Railroad Tie Retaining Wall with Drainage: Materials and Methods

A 2–3 ft slope washing into a pool needs a timber wall with proper drainage.

Wall Build (per linear foot)

• 12″ drain rock (¾–1½″) behind wall.
• Perforated pipe (4″) in fabric sock at base of rock.
• Keyway trench at toe.
• Deadmen/tiebacks every 4–6 ft.
• Geotextile between rock and backfill.

Rock Quantity

2 ft wall = 2 cu ft rock/LF. 20 ft wall = 40 cu ft = 1.5 cu yd.

Better: Intercept Water Upslope

Rock-lined swale above the wall catches runoff before it hits the slope. Swale guide.

Walls >3 ft usually need a permit.