How to build a concrete sleeper retaining wall like the professionals

Building a concrete sleeper retaining wall like a professional requires careful planning, proper materials, and precise execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a sturdy and attractive retaining wall:

1. Gather Materials and Tools:

• Concrete sleepers
• Drainage gravel
• Concrete mix (or concrete truck) 
• Galvanised steel posts
• Drainage pipe
• Geo Fabric
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Level
• Tape measure
• String line
• Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)

2. Design and Planning:

– Determine the length and height of your retaining wall.

– Talk with a site planner and engineer to ensure your wall meets all the codes and is built in the right spot.

– Ensure you have a place to drain the water that will filter through the drainage pipes.

3. Excavation:

– Mark the wall’s location using stakes and string lines.

– Excavate the area behind the wall to create a level and stable foundation.

– Ensure the base is compacted and level.

– Drill your holes, making sure you’ve checked your concrete sleeper lengths to accurately measure your distances. 

4. Install Posts:

– Brace the galvanised steel posts in the holes.

– Ensure the posts are level and plumb.

– Pour your concrete into the holes, double checking your sleepers stay secure and are in the correct position.

– Let the holes dry overnight.

5. Lay Concrete Sleepers:

• Place the concrete sleepers horizontally on top of each other.
• Use a sleeper grab, this will save your back and stop you damaging the sleepers when putting them in the galvanised steel posts.
• Ensure each sleeper is level and aligns with the string line, this will help you have beautiful straight lines in your concrete sleeper wall.

6. Backfill, Install Drainage and Compact:

– Lay and secure your geofabric in a L shape, this will filter dirt from getting into your drainage gravel.

– Add a 200mm gravel base behind the wall for your drainage pipe.

– Lay your drainage pipe.

– Continue adding sleepers and backfilling until you reach the desired height.

– Connect the drainage pipe to an appropriate outlet.

7. Landscaping:

– Finish the landscaping around the wall with appropriate plants, mulch, or other materials.

– Give your wall a quick spray with the hose to get any dirt or concrete splatter off it, this will really make the wall shine.