How to build a railroad tie retaining wall. Preparing for the construction of our railroad tie retaining wall, we purchased logs and had them milled at a local saw mill that offered rough-sawn lumber at a very reasonable price. We created 8′ sections of 4×8 landscape ties that used tongue-and-groove joints to connect them.
There are many tasks that go into the construction of a railroad tie retaining wall. Before tackling this project, it is important to know everything that is involved. Use these step-by-step instructions to build your own railroad tie retaining wall and they are;vertical railroad tie retaining wall,drainage for railroad tie retaining wall,railroad tie retaining wall cost and railroad tie retaining wall max height
Building a railroad tie retaining wall is doable and attractive—but there are a few important things to know before you start.
🛠️ What This Is About
A railroad tie (or railway sleeper) retaining wall uses thick timbers—original railroad ties or landscaped alternatives—as structural blocks to hold back soil, create terraces, or add rustic charm to your garden.
⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Plan & prepare site
- Ensure site is level and soil is compacted to reduce future settling.
- Lay gravel base
- Lay ~4–6″ of gravel to support drainage and stabilize the first tie.
- Lay the first railroad tie
- Level it carefully—it’s the foundation for the rest
- Pin the ties together
- Drill holes and drive rebar pins (~1 per 2–2.5 ft) through stacked ties into the ground.
- Lay successive rows
- Continue stacking ties, pinning each layer, offsetting joints for strength. Backfill gravel and compact after each row.
- Install drainage
- Place geotextile fabric behind the wall, backfill with gravel, and install a perforated drain pipe along the base .
✅ Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons and Caveats |
|---|---|
| 💰 Affordable if you source used ties | ⚠️ Treated ties can leach creosote and may degrade over ~20–30 years |
| 🧱 Rustic, heavy-duty look | ⚠️ Structural codes often require engineered walls above ~3–4 ft |
| 🛠️ DIY-able with basic skills | ⚠️ Ties vary in size—requires careful leveling and adjustments |
| ⚠️ Without proper drainage, water pressure can cause failure |
💡 Expert Tips & Common Mistakes
- Offset joints and add deadman ties for added stability on taller walls.
- Use a sledgehammer and rebar, not nails, to avoid splits or failure .
- Avoid skimping on drainage—it’s essential! Weep holes, gravel, fabric, and pipe must handle water pressure .
- Be aware of wood treatment—creosote is toxic and may leach into soil or plants.
Reddit builders note:
“I put a perforated plastic drain bedded and covered with #2 gravel behind the wall.”
“Dead-man anchors and rebar pins… offset joints… will never pull out.”
👷 Who Should Consider This
- DIY enthusiasts seeking rustic style on low to moderate height walls (< 4 ft).
- Landscapers wanting natural, heavy-duty look without expensive materials.
- Not ideal for tall structural walls—engineered block, concrete, or stone may be safer beyond 4 ft.
📌 Quick Checklist
- Level and compact the site
- Add gravel base and drainage pipe
- Set first tie perfectly level
- Drill and pin all layers with rebar
- Offset joints and install deadman ties
- Backfill with gravel and compact per row
- Include geotextile fabric and drainage system
Drainage for railroad tie retaining wall
The drainage for a vertical railroad tie retaining wall is the same as for any other type of retaining wall. The railroad ties are stacked on top of each other and then connected to each other and the soil by means of concrete or metal rebar. The rebar is driven into the ground and anchored at each end of the wall.
The drainage for a vertical railroad tie retaining wall can be done in two ways: through the wall itself and through perforated pipes attached to the wall. The first method involves digging a trench in front of your retaining wall and placing perforated pipes in two rows along its length. These trenches should be dug deep enough so that they don’t become clogged with dirt or leaves over time.
The second method involves drilling holes through your vertical railroad tie retaining walls at regular intervals down its length. These holes are spaced so that they’ll allow water to drain out of them easily but not be too large as to allow weeds or other unwanted plant life to grow through them.
Railroad Tie Retaining Wall Cost
| Factors Influencing Cost | Details |
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Size
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Materials
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New vs. Old Ties
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DIY vs. Professional Services
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Railroad tie retaining wall max height
Railroad tie retaining walls are a great option for homeowners looking for a low-cost and easy way to add value and curb appeal to their property. These walls are constructed by laying railroad ties on end, side by side, and filling the space between them with dirt or concrete.
Railroad tie retaining walls can be constructed in many different ways, but all of them involve the same basic steps. This article will take you through the process of building your own railroad tie retaining wall from start to finish.
📋 Materials or Tools Needed
Railroad ties (creosote-treated wood or alternative landscaping ties)
Rebar or spikes to pin layers together
Gravel for base and drainage
Perforated drain pipe (French drain) and geotextile fabric
Tools: shovel/crowbar, drill with long bit, sledgehammer, level, tamper, saw
Concrete (optional for setting posts or anchors)
Railroad ties – You can use new or salvaged materials from a local rail yard or lumberyard. A single row of railroad ties will generally require at least five pieces that are about 8 feet long each (4×4 inches). If you want to make sure there’s enough room for drainage behind your wall, opt for 6×6 inch timbers instead.
Dirt or gravel – Railroad ties alone won’t hold up very well without some type of support material on the sides (or front) of the wall. You can use either dirt or gravel depending on which one is available where you live and how much maintenance it will require over time (dirt will need to be maintained regularly; gravel won’t).
Railroad tie retaining walls are a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers. They are easy to install and come in a variety of styles and colors.
Railroad tie retaining walls can be used to create steps, walkways, or level out an uneven yard. They are also used as part of an existing wall or fence. It is important to note that railroad ties must be treated before being installed for any use other than landscaping or fencing.
The Max Height for Railroad Tie Retaining Wall
The max height for a railroad tie retaining wall is six feet tall when installed directly against soil or concrete base with no footing below it. If you need the wall taller than six feet then you will need to install footings below it first. The max height for a railroad tie retaining wall against soil with footings is ten feet tall.
