Retaining walls come in various textures, materials, and shapes, making them a major focal point in any backyard. However, beyond their aesthetically pleasing appeal, they also serve to protect homes from flooding and soil erosion. After all, a retaining wall’s primary purpose is to withstand soil and retain the earth behind them, distinguishing them from other types of walls.
“In the UK, for example, the constantly changing weather requires retaining posts to be well built with secure materials,” comments Ruban Selvanayagam of UK property valuation / purchasing experts.
Steel posts, as you may have guessed, are stronger and more durable than wooden posts for retaining walls. You want your retaining wall to withstand earth pressure for decades, and steel posts are the best option for that. The steel posts used in retaining walls are galvanised, which prevents them from rusting or corroding over time.
Below are some of the benefits associated with using steel posts for retaining walls:
They’re a Key Component for Building Durable Retaining Walls
Retaining walls shouldn’t be susceptible to leaning or sagging as they will eventually collapse from the earth behind them. Steel posts help keep your sleeper walls straight, level and stable, which is key to preventing failure. While timber uprights are still commonly used, galvanised steel posts are stronger and more resistant to decay.
It Keeps Sleepers in Their Proper Place
Once your sleepers are positioned correctly and installed, you want them to stay that way. Steel posts allow your retaining wall’s infrastructure to remain in place while also preventing soil erosion.
Steel posts also come in various lengths, degrees and shapes, with some made for heavy-duty applications and others for more standard designs. These can also be cut to fit your desired measurements, making them highly versatile.
Some of our post styles include:
- UC H Beam
- PFC C Channel, 90 & 45-degree corner
- T Junction styles with lengths that span from 900mm to 6000mm.
Here’s a good read on The Difference Between Steel H Beams and I Beams
Steel is Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable
Galvanised steel posts last for a very long time without corroding. They also don’t produce chemical emissions during the manufacturing process and can be recycled at the end of their life. Contrast this to other materials which may leach chemicals or require more energy to dispose of.
Steel is the most recycled material on the planet, and it can be used in many different ways. Due to steel’s metallurgic properties, it won’t degrade or lose its strength over time. Overall, using steel posts for retaining walls is the most eco-friendly option available.
Lower On-going Maintenance Costs
Unlike wooden posts which need to be pretreated and will eventually degrade, steel posts are virtually maintenance-free This means you don’t have to worry about repainting it or treating it against rot. Steel posts also don’t require painting to offer protection, as they come with a powder-coated finish that stops corrosion.
Due to its very long lifespan, you won’t have to worry about replacing the posts anytime soon, making it a great cost-saving option in the long run.
They’re Aesthetic and Versatile in Colour
If you like the metallic look of steel posts, they can be an attractive addition to your retaining walls. They also contrast nicely with your surroundings or can be matched with your other outdoor furniture or sculptures.
However, if the silvery appearance of steel posts isn’t your style, don’t be discouraged from purchasing them. Steel posts can be painted to match your desired colour or camouflage into the background of your landscape. Combined with attractive sleepers, they can really make your yard stand out.
Long-lasting Protection
Steel posts are hot-dip galvanised, which involves immersing them into molten zinc. This process allows the steel to obtain a coating that protects against corrosion and rust. As a result, steel posts will provide you and your retaining wall with long-lasting protection against the elements. Garden conditions such as damper soils or acid rain won’t affect the steel, meaning your retaining wall will remain stable for years to come.
Overall, steel posts are the perfect option for constructing retaining walls that are both stable and long-lasting. Steel posts offer a lot of advantages, ranging from added protection to virtually no maintenance requirements. With the right selection of sleepers to match, you can create a retaining wall that isn’t just strong, but also attractive.
High-quality Steel Posts from RWS
Looking for galvanised steel posts in Sydney or anywhere else in Australia? Then look no further than RWS. We have 100 Standard series or 150 Heavy Duty series steel options available, with a range of designs and lengths to fit your needs. If you require custom posts, we can also cut them to fit your desired measurements.
Contact us today for more information on our steel posts and concrete sleepers or browse our selection online. Our friendly staff can provide any assistance you may need in selecting the ideal steel posts for your retaining wall! Our services are available in Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
