Top Mistakes Homeowners Make When Repairing a Wood Retaining Wall

If you have a wood retaining wall in your yard, chances are, it may have seen better days. That’s not to say that wooden retaining walls aren’t beautiful when they’re first built, but they don’t have the same endurance as other materials. Not only do they have a shorter lifespan, but they also require additional maintenance and upkeep to continue their appearance.

Over time, wear and tear from soil pressure, moisture, insects, and other natural elements is inevitable, especially here in Mississippi where we see warm and humid temperatures that loosen soil and bring out pests. If you’re needing wood retaining wall repair, it’s important to be aware of the issues that can happen that may affect your wall’s integrity in the long run.

Foremost Foundations and Construction values DIY projects, but we also like to educate our customers on the bigger picture so that they can make informed decisions. Below are the most common pitfalls homeowners encounter when repairing wood retaining walls and alternative approaches you may want to consider.

Ignoring the Underlying Cause

Replacing damaged boards or adding extra support without addressing the root problem is like cleaning up water without fixing the leak. If you don’t address the underlying issue causing the damage, the same issues will likely crop up again—be it drainage, soil instability, or rot.

Schedule an inspection with a professional who can determine whether you’re dealing with a structural or drainage issue. From here, you can plan the next step (e.g., improve drainage, stabilize soil, remove rot-infested boards) and repair or replace your retaining wall. This is how you will see long-term value from your new retaining wall.

Using Improper or Low-Quality Lumber

Whenever standard, untreated lumber is used instead of wood rated for ground contact, you’re more likely to experience problems. This is the case because wood retaining walls are regularly exposed to moisture. Non-treated or lower-grade wood deteriorates faster, leading to warping, rot, and reduced overall strength.

If you only need to replace a few boards, choose pressure-treated lumber or rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood that are rated for ground contact. Also, inspect the wood quality for knots, cracks or other imperfections, and ask about potential warranties. If all boards need to be replaced, you might want to consider a concrete retaining wall instead.

Neglecting Proper Drainage

This is a big one! Failing to add or maintain drainage systems behind the wall, such as weep holes, perforated pipes, or gravel backfill will cause problems for you later, even with a new retaining wall. This happens because water pooling behind the wall adds extra weight and pressure, causing bowing, cracking, and collapsing.

Before repairing or replacing your retaining wall, install proper drainage solutions (perforated pipe at the base of the wall, plus a layer of gravel) and add weep holes (small openings near the bottom of the wall).

Overlooking Soil Movement and Load Requirements

Many homeowners make the mistake of treating a wood retaining wall like a decorative fence rather than a structure that must bear significant soil pressure. However, if you don’t account for the soil’s load, the wall might buckle or lean over time. Even a well-built wall can fail if it’s not engineered for the actual weight of the soil it’s holding back.

For larger or more complex walls, consult a professional engineer. They can add structural reinforcement that ties the wall back into the slope for extra support or distribute the load across multiple levels. They might also make the recommendation to upgrade your wall to a stronger material like concrete blocks to avoid the same situation in the future.

Not Planning for Future Maintenance

Even the strongest built retaining walls won’t last forever, so don’t treat this project as something that’s one-and-done. Instead, expect long-term upkeep. Without maintenance, your retaining wall can experience minor wear-and-tear that turns into major damage.

Schedule periodic inspections of your retaining wall, especially after heavy rain or seasonal changes, and budget for maintenance like sealant reapplication, hardware checks, and potential board replacements. Also, remove any mulch or debris that accumulates against the wall, as these materials can trap moisture.

Contact Us for Wood Retaining Wall Repair

Repairing a wood retaining wall is about more than just replacing damaged boards. It involves understanding and addressing the reasons behind the damage, using high-quality materials, ensuring proper drainage, and staying on top of future maintenance. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly extend the life of your retaining wall and save time and money in the process.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your wall or the best repair approach, contact Foremost Foundations and Construction. It’s always better to invest in the correct fix upfront than to deal with costly, repeated repairs down the line. And this is exactly what Foremost Foundations and Construction can do for you!