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How To Build A Panel And Post Retaining Wall

A panel and post retaining wall can be used to elevate your garden into flat layers that can assist in managing rainwater. They also are a useful way of indicating that people should avoid walking in certain areas. Creating this wall is not difficult and can sometimes even be managed by one person. The secret is being accurate with measurements and ensuring that the posts all follow a straight line.

Walls do not have to be drab plain concrete, these days. Some suppliers have panels that are precast in various designs/colours.

Material and Tools Required

  • Spirit level
  • Tape Measure
  • Reel of String
  • Wheelbarrow or Cement Mixer

Materials

  • Wooden pegs
  • Piece of timber (which will be cut to the same length as the panels)
  • Enough cement/concrete for the project
  • Panels & Posts (typically twice the height of the wall)

(Note: Panels and Posts are typically light enough for one person to handle)

Building the Panel and Post Retaining Wall

  1. The first decision you need to make when planning a Panel and Post Retaining Wall is exactly where you intend to place it. Think of the implications of your chosen position and what effect it will have when completed.
  2. Cut a piece of timber to the length of 1503mm. This is going to be used later to measure the distances between posts.
  3. Place a peg at the beginning of the future wall, knocking it firmly into the ground, and tie a string at what will be the height of the wall. This height should equal the height of the number of panels to be used in the wall’s construction.
  4. Measure along the length of the future wall and place another peg firmly into the ground. Tie the string to the peg at the same height as the first one.
  5. Go back to the first peg and start to dig a hole adjacent to it. It is important to ensure that the centre of the hole is in line with the peg above it. The hole should typically be as deep as the wall will be high.
  6. Place the post into the hole so that it is at the depth that allows the string to run across the centre of the top of the post. The post must be square with this string.
  7. Now you check that the post is vertical by holding a spirit level to the edge of the post and adjusting the position of the post so that it is both vertical and still has the string running through the centre of the top.
  8. The next task is to mix the cement. The mix should comprise six parts of clean sand for every part of cement. Slowly add water until you obtain the correct consistency.
  9. Place the cement into the hole, filling the entire hole without knocking the post out of true. Fill the hole until it is flush with ground level.
  10. Use the timber you cut earlier to measure the distance between the first post and where you will place the second post. This timber matches the length of the panel that will eventually be inserted there. Repeat the same steps you used when placing the first post, ensuring that the post is at the correct height and is square to the string. Repeat this for each post along the entire length of the proposed wall. Always do this on the same day that you placed the posts so that the cement has a little give if required.
  11. Place the bottom panel in position starting at the first post you constructed. Use the spirit level to ensure that the panel is square. Work your way along the wall inserting the bottom panels. Then add the second panel all the way along, and then any subsequent panels up to the planned height of the wall.
  12. When all the panels are in place and while the cement is still malleable, scrape off 50mm off the top of the concrete in front of the posts, so that any subsequent layer (paving or lawn) is not interfered with.

Property Walls Enhancing

You have now created a strong and attractive wall that will last, creating a boundary that will enhance your property for years to come.

If you think that building your own panel and post retaining wall is best left to an expert, then please get in touch with us here at Structural Retaining Walls for a free quote. With over ten years in the game, we are Perth’s leading manufacturer and installer of retaining walls.

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How To Find The Right Retaining Wall Designer

Retaining walls are a common feature in Australian gardens. But there are certain things you have to put in mind before installing one on your property. You have to choose the person to install the wall on your property wisely. Retaining walls apart from changing the look of your property also holds a lot of pressure and must have adequate drainage. That is why it is important to ensure that you have the right designer to withstand all the pressure and serve you well.

Understand the Retaining Wall First

A retaining wall is built purposely to prevent massive soil or any other materials behind it. There are several retaining walls depending on what they are built to do. You may not need a professional to erect a low garden retaining wall like a flower bed in a less sloppy area. However, if the wall is in a more sloppy area, you need an engineer to erect a wall to withstand the pressure.

When designing a wall, it is important to consider gravity to design the right wall to hold soil mass behind it. For instance, a gravity retaining wall uses gravity and should slope towards the mass of sol behind it. It should be built in a way that makes it easy to hold the soil. For that reason, it should be slanted at an angle between six to twelve degrees, depending on the slope. Such a retaining wall is referred to as a setback. A reinforced retaining wall is built with several geogrid layers, a soil reinforcing material built to hold a large soil behind the wall.

When building the retaining wall, it is paramount to consider the slope of the land in front of the wall. That is why you need an engineer to determine the retaining wall you need if you are building it in a sloppy area. If you install the wall without designing it properly, it will collapse due to the massive weight it has to hold.

What are the Regulations for Building a Retaining Wall?

Retaining walls in Australia are built according to the council regulations that provide the height above to seek council approval. Building a retaining wall in some areas like New South Wales requires approval for anything above 600 mm in height. In other states, you have to seek approval for anything above one metre.

Council Requirements for Building a Retaining Wall

The council requires that when building a retaining wall, you must meet certain requirements stated as follows:

  • Obtain a building permit for anything above 600mm in New South Wales and above one metre for the other states.
  • You need a structural engineer to design your retaining wall before seeking approval from the council. That is because the higher the wall, the more danger it poses.
  • You need an engineer to design your retaining wall if you are building it near a boundary or nearby catchment areas.

When you are designing a retaining wall, you may choose to work with a structural engineer depending on the complexity involved. They are qualified in structural, and civil geotechnical engineering, and they can design your retaining wall. A landscape designer or an architect can also design your wall if you want something more decorative.

All you have to confirm is that they have the right qualifications, experience or contacts with the right designers before hiring them. Also, it is important to have a rough idea about the materials to use and the approximate prices before you begin the process.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls:

How Deep Should Your Retaining Wall Be?

  • The footing of your retaining wall should be based on the height that you want and the materials you use for building it. When building gabions, you may not bother so much with the footing, but other materials may need to have a footing of one-third of their total height deep in the soil.

What Angle is the Best for Your Retaining Wall?

  • The angle depends on the height and the building technology, but gravity walls should have an angle between six to twelve degrees.

What are the Different Types of Retaining Walls?

  • Retaining walls can be in different sizes, shapes and types. The common materials include cement, stone, and timber, and you can make them in different shapes.

What Type of Retaining Wall is the Cheapest?

  • If you want the cheapest retaining wall, you can use pine as it is not very expensive. However, you should know that it will also not serve you for long.
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Things To Know Before Building Retaining Walls On Property Boundaries

Building Retaining Walls on Property Boundaries

With the permission of both property owners, a retaining wall can be built on property lines. But it’s worth noting that the two parties still have responsibility for any of their actions that destabilises the wall’s structural integrity.

So, if for some reason the neighbour digs next to the wall and causes it to fall over or collapse, the responsibility is on them to restore it and bring it back to normal.

These days, if there’s a problem that two adjacent landowners often run into, then it’s likely related to the retaining walls on property boundaries.

Many people don’t know about the responsibilities surrounding this type of wall. Do adjoining neighbours share equally in the responsibility for maintaining it? Who pays for the wall if it needs to be rebuilt? Does a neighbour have the right to insist that it be repaired?

This article will explain the things you need to know before erecting a retaining wall or when you’re worried about the one standing next to your neighbour’s garden.

A Retaining Wall Explained

A retaining wall is a rigid wall designed to provide support to the soil so that it doesn’t move downhill. Several materials can be used to create it, including brick, masonry, timber and others.

Since a retaining wall has to support the soil in all conditions, whether dry or wet, it needs to be well-installed with proper drainage and be able to withstand any lateral pressures. If poorly built, a retaining wall is at risk of cracking or even collapsing altogether.

One of the legal rules regarding a retaining wall is that: _if it has a height above a metre, then its installation must be supervised by a licensed structural engineer_.

Both Neighbours Are Responsible for Maintaining Retaining Walls

Building retaining wall systems on property lines requires mutual consent. The two neighbours are deemed to have an equal responsibility toward the wall, and the one who undermines it is the one who must repair or replace it.

Retaining Walls Near Property Boundaries

When installed near property lines, panel and post retaining walls can cause a variety of issues because they may only benefit one landowner. When it comes to erecting a retaining wall, the law takes into consideration multiple factors such as the wall’s location, impact on the surrounding environment and the hazards that it potentially creates.

Most of the time, building a retaining wall involves excavation of the land. If this work or the wall itself causes encroachment or damage to the neighbouring property, the one who commissioned the work can be held responsible for the negative impact. The liable party must repair or remove their retaining wall, and bear all related costs as well as compensation for damage inflicted to the adjacent property.

It’s possible that during the excavation, a boundary line fence is undermined, thus requiring the party who carried out the work to pay for the repairs.

In the worst-case scenario, such a project that is poorly undertaken can lead to subsidence on a neighbouring land, which causes the neighbouring home to suffer structural instability and damage. Sometimes these kinds of adverse impacts can still occur even though the work is done well inside the organiser’s property lines. In this case, the party who commissioned the work can be held liable for the damage.

Things to Take Into Account Before Building a Retaining Wall

Erecting a retaining wall is a job that needs to be done very carefully. Consider how high the wall you want to install. If it’s going to be higher than 600mm or require significant excavation work, call your local council first to see if you need to get development consent.

Make sure that you only hire licensed, professional retaining wall builders that are properly insured for damage that occurs during the building phase or following the completion. Check the contractor’s license status to see if it’s current. If it has been expired, then their licence may have been revoked.

Retaining Wall Requirements in Western Australia

The requirements for installing a retaining wall are a little more complicated in Western Australia. Although the key is always the same, namely talking to your neighbour before starting any construction. As a rule of thumb, if you’re altering the land’s shape then you’ll be responsible for any costs incurred.

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Different Types Of Retaining Wall Systems

Retaining Walls Systems in Perth

If you need an alternative to the standard retaining walls reinforced with cement, you may want to look into retaining wall systems that are found across Perth.

Retaining wall systems are segmental blocks or units designed to interlock tightly. Fitting the systems together is a simple task, as you don’t even need mortar. You only need a connector system to ensure the stacked blocks are aligned properly.

While the interlocking features may differ, these stackable units are engineered to effectively withstand pressure and keep soil in place behind them. The systems tend to be more cost-effective while providing you with the same benefits as standard retaining walls.

Besides providing reliable structural support, retaining wall systems can add a decorative touch to your landscape. You can use them to create sloped terraces, raised patios, tree surrounds, planters, raised gardens, steps, and more.

Retaining Wall System Interlocking Features and How They Work

Some retaining wall systems have a lip on the lower edge. Locking creates a step effect. The joints between the lips and units beneath usually strengthen when the space behind the wall gets filled with soil.

Other systems get connected with non-corrosive pins. These pins are inserted into different holes, holding together the upper and underneath course.

You will also find blocks or units that use cast tongue-and-groove connections to provide your walls with additional structural integrity.

What are the Advantages of Using Retaining Walls Systems?

  • Versatile:

The blocks come in different types of colours, textures, shapes, sizes, and styles. Therefore, expect to find an option that matches the features of your existing driveway, patio, paved area, etc. There’s something to fit any landscape, regardless of whether you want to build vertical or sloped walls.

  • Easy To Install:

The interlocking nature of the systems helps eliminate a lot of complexity, as well as the need for special tools and materials in construction.

  • Easy to Maintain and Durable:

Concrete retaining wall systems require extremely low to no maintenance. They can also hold up well against harsh weather conditions for many years.

  • Flexible:

The materials can accommodate slight earth movements without getting damaged.

  • Supports Correct Drainage:

There are geotextile membranes or materials behind the systems. They form a protective barrier, which helps with drainage and soil erosion.

DIY VS Professional Retaining Wall System Installation

As mentioned above, one of the advantages of these systems is that they are easy to install. You can finish the project without necessarily involving a professional retaining wall system builder.

Even though many mortarless units are DIY friendly, there are other aspects you may need expert advice and input. For example, the height of the wall, drainage, and soil stability deserves much more consideration.

The local councils have rules and regulations that may affect your project. For example, most Australian states require getting a building permit for wall heights exceeding 1 metre.

In such a case, you will need to work with a qualified structural engineer and building certifier.

Retaining Wall System Ideas

Retaining wall systems can make your property look effortlessly sophisticated, regardless of the design you have in mind.

Whether your design involves steps, straight lines, curves, circular or corner styles, these systems can help you achieve your desired landscaping effect. There are also wall capping materials for each style to make your residential or commercial property more aesthetically pleasing.

While these stackable systems are constructed from moulds, the blocks or units are usually engineered in a way that the surface does not feature repeated patterns. They typically replicate the random patterns of natural materials.

To get the most from your project, consider working with a professional and experienced retaining wall builder. Experts have several retaining wall ideas up their sleeves that you can take advantage of.

Cost of Retaining Wall Systems

Several factors can influence the cost of retaining wall systems, including:

· Number of blocks or units to construct the wall

· Type of concrete engineering and decorative finish

· Location and soil condition

· Professional services used

Each construction project is unique. If you want to receive a free quote, speak with a Perth based specialist here at Structural Retaining Walls. We will give you a more accurate quote taking into consideration the details of your specific project.

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What Are Retaining Walls?

You are now spoilt for choice if you are trying to choose the best retaining method in Perth. Each available retaining method has its share of advantages and disadvantages. The best thing to do is to select the right method for your specific requirements. Keep reading to discover various panel and post retaining wall solutions.

Precast Concrete Retaining Walls

Precast concrete retaining walls are structurally engineered and are made of concrete. It is easy to install and affordable, making it the most common form of retaining wall. Galvanized steel and chemical reinforcements are used to reinforce concrete strength. The panel is fitted between the post.

Benefits of This Retaining System

Precast concrete retaining walls provide several benefits. Some walls are used to keep people safe. Others are used to keep unauthorized people and animals out. You can also use walls for increased aesthetic appeal. Panels and post retaining walls are growing in popularity by the day.

The precast retaining walls will be handy for your landscaping. The walls can be used to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal by separating different vegetation. They can also be used to separate vegetation from the concrete jungle in city public gardens. Since panel and post are prefabricated, they are easy to install. Some manufacturers even provide DIY options.

Large entities can use retaining walls to guide the public while keeping out unauthorized individuals. The precast walls can also be used to keep pedestrians safe on highways and railroads. Learn more about the benefits of precast concrete retaining walls below:

*Cost-Effective and Easy to Install

As is the case with several prefabricated products, precast concrete is cheap and easy to install. Precast concrete retaining walls can be customised to fit various needs and preferences. Moreover, manufacturers are designing easy-to-install retaining walls for DIY enthusiasts.

*Improved Aesthetic Appeal

Unfortunately, most people think of concrete as being monotonous and dull. However, precast concrete retaining walls are designed to suit different settings and preferences. They are available in several colours and designs. The good thing is that the walls use galvanized steel for enhanced strength. The galvanized steel is encased in the concrete panel for increased aesthetic appeal and to protect it from rotting and corroding.

*Erosion Control

Erosion is no longer a problem that impedes beaches and mountain slopes. Property owners have no option but to protect their property from erosion. Erosion reduces curb appeal and carries essential nutrients in the soil away. Fortunately, property owners can protect their homes from erosion by using the precast panel and post retaining walls. These styles of retaining walls kerb erosion by elevating the landscape to keep rainwater from the property. Besides, precast concrete retaining walls will keep people away from protected areas.

What are the Drawbacks?

Like any other great product, precast concrete retaining walls also have their fair share of drawbacks. One of the issues most individuals have with concrete retaining walls is that they are not appealing. Although panel and post retaining walls did not increase aesthetics in the past, things have changed since then.

Today, customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the right concrete retaining walls. The only things clients need to have in mind when ordering precast walls are the finish and the intended purpose. Clients also have several options to choose from when it comes to design.

Apart from design and appeal, some property owners have issues with the precast retaining walls. In most cases, retaining walls measure around 1800mm to 2400mm in height. It is, therefore, not an option for you if you want something larger than this. However, you can still use it to keep intruders and animals out.

Professional Retaining Walls Installer & Supplier

Do you want to order quality precast concrete retaining walls for your next project? Contact our leading retaining walls Perth-based professionals for custom and affordable solutions.

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What You Need To Know About DIY Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are one of the most popular landscaping additions in both residential and commercial properties. There are several reasons why property owners build a retaining wall. It can serve as a supporting structure that retains soil, helps with slopes, or controls runoff water while adding aesthetic appeal to your yard.

If you have the time and tools, you may want to opt for the DIY building approach. While many retaining wall blocks are easy to install even for homeowners, there are some important things you deserve to know before starting the project. Otherwise, you may get into trouble with the local authorities.

We will walk you through the various critical aspects of a DIY retaining wall project, including the council approval, height restrictions, and engineering. Read on to find out.

Is a Permit Mandatory When Building DIY Retaining Walls?

Councils recognise retaining walls as essentially supporting structures. If they are not well constructed, they could collapse and pose a safety risk to property users. As such, you may need approval from your local council before you begin building a retaining wall.

Not all cases require permission, though. Property owners must meet specific criteria. Generally, if the height of your DIY retaining wall is less than one metre, then you may not need approval. Anything above that will require a building permit.

There may be other regulations with a bearing on the matter, such as those relating to the distance between the wall and boundary line, adjoining property, registered easement, sewer, or water main.

Projects that involve council approval are often subject to other requirements, including submitting a certified building design. This means you will need to hire a professional private engineer and a registered building.

Please note that each council sets its own rules and regulations governing construction projects. For instance, in New South Wales, property owners must not exceed the height of 600mm when building retaining walls without permits.

Therefore, make sure you check out the codes applicable in your specific area. Just contact the council’s development team or consult with an experienced retaining wall contractor to shed some light on the matter.

Other Circumstances Where Council Approval is Necessary?

You may still have to obtain approval whether the height is within the 1-metre range. This is especially true in cases where you need to build retaining walls in highly saturated clay soils. Such soils tend to add a lot of pressure behind the walls. Additional reinforcement may be necessary to create a safe retaining wall.

Another circumstance that may require council approval is when you are planning to build walls meant to withstand significant loads, such as driveways.

What is the Maximum Height of a Retaining Wall?

The local council guidelines also touch on the maximum height allowed for a retaining wall. They should give you an idea of the recommended ranges to work with your project. The physical capabilities of your preferred retaining wall blocks also play an essential role in determining the ideal height.

If you want to build gravity walls, then the manufacturer of the retaining wall blocks will most likely state the maximum height for their material. Usually, these types of walls are not engineered. They use heavy materials, which create enough weight to resist pressure and hold soil behind them.

Property owners may still need reinforcement even if the height is within the acceptable council limits. The capacity of the wall system can determine whether or not to use an engineered design.

Steps to Getting a Permit for Building a Retaining Wall

If the specifics of a retaining wall you want to build warrant approval, you will need to adhere to the relevant regulations to avoid trouble with the authorities. Filing a construction permit includes the following steps:

  1. Lodge an Application

You can get the application form directly from the official site of the local council. If that’s not an option in your area, you are encouraged to contact their relevant team using the numbers displayed on site. You will get connected with one of the representatives who will tell you how to go about the whole process.

  1. Engage a Qualified Structural Engineer

The engineer will draw plans for your residential or commercial retaining walls.

  1. Hire a Private Building Certifier

Working with a building certifier will make things a lot easier for you, as the professional can manage the approval process on your behalf. They will approve your construction plan and help submit your application to the council. They will let you know if there are additional designs or certificates needed.

The certifier will also be inspecting the construction project regularly, ensuring that the retaining walls get built according to the accepted industry standards. Once the work is complete, they will provide approval documentation. Copies of the document get submitted to the local council.

The building of retaining walls begins once you have been issued a construction certificate.

How Long Does it Take to Receive a Retaining Wall Permit?

The period varies depending on where you live and the details of your project. An experienced building certifier can provide correct approximations. Well, this is something they do regularly for a living.

In fact, the professionals will help you to avoid unnecessary delays because they will ensure you file the correct information.

The Takeaway

Building a retaining wall system is a DIY-friendly project, but it is advisable to make sure you have a construction certificate if your local council requires it. If you do not know how to build the walls by yourself, you can check out guides online. There are several helpful articles and tutorials to steer you in the right direction.

Nevertheless, we must admit that some projects can be quite time-consuming and complicated, thus requiring engaging the services of a licensed and knowledgeable retaining wall contractor. Working with professionals is recommended if you want everything to turn out perfect. You will have increased peace of mind knowing the wall is completed to the highest quality and safety standards.

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