing engineered plans or permits.

    3. The Cut and Fill Method
    This DIY grading approach involves cutting soil from the high end of the slope and using it to fill the low end.
    * Process: Stake out the area and use a string level to mark your desired grade. “Cut” soil from the uphill section and “fill” the downhill section, compacting it in 6-inch layers.
    * Cost: Primarily involves tool rental (a sturdy tiller, a hand tamper or plate compactor, and a laser level for accuracy) and your labor.
    * Crucial Step: After grading, always re-seed or re-sod the disturbed area immediately to prevent severe soil erosion.

    4. Create a Dry Creek Bed
    For slopes with minor drainage issues or erosion, a functional dry creek bed is a cheap, natural-looking solution.
    * Function: It directs rainwater runoff, controls erosion, and adds a landscape feature.
    * Materials: Use collected stones and river rock. Line the bed with landscape fabric to prevent weeds, then fill with gravel and arrange larger stones for a natural effect.

    5. Build a Mounded or Bermed Garden
    Instead of fighting the slope, work with it by adding soil to create raised, leveled planting areas.
    * Application: Ideal for creating flat spots for a patio, a sandbox, or a garden bed. Mounding soil into berms can also add visual interest and block wind.
    * Material: Requires imported topsoil or garden mix, which is relatively low-cost, especially if bought in bulk.

    6. Opt for Strategic Decking or a Platform
    If the slope is too severe for easy terracing, building a wooden deck or simple ground-level platform creates an instant level area.
    * Advantage: It requires minimal earth disturbance. A basic, freestanding platform deck can be built with affordable lumber (like pine treated for ground contact) on concrete pier blocks that adjust to the slope.

    Budget-Conscious Tips for Success
    * Rent, Don’t Buy: Rent heavy-duty tools (tiller, compactor, sod cutter) for a day or weekend.
    * Source Materials Wisely: Check for free fill dirt or compost on community boards or from local construction sites (ensure it’s clean). Buy mulch, soil, and stone in bulk.
    * Plant for Erosion Control: Use fast-growing, deep-rooted ground covers like creeping juniper or ivy on slopes and terraces to hold soil in place cheaply.
    * Do It in Phases: Tackle your backyard one terrace or section at a time as your budget allows.

    A Word of Caution
    For slopes adjacent to your home or very steep grades, consult a professional. Improper grading can lead to foundation damage or catastrophic wall failure. Always check local regulations regarding retaining walls over a certain height.

    Conclusion
    Leveling a sloping backyard on a budget is an achievable DIY project with the right approach. Whether you choose terracing, strategic grading, or creative decking, the key is careful planning, a focus on proper drainage, and a willingness to put in the work. The result—a flat, usable extension of your living space—is well worth the effort.

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