Small Sleeper Retaining Walls: What to Know

1. Know your limit

Many councils require approval, and an engineer's design, for retaining walls over a certain height or near boundaries and buildings. Check with your council before you start.

2. Posts and sleepers

• Posts carry the load. They go deep into the ground, often in concrete.
• Use sleepers and posts rated for in-ground use (H4 or H5 timber, or concrete or steel systems).

3. Drainage

Water behind a wall pushes hard on it. Put an ag pipe at the base behind the wall, wrapped in filter fabric, with gravel backfill, and let it drain to a safe outlet.

4. Lean back

Many walls are built leaning slightly back into the soil.

5. Quick summary

• Check council rules first.
• Deep posts, in-ground rated materials.
• Drainage behind the wall.
• Use the Sleeper Retaining Wall Calculator for materials.

General information only. Check the maker's instructions, and ask your council about approvals.

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