Putting together a retaining wall isn’t just another item on the weekend gardening list—it’s your ticket to transforming your outdoor area into a stunning, useful spot you’ll love spending time in. Whether you’re battling a garden that slopes more than you’d like, trying to stop soil from escaping every time it rains, or just dreaming of adding that special something to your backyard, a retaining wall is your answer. And if you’re wondering about the best materials for the job, concrete might just be the one for you.
Going with concrete sleepers means you’re picking longevity and durability. They stand up to just about anything—rain, sun, bugs, you name it—ensuring your retaining wall will be there, doing its job, year after year. And the best part? They come in all sorts of designs and colours. You’ve got the freedom to make your wall blend in with your current garden look or go bold and introduce a whole new style.
Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves for a DIY project or you’re in the biz and aiming to up your game, this guide will help you understand just exactly why concrete is your best option for retaining walls. By the time we’re done, you’ll be all set to not just build a wall that stands the test of time but also give your outdoor space a serious aesthetic upgrade.
Understanding Retaining Walls
If you are a homeowner planning to undertake a landscaping project to prevent soil erosion, then you must consider the installation of a retaining wall. A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil and create flat areas on sloping land. Understanding retaining walls is essential before embarking on any construction project.
Retaining walls come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, like concrete and timber. They also have varied functions, which makes it crucial to understand their purpose before choosing the right design. There are two primary types of retaining walls: gravity retaining walls and cantilevered retaining walls.
READ: Timber or Concrete Sleepers for Your Retaining Wall – Which is Really Better?
Gravity-retaining walls depend on their weight and mass to retain soil pressure behind them. These walls use their bulkiness to resist pressure from soil or water behind them, making them perfect for small-scale projects such as garden beds. On the other hand, cantilevered retaining walls are reinforced with steel bars and concrete that go deep into the ground to create stability. Cantilevered walls can support large amounts of weight due to their structural design.
An analogy to explain this concept would be comparing gravity-retaining walls to a big sturdy box made of heavy material like steel glass or concrete. The box relies on its weight alone to stand while holding contents such as sand, gravel, or dirt pushed against it from one side – a side that might be quite steep due to uneven terrain or elevation changes.
Cantilevered retaining walls can be compared to muscles within our bodies for support. They rely on their structural reinforcements to withstand extreme forces that act upon them. Just as our muscles can carry significant loads when adequately trained, so can cantilevered structures carry tonnes of weight while remaining stable.
Choosing between these two types of retaining walls depends on the environment and your project needs requirements.
For larger-scale projects, cantilevered systems are more commonly used than gravity retaining walls. Cantilevered walls are more durable, secure, and long-lasting than gravity retaining walls. The reinforcement of these structures ensures that the wall will not deteriorate with time or become a safety hazard. However, they are also more expensive to construct due to their complicated design.
Gravity walls, on the other hand, are perfect for small-scale projects as they require less reinforcement and rely mainly on their weight to retain soil. They are easy to install and cost-effective making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. However, gravity walls have a limited height restriction and may not be suitable for large-scale landscaping projects.
READ: The Benefits Of A Corten Steel Retaining Wall
Understanding the types of retaining walls available is essential in choosing the right design that meets your project needs best. With this information in mind let’s look at the kinds of materials used for building retaining walls.
Types and Varieties of Retaining Walls
When it comes to material options for retaining walls, choices are ranging from timber sleepers, cement blocks, and natural rock boulders to concrete sleepers. While each material has its pros and cons, we shall focus on why concrete sleepers stand out.
Concrete sleeper retaining walls offer many benefits over traditional materials such as wood or cement blocks. Concrete sleepers have a strength rating from 32MPa – 40MPa which exceeds any other traditional material hence ensuring durability and longevity. The steel reinforcements, like the premium 200 PFC also provide extra strength aiding in stability maintenance over time.
An analogy would be comparing concrete sleepers to an indestructible fortress with a natural stone-like appearance. It is strong enough to withstand significant forces caused by natural disasters like earthquakes or extreme weather changes but still looks aesthetically pleasing.
Concrete sleeper retention walls can adapt to different terrain profiles. The blocks stack up neatly against each other offering versatility in their design and lengths while providing an attractive modern-looking wall that complements garden landscapes.
Along with their durability, concrete sleeper retaining walls offer practical benefits. Their ability to withstand high pressure makes them perfect for areas prone to flood damage and soil erosion. Additionally, they are mould and termite-resistant, preventing infestations that may rot or erode other materials over time. Concrete sleepers also require little maintenance, so they are a cost-effective investment in the long run.
While timber sleepers are also an option, they are prone to rotting caused by moisture buildup or white ant damage. Although they offer an attractive rustic appearance for smaller projects and are easier to handle than concrete sleepers, timber sleepers require more maintenance than any other material. Cement blocks are another option but have limitations to their suitability for walls greater than 1m high and can be difficult to get straight compared to a concrete sleeper retaining wall.
Now that we understand what retaining walls are and know some of the different types of materials used when constructing them, let’s dive deeper into why you should choose concrete sleepers over other available options.
Why Choose Concrete Sleepers?
When it comes to building a retaining wall, choosing the right material is crucial. While there are various options out there, concrete sleepers prove to be the most durable and low-maintenance material available.
Firstly, concrete sleepers are extremely robust and long-lasting. With a strength of 40 MPa and steel bars ranging from n10 to n12, they can withstand immense pressure and heavy loads, making them perfect for retaining walls. Additionally, compared to timber sleepers that are prone to rotting, fading, and white ant damage over time, concrete sleepers are highly resistant to water, fire, pests, and other common issues that tend to impact other materials.
Furthermore, concrete sleepers are easy to install and require minimal maintenance once completed. Unlike cement blocks, which can be difficult to get straight and limit suitability for walls greater than 1m high, concrete sleepers have a smooth surface that makes them easier to stack without compromising structural integrity. Once installed properly using the right tools and techniques, concrete sleeper retaining walls require very little upkeep or repair.
In addition to their durability and practicality, concrete sleepers also offer a range of aesthetic benefits. They come in different designs and colours that can complement any landscape or style preference. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern finish, you can easily find the right type of concrete sleeper suitable for your retaining wall project.
For example, a homeowner in Melbourne was looking for a cost-effective but durable solution for their sloping backyard that suffered from erosion due to heavy rainfalls. After researching various materials on the market, they opted for concrete sleepers as they were affordable and low-maintenance while also pleasing aesthetically with their timber-look texture.
Economic and Practical Benefits
Building retaining walls with concrete sleepers is not only durable but also an economically practical option. As compared to other materials such as natural stone, brick or masonry, concrete sleepers are more cost-effective in terms of material and labour.
One of the significant factors that make concrete sleepers economical is their ease of installation. Concrete sleeper retaining walls are relatively easy to install compared to other methods, making them a great DIY project for people with minimal experience in construction. A homeowner who chooses concrete sleepers for their retaining wall project can save money on labour costs by doing it themselves or hiring an affordable contractor with less experience in advanced masonry techniques.
Aside from being a DIY-friendly option, concrete sleepers retain their value over time due to their durability and low-maintenance nature. Homeowners do not need to replace them frequently or spend much on repairs or upkeep costs since they resist water, fire, pests and general wear and tear better than other materials on the market. Using durable construction means fewer call-outs for repair jobs and lower future expenses related to wall maintenance.
Finally, choosing concrete sleepers provides a more sustainable choice when compared to other options on the market. With superior strength and endurance over traditional timber or metal options, using a less prone-to-erosion method could be cost-saving for businesses or homeowners with environmentally sensitive areas to maintain.
To put it simply – investing in concrete sleeper retaining walls is like investing in a reliable car: it requires less initial cost outlay than alternative models while providing excellent long-term value. Just as cars provide a necessary function but also allow us to feel comfortable, safe and stylish; retaining walls made from these materials ensure the space outside our homes or businesses is strong enough for practically any outdoor activity.
In regards to critical evaluation – there is no significant disadvantage to building a concrete sleeper retaining wall. While it may be slightly more challenging to install than some other materials, such as timber sleepers, the installation process is still relatively easy for those with basic DIY knowledge and can always be completed with guidance from trusted sources like Gorilla Wall.
Now that you understand why concrete sleepers are a top choice for retaining walls and their economic and practical benefits, we will delve into our step-by-step guide to constructing your concrete sleeper retaining wall in the following sections.
Guide to Retaining Wall Construction
When it comes to building a retaining wall with concrete sleepers, the process requires proper planning and execution to ensure the durability and effectiveness of the structure. A poorly constructed retaining wall can lead to a range of problems, including erosion, soil erosion, and even damage to your property. Here is a guide to help you navigate the construction process step-by-step:
The first step in building a retaining wall with concrete sleepers is to determine where you want the wall to go. Identify precisely where you want your new wall and where the natural slope will be changed. This decision helps you estimate how much materials will be needed for construction.
The next step is to run a string line and mark spaces carefully where each concrete sleeper will be located. String lines help in establishing the levels of each line of vertical posts. In addition, ensure that the posts are installed vertically as any sloping or leaning could cause the entire retaining wall to become unstable.
After marking out the points for the installation of vertical posts, you must make a provision for concrete pad height for the first sleeper. This setting out procedure has been compared with baking – if there’s no foundation provided, growth will be slow and inefficient.
Laying Foundations and Erecting Supports
After finding the right location for your retaining wall and marking out vertical post positions comes preparing foundations for support over which the retaining wall panels are set in place.
Since some types of soil will settle over time and result in subsidence around foundations, adequate provisions must be made beforehand by digging trenches below freezing points deep into suitable soil conditions, complemented with reinforcements obtained using rebars on both sides of that trench to provide additional anchoring against lateral forces such as those exerted by soil erosion.
Once you have poured and levelled the footings, it’s time to mount and fix wall-supporting posts in position securely. You should then apply the lightweight mortar or dry concrete mix on top of the first row of retaining wall blocks.
Depending on how high your retaining wall is intended to be, you might choose to add more weight for support purposes. Some people debate whether to use adhesive materials or just backfill behind a stacked-up retaining wall with concrete sleepers. The best practice is unknown, but Gorilla Wall recommends packing sleepers tightly against one another using timber wedges placed between them to ensure solidity when backfilled.
Concrete Sleeper Installation Steps
Installing a concrete sleeper retaining wall may sound daunting, but with detailed planning and careful execution, it is quite easy. Here are the steps:
1. Determine where the wall will go
Before starting construction, it is essential to determine the location, length, and height of your retaining wall. Choose a site that is level and clear of any vegetation or debris that might interfere with the installation.
2. Run a string line and mark spaces
Use a string line to mark out the area where you plan to install the retaining wall. Make sure that the string is level and tightly secured at both ends.
3. Dig a trench for the concrete pad
Once you have marked out the area for your retaining wall, dig a trench that is roughly 100mm deep by 200mm wide along the entire length of your marked line. This trench will act as the base of your retaining wall.
4. Lay down the first row of sleepers
After completing the trench, lay down several concrete sleepers in place on top of it – parallel to each other and perpendicular to the planned height of your wall. Use a spirit level to ensure that they are level before pouring concrete over them.
5. Pour concrete into the trench
The next step is to pour concrete into the space between each pair of sleepers laid in step four. Fill up each section with enough concrete to secure each sleeper in place.
6. Stack more sleepers on top
After finishing pouring in concrete, stack additional rows of sleepers on top. Make sure that each sleeper is tightly packed together such that there are no gaps between them.
7. Backfilling behind the wall
As you stack your sleepers, backfill behind each row with gravel or sand to help prevent movement from water pressure or soil erosion.
8. Finishing touches
Finally, once you’ve reached the desired height, it’s time to finish off the wall. Cut off any sleepers that extend beyond the edge you want and patch rough spots with cement.
Installing a concrete sleeper retaining wall can be a DIY project. However, if you have a larger or more complex project, or if you’re not confident in your ability, it’s best to consult a professional and experienced builder. They can ensure that your installation is done correctly and to the highest standards so that your wall will last for many years to come.
Now let’s dive into the long-term advantages of installing concrete sleeper retaining walls.
Long-Term Advantages of Concrete Sleepers
Concrete sleeper retaining walls offer several long-term advantages:
1. Durability: Concrete is an incredibly strong material that can withstand even extreme weather conditions. Unlike timber sleepers, concrete sleepers do not rot, fade away or get eaten by white ants.
2. Minimal maintenance: Concrete sleep requires minimal maintenance- meaning they don’t need painting or chemical treatments throughout their lifespan.
READ: Concrete Sleepers Maintenance and Product Care
3. Increased stability: Retaining walls using concrete sleepers has other incredible benefits: they increase soil stability by preventing erosion from dislodging soil between them and holding back excess water in poor drainage areas – all of which lead to stable ground structures.
4. Resist fire damage: While it may be unlikely, fire damage poses less of a risk with concrete sleeper retaining walls compared with timber sleepers which are highly flammable
5. Customisability: Concrete sleeper retaining walls come in various standard shapes and sizes that are readily available on the market; however, suppliers can also create custom designs depending on clients’ preferences to achieve unique aesthetics.
Aesthetics also play an important role in choosing the right material for your retaining wall since it enhances your home’s appearance from both inside and outside perspectives. With their clean-cut, modern look and flexibility in colour choice, concrete sleeper retaining walls can fit perfectly into any house exterior design from the ancient natural stone structure to contemporary industrial-style houses.
Some might argue that building a wooden sleeper wall is another attractive option for those wanting an organic and earthy feel. However, while timber sleepers are initially cheaper to install, they have a shorter lifespan than concrete sleepers and require annual treatments for termites and paint touch-ups for maintaining aesthetic value-which increases cost over time.
Think of the investment in creating a long-lasting retaining wall as an insurance policy for your property. And like every good insurance policy, it’s essential to ensure that you get it right the first time- choosing concrete sleepers allows you to set yourself up with reliable coverage that requires minimal effort post-installation.
Concrete sleeper retaining walls offer long-lasting benefits and easy installation processes to meet unique demands in design, purpose, and durability.
