I'm thinking about installing a vertical timber retaining wall similar to the one shown in the link. I'm curious about its durability since all the tutorials I've come across usually feature horizontal timber setups. Can anyone share their experiences or advice on how well these vertical walls hold up over time?
3 Answers
I haven't tried it myself, but it looks great! Just a heads up though, the end grain on top can soak up a lot of water, which might cause maintenance issues down the line. If you decide to go for it, making sure to set the posts in concrete and adding a cap on top could really help mitigate that problem.
I've used vertical timbers for window wells before. To make sure they last, I always seal the top and bottom of each piece to prevent moisture from seeping in. Without proper waterproofing, the wood can degrade way quicker than expected.
I have experience with this! When I built my wall, I drilled through the pieces horizontally and used rebar to hold them together, placing it every foot. Also, I sealed the tops with preservative and coated the bottoms with foundation coating to protect them from the elements. That really makes a difference!
That's a great approach! Must have added a lot of strength to the wall. I might follow your lead on that.
Thanks for the tip on sealing! Didn't think about that. Definitely something I'll keep in mind.