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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.

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.

Each design is different, so we can’t say definitively if you’ll need a dedicated drainage system in place for a two-foot retaining wall. However, you can likely skip the drainage, as this project is typically served for walls that are 4 feet tall or more. Even with a relatively low wall, consider drainage if you are building on top of clay or poor-draining soil types or if there are buried water sources nearby, like a well used for other outdoor garden projects.

Yes, to build a retaining wall, a permit is required. Similarly, any repairs or modifications to an existing retaining wall require permits. If the planned wall measures higher than 4 feet, most municipalities require designs and permits come through a licensed engineer. In some locations, if the wall is shorter than 4 feet, a permit may not be required. For the requirements in your area, contact your local government.