Asked on Sep 05, 2018
How to make a pallet retaining wall?
by
Meemee2
I would like to make a retaining wall using pallets and bench seating using cinder blocks and lumber as seen in a previous Hometalk. The area is about 4 feet below our bedroom deck and about 4 ft to 5 ft long. There is a slope going up as you can see by the lattice work bw the deck. I would also need ideas on some type of filler to make this area into a flower and solar garden. Affordable please, we are on a retiree fixed income. Thank you for your help.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that pallet wood isn't treated for outdoor use & contact with the ground so you will need to paint or treat. One of my favorite fillers is mulch. If you have a truck, you can purchase from a nursery by the dipper unless you find it on sale.
Now would be a good time to pick up some outdoor seating cushions at a good price to use on the bench seating.
Solar lighting is also on sale this time of the year. Check harbor freight for some pretty solar lights and use the coupons.
I totally agree with Ms. Kathy, pallet wood isn’t rated for ground contact. It will rot within a year. On a fixed income, we need to do things right the first time. You might want to use some landscape block in the ground and then the painted or stained pallets as Ms. Kathy suggests, above ground. For a filler to grow flowers in, you will need soil of some type. If you live near a dairy or a barn, see if they will deliver manure. Sometimes folks just need a way to get it off their property and may be willing to bring it to you for a very reasonable price. Horse manure is very “hot” the first year. You could add lime or just wait a year before planting. Though I have had good luck with tomatoes the first year with horse manure. It’s much cheaper to purchase by a truck load then to go and purchase bags and bags of material, so check local landscape supply places. Also try Craig’s List under Free or farm and garden and materials for cinder block. If your driving around and see a construction site, they might let you have some block at a great price, if they’re done with it.