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Avatar for Ruben's Concrete
Ruben's Concrete
New to Angi
Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

Concrete
Avatar for SAH Construction
SAH Construction
5.0(
2
)
Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Thomson, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Scott did a great job. The lions share of the work was a new poor in a garage that was dirt and pea gravel. It wasn't easy working in the smaller garage with a low roof. Other work was an alleyway between that garage and my main garage along with a landing from my main garage and having to match up to the ramp up to house along with driveway pavement. So three different levels to match up to and Scott did a great job."
Response time10 hrs
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Retaining Wall Installers questions, answered by experts

A retaining wall can only function as a fence if it’s high enough on all sides to prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. However, most retaining walls retain dirt, which means their purpose is not related to safety. There would need to be nothing on the other side of the wall for it to be considered a fence, but in that case, it wouldn’t retain anything and would cease to be a retaining wall.  

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’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’s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.

Generally, a railroad tie retaining wall consisting of a single line of ties should be between 3 and 4 feet tall—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’s holding back.

Generally speaking, a retaining wall should be between 3 and 4 feet high, depending on variables such as the wall-building material, the purpose of the retaining wall, and more. If you want your retaining wall to be taller than 4 feet, check with your local building ordinance office for the maximum allotment. You may also need a special permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall.

Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it’s repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. Railroad ties are typically treated with creosote, which makes them much more durable than untreated wood. Though they last longer, they don’t last forever. For the most longevity, make sure your retaining wall has a sturdy base and steel reinforcements. You should also install drainage to direct water away from the wall.

The Thomson, IL homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.