Retaining walls with timber: using sleepers, edging, and piles for erosion control

The UK is getting rainier. Our country has seen a 17% increase in extremely wet days, with sudden, high rainfall becoming more common throughout the year. This change to our climate poses a fair few new challenges, one of which is an increase in soil erosion and movement. To prevent landslides and stop our landscapes from crumbling, it is absolutely vital that we see an uptick in erosion control. This is where timber comes in.

Whether you are in commercial construction or worried about your garden, the right timber products can create sturdy retaining walls and keep soil erosion at bay.

What Are Timber Retaining Walls?

Retaining walls are installed for the sole purpose of holding soil in place. You might, for instance, have a steep verge of earth and grass next to a public footpath. With extreme rainfall, this soil can become less stable, increasing the likelihood of it sliding onto the footpath and blocking the walkways, or injuring pedestrians. A retaining wall provides vital structural support for the verge, holding the earth in place to prevent landslides and erosion even in periods of high rainfall.

This system is not just useful in public spaces, but also in private landscaping. Retaining walls are often used in sloped gardens, for instance, to create level terraces, making outdoor areas more accessible and usable. They can also be used to separate planting zones, build raised beds and prevent soil from spilling onto patios or pathways, all while contributing to erosion control.

Why Use Timber for Retaining Walls?

Timber offers a unique combination of natural strength, workability and sustainability. It blends seamlessly into our country’s natural landscapes, making it ideal for projects where the goal is to control erosion without compromising the look and feel of the space.

Let’s take a closer look at why timber is so popular when building retaining walls:

• Durability: The right timber species will easily handle direct contact with soil and moisture, removing the need for costly treatments and maintenance. A durable timber retaining wall can last for upwards of 25 years, making it a long-lasting choice for landscaping.
• Flexibility: Timber is easy to work with and can be cut, planed and installed with ease. From DIY to professional construction in a public space, this makes for more streamlined projects which suit the surrounding environment perfectly.
• Cost-effective: With plenty of budget-friendly timber species available, you can build retaining walls which do not break the bank. This is often far cheaper than masonry or steel.
• Sustainability: Renewable and biodegradable, timber is a great choice for eco-friendly projects. It has a low (often negative!) carbon footprint thanks to its unique carbon sequestration properties.

Whether you are reinforcing a bank or protecting your garden against water damage, timber is a smart choice for your retaining walls.

Timber Piles for Structural Support

Timber piles form the foundation of retaining walls, creating a sturdy and supportive structure to prevent erosion. These durable timber poles are driven vertically into the ground, holding back soil and stabilising the earth deep beneath your wall to form the foundation of your construction. When choosing timber piles for erosion control, we recommend a naturally durable timber species which is able to survive being submerged in the earth, e.g. Greenheart, Ekki or Opepe

Timber Edging for Containing and Shaping Soil

Timber edging is made using durable boards of timber and can be fixed to your timber piles. When creating a retaining wall, your edging will outline the area you want to contain, building from the ground up for a supportive and precise border. The purpose? To prevent loose soil from spilling out onto lawns and pathways, keeping your earth exactly where it should be.

Timber Sleepers for Sturdy Walls

Timber sleepers are one of the most popular and reliable options for building strong, long-lasting retaining walls. They are super thick and made from dense, durable timber species, such as Oak and Ekki, bringing plenty of strength to your landscaping project. Install your sleepers horizontally and fix them behind timber piles for a sturdy barrier which is capable of holding back a substantial amount of soil.

Choose the Right Timber Species

We have mentioned it a few times in this guide, but it is worth noting again: the success of your retaining wall depends entirely on the timber species you choose. Not sure what to go for? We can help. Our EcoChoice experts will be happy to chat more about what you need for your retaining wall and match you with the right timber species and products to get the job done properly.

Chat to our team about your timber options.