What is the best material to fill behind a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Sand and gravel are two suitable options for filling behind a retaining wall. If you’re building your own retaining wall, you’ll complete this part of the process—known as backfilling—after you finish laying the blocks. Make sure not to skip it—otherwise, you could wind up with drainage issues, which can cause your retaining wall to collapse.</p></div>

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Q: How tall can a railroad tie wall be?

• <div><p>Generally, a railroad tie retaining wall consisting of a single line of ties should be between <b>3 and 4 feet tall</b>&mdash;and the height often tops out at around 6 feet. You can go taller, but you may need additional footings and reinforcements, including a second layer of railroad ties to support the added weight of the soil it&rsquo;s holding back.</p></div>

Q: What does rebar do?

• <div><p>Rebar is a steel support that goes inside concrete to prevent structural damage over time. Concrete is susceptible to impact, weight, and tension. By inserting rebar into the concrete during the installation, you can help extend its lifespan and avoid hazardous situations where the foundation of your home gives way to tensile forces.</p></div>

Q: What is the cheapest way to build a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Poured concrete is likely the cheapest way to build a retaining wall, as this material costs anywhere from $6 to $8 per square foot. The next best budget-friendly option is to use landscaping timbers. These timbers are great for DIY projects, as they don&rsquo;t require tools to successfully build a retaining wall. Landscape timber costs around $10 to $14 per square foot. Depending on your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/garden-styles-your-backyard.htm">chosen garden style</a>, you can also go with natural stones or concrete blocks. Natural stones can be expensive if you buy them, but they&rsquo;re a lot less costly if you can source them from your property. </p></div>

Q: Are railroad ties good for retaining walls?

• <div><p>Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they&rsquo;re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that&rsquo;s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.</p></div>

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Last update on December 13, 2025

Reviewed in December 2024
Great customer service Fast installation Affordable service Skyline tore off and re did the asphalt roof on my house after wind and hail damage. I was so impressed I hired them to also do my garage and shed. These guys do great work.
SKYLINE RESTORATION INC
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Reviewed in October 2023
My mom needed an 86 inch TV mounted to the wall. If you are looking for someone who is professional, prompt, communicative, knowledgeable and has great rates- Omer is your man. We will definitely be using him again!
Smart Homes Security and IT Services
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Reviewed in June 2023
David was personable, prompt, and precise in his installing of a deadbolt and door knob. I would hire him for other work, as well! 5/5
David J. Soukup Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2022
The windows are awesome! I can see out now and clean easily! The installers were kind and efficient. Their carpentry skills are top-notch!
Renewal by Andersen
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Reviewed in July 2021
Timing from when I received the quote and scheduling the work was just as Mr. Skinner told me. The contractors came with the list of installation and removal of old equiptment that Mr Skinner and I put together with a smile and the attude of getter done. Thank you again BCarney
Sears Home Services - Kansas City HVAC
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Reviewed in November 2020
We had storm damage due to the Derecho. Aurelio did our estimate himself. He was very professional and explained what was needed clearly. It was immediately evident that he knew exactly what he was talking about. He got us worked into the schedule faster than expected due to material...
Affordable Roofing and Exteriors INC
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Reviewed in August 2020
Miguel fit me in to his tight schedule when my former contractor was unable to do the job as promised. I was desperate to complete a closet project prior to having closet organizers installed. Miguel was professional, polite and available when contacting was necessary. The job was completed on...
Dr. Home
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Reviewed in February 2020
Phil and his crew rearranged their current jobs to ensure that our floors were refinished in time to get the painting done before our move-in date. We also asked them to remove all the baseboards and quarter round - which was good thing because then we could see how poorly the flooring had been...
Oak Wood Floor
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Reviewed in February 2020
Marco is professional and responsive, and his work is very good. WE hired Penagos Painting to completely repaint the interior of a house and its garage that we had just purchased. They did a really good job covering the awful paint on our textured walls, and repainted the trim and doors in...
Penagos Painting
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Reviewed in May 2018
A home we had bought needed radon mitigation to reduce the radon level below the EPA recommended 4 pCi/L level. Being an older home which had been extensively added onto by previous owners, the construction which included approx. 1/3 over a small basement, 1/3 over two separate areas of concrete...
Neighbors Heating Cooling Plumbing & Geothermal
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