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
- 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.
- Cut a piece of timber to the length of 1503mm. This is going to be used later to measure the distances between posts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.