Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in Avoca, NY

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.

There are contractors specifically trained in the design and construction of retaining walls. Retaining wall contractors are skilled at dealing with the soil on your property and assessing what kind of drainage should be installed. They will recommend the best materials to use for the project and can handle the processing of permits by local authorities.

The lifespan of a retaining wall varies based on its material, installation quality, maintenance, and local climate, with an average range of 20 to 100 years. Retaining walls made from durable materials like concrete, stone, and brick generally last a minimum of 50 years. Concrete walls typically last between 50 and 100 years, while brick can last for over a century in ideal conditions. Timber retaining walls can last from 20 to 40 years, depending on the wood quality, and pressure-treated wood walls average around 30 years. It is important to note that a retaining wall can fail prematurely if it was poorly constructed, for example, with inefficient footings or without necessary rebar reinforcements.

To maintain the integrity of your landscape, a retaining wall must be installed if the slope of the angle exceeds 35 degrees. The lean of the wall must be 1 inch per 12 inches in height to disperse the weight of the soil uniformly and guarantee the correct drainage of the soil.