Timber retaining walls
Timber retaining walls are a warm, natural way to hold back a garden bed or a gentle slope.
They are quick to build and suit most backyards.
A timber retaining wall is built from sleepers fixed to posts set in the ground, with drainage behind it so water does not push the wall over. The drainage is the part you cannot see and the part that matters most.
Timber is best for lower walls and garden terraces. For taller walls or walls holding up a driveway or a building, steel or concrete is usually the stronger choice.
Watch it go together.
- Cut the slopeThe excavator cuts the bank back to make room for the wall and drainage.
- Footings and postsPost holes are dug and steel or timber posts are set in concrete.
- Build it upTimber sleepers stack between the posts, course by course.
- Drainage behindGravel and a slotted pipe go in behind the wall so water can escape.
- Backfill and finishThe wall is backfilled, levels tidied and turf goes back.
Real jobs, real photos.
Height and load
Timber suits lower walls. Taller walls, or walls holding up a driveway, building or neighbour’s land, usually need engineering and approval. Ask us early.
Drainage
Water behind a wall is what makes walls fail. Gravel and a drain pipe behind the wall let it escape.
Timber type and treatment
Ground contact timber needs the right treatment to last in wet soil. Ask what we recommend for your site.
How high can a timber retaining wall be?
Timber suits lower walls. Taller walls usually need engineering and approval, so tell us the height you need and we can say what applies.
Do timber retaining walls need drainage?
Yes. Drainage behind the wall is essential so water does not build up and push on it.
Is timber or concrete better?
Timber is warmer and cheaper for low walls. Concrete suits taller walls and heavy loads. See our concrete retaining wall page.
Rock retaining walls Retaining walls 
Steel retaining walls Retaining walls 
Concrete sleeper retaining walls Retaining walls Timber across Southside Brisbane, Ipswich, Redland Bay, Scenic Rim, Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast, Springbrook and Tweed.
Tell us what needs fencing, holding or digging.
Pick the job and answer a few quick questions, so Shane has what he needs to quote.