Is there a way to build a retaining wall that is NOT expensive??

Question

We need a retaining wall about 4-ft. tall, 20-ft. long. We don't really care about how nice it looks, it's just to hold back a hillside, and we have nothing in our budget for something like this. Any suggestions BESIDES railroad ties, which we were told we would have to replace?

Answer 1

This is general, as I do not know what it is exactly you have to accomplish with this wall.
Ninety 8 x 8 x16 concrete blocks and 7or 8 bags of concrete should come in around $200.00.
If you need re-bar that would add to the cost, but not substantially. If you want to coat the block with foundation coating on the side which comes in contact with the hillside add a 5 gallon bucket for under $20.00.
Stacked straight up the wall will eventually bow.
Step stacked will slow this down.
Go to a home center for free ideas and call a landscaper for the practicality. Advice is free, take advantage of it. They won't mind.

Answer 2

If you use precast concrete sections it can be done. You can even have a decorative side if that is required. You might need to have some form of interlocking connections to tie the whole thing together. Depending on its height there might also be a need for anchors to keep it from trying to tip. Without more very detailed information it is difficult to really answer this question. As an example: depending on the type of soil and the height of the wall it is possible to remove the existing wall and install a new one in a day if you use something like a keystone system.

Answer 3

Go to your local Home Depot or Lowe's or whatever is close to you. Get approx. 150 retaining wall blocks for less than $2.00 each. They are easy to stack and make a good looking wall. At only 4 feet you shouldn't need any more reinforcement.

Answer 4

Go to a river or to a gravel pit and get some round rocks 6"and up, you will need concrete, start stacking them up to the height that you want and concrete them in place

Answer 5

If you live near the water, try to get some old pilings from a harbor master. Try you local phone company for old, creosoted poles. Whatever you do, be sure to drill weep holes use left-over PVC pipe from a plumbing company to relieve water build-up behind the wall. Proper drainage is critical.

Answer 6

LOL, no, you nixed railroad ties. It's construction. Find /make a friend in construction.

Answer 7

you could build a rock wall

Answer 8

gravel, chickenwire, and concrete.