Has anyone ever used railroad ties to help retain a wall?

Mel11353676
by Mel11353676
  7 answers
  • Nicki Petruzzella Kerns Nicki Petruzzella Kerns on Mar 01, 2018

    I've seen it done but don't know how to make it happen.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 01, 2018

    Yes, but in time even those rot out. If you can afford it, build a wall with stone or garden pavers. And make sure to put cement down for footings. Build your wall by using cement glue to hold everything in place.

  • Cynthia Whitney Cynthia Whitney on Mar 01, 2018

    It's possible but you have to remember that ties are saturated with creosote which is toxic so you can't use them near food gardens. Otherwise it should be possible to do about the same as any retaining wall. You will need to figure out some way to tie it into the slope so the pressure doesn't push it out after a few years. I've seen them but never tried it. Oh, that creosote doesn't smell very good either so you won't want it close to where you hang out.

  • Leah Leah on Mar 01, 2018

    MMy brother and grandson used screw jacks. He cut wholes in his basement floor and put in a solid base with concrete level with floor. Then used screw jacks up to the flooring above. Takes the pressure off the wall. He put them close to the wall. Buy at Lowes etc.come in all heights. Mybrothers log home to heavy for wall he put in. Heavy rain pushed on gs foundation..

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Mar 01, 2018

    oh yeah! but it's heavy and (could be ) dangerous work -- the ties have to be anchored to prevent them slipping against the pressure of the wall... not for the average DIY'er

  • Carmen Carmen on Mar 01, 2018

    We use them for raised garden beds, I would be Leary of using them for a retaining wall. As they get older they start falling apart.

  • PJ Kelley PJ Kelley on Mar 01, 2018

    Yes. They work well. Very heavy but once in place and staked, they will do the job.