I need to build a retaining wall the length of our property which will also be the property boundry to the next house. At the street, the two plots are level and about 20 feet back, ours rises above the neighbors to a max of 3 feet in spots. The first 40 feet will be a driveway.
Here’s the deal: I don’t want to pour concrete or build any wall that requires a concrete footing or mortar. I don’t want to buy new pt lumber to introduce into the waste stream.
So what’s left? At a 3ft max height, the interlock concrete blocks can go with a gravel footing I beleive. Then there is dry stack stone. Used railroad ties are an option since they are already in the waste stream and I would be recycling them, but are most of these already eaten up with termites? How long would they last? Of all these options, the interlock blocks seem to be the most expensive at almost 3 bucks apiece followed by dry stack stone at $140 per ton in Atlanta, then the railroad ties at 13.50 apiece for #1 grade used (three good sides).
I noticed at a city park they have recently installed recycled rubber as matting and curb height retaining wall. Does anyone know much about this? I’m sure it’s not the cheapest option, but who knows, maybe they could make me one long piece on a roll and the install might be easier?
I dont’ really have erosion problems here, the property is pretty much hard packed Georgia clay that ain’t going nowhere anytime soon.
Thanks in advance..
Jon
Replies
I've used Mesa block (interlocking block) and quite happy. Works on gravel base. Only you can decide if cost is too much.
If erosion is not a problem, is landscaping out of the question? Something like a low juniper that is pretty much maintenance free.
Now that is a good idea. Landscaping is important. In fact in the section beyond the driveway, I might just bank it with something like that. Thanks for the tip.
Jon
Or something between landscaping and a retaining wall. Part concrete block with some low, creeping sturdy plant (junipers, rosemary, etc.) in between the blocks. Or, if the slope is not vertical, some kind of repeated "H" or "E" pattern of railroad ties or PT 4x6s. With 2'x2' to 3'x3' openings of bare soil for the plantings.
David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
This is a good idea, Bamboo might work as well and serve as a privacy fence.
Be carefull of the type of bambo. A lot of it is very invasive. Other while no as invasive, require liminted sunlight to grow. Do a search for The American Bambo Society. You don't want to end up in a turf war with your neighbor because you bambo took over thier property.
I have done the interlock retaining walls. I use a sand base and cut back the bank enough to allow 6 to 8" of pea gravel backfill over landscape cloth. Let the landscape cloth extend over the top of the upper bank. When you are within 8 to 10' of the top course, fold the landscape cloth over the pea gravel and complete topping out with top soil. you now have a panting bed for folowers. I have done at least one with a two foot lift followed by a terraced three foot step and another two foot lift. Planted in perinials it was a gorgeous addition to front yard that had nosed over to a side walk. It also reduced the danger of mowing a steep hill side.
Dave