What timber to use for retaining wall?

[ososbg]

Hi all,

First time poster here and sorry if it's a naive question.

I want to build a retaining wall and also to be a raised garden bed at the same time. I've two sides in my backyard I want to use both of them, one side is 15m and the other side is 14m, the retaining wall height is about 500-600mm.

My question is, what timber I should be using for this:

1.8m H4 Treated Pine Sleeper 200 x 75mm.

2.4m H4 Treated Pine Sleeper 200 x 75mm

1.8m H4 Treated Pine Sleeper 200 x 50mm

2.4m H4 Treated Pine Sleeper 200 x 50mm

Thanks in advance

[ososbg]

Hi @EricL , thanks so much for your reply. Can you please explain to me what does um means in the plastic sheets ? and also, how to fix the sheet to the wall, shall I use stapler gun or normal nails. Sorry for asking so many questions and I appreciate your help and the rest of the team.

[EricL]

Hello @ososbg 

The term 200um refers to the thickness of the plastic 200 microns. The higher the number the thicker the plastic.

In regards to fixing the plastic to the sleeper, it's best to use a staple gun so that it will not create a big hole in the plastic. I also suggest covering the staples with clear sticky tape. But once the soil gets put in it will hold the plastic in place. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[ososbg]

Thanks @EricL , this is super helpful.

[Mits]

Hi, @MitchellMc  @EricL could I please check with the experts which type of timber to use for a retaining wall system with seating at the top that would give a similar look to the one in this photo? Also, should it be oiled or varnished? If so, what type? I plan to use this timber for my vegetable garden bed, so I’m looking for non-CCA treated pine options. However, Bunnings currently has very limited supply. The same goes for Sienna MicroPro. Are there any other suggestions on where I might source these material

Thank you so much. 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Mits,

The Sienna MicroPro or hardwood would be the best choice for a veggie patch, especially one that doubles as a seat. Due to the different suppliers depending on the area, it would be best to speak with a Special Orders team member at your local store. They'll be familiar with the timber suppliers in your area and can then check all available sources to see if there are non-CCA-treated sleepers available to order.

Treated sleepers typically do not need any protection, but you could stain or oil them if you wished to change the colour or add additional protection.

If you can let me know your location I'd be happy to contact your local store for you to find out what's available.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Mits]

Thank you @MitchellMc 

Can I please ask what do you mean by having double timber for seat? 

Also, looking at the picture, can you suggest if it is timber oil or color? 

I am based at The Ponds, 2769, NSW.  Can you please help me look for the said timber?

Thank you,

Mits. 

[EricL]

Hello @Mits 

It's possible that Mitchell was referring to the sleepers being put together side by side to serve as the seat. Let me tag @MitchellMc to make them aware of your response and to confirm the sleeper configuration. Please allow us some time to check the stock levels at the surrounding Bunnings store in the area.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Mits,

I'm so sorry for the delay in our reply.

The reference was to a retaining wall that is also a seat, not a suggestion to double the timber for the seat.

At Bunnings Rouse Hill they have ACQ-treated sleepers, which are safe to use as your retaining wall and seat.

The colour of these ACQ-treated sleepers is very similar to your inspiration image, so no additional staining is required, but you could oil them with a natural oil if you like.

Mitchell