Subbase under timber retaining wall?

Question

I want to put in an 18' span of timber retaining wall to level my planting bed in the front of my house. If you can picture this: Looking at the bed, the slope is not so much sloping toward you as it is dropping to the right. Over the 18' it drops about 2.5'. I know I should use 6" compactable gravel base, that I need to level the first course if timber, I need a drainage pipe, and that the first course should be buried. I'll be using 6x6", 6-foot p/t wood, which will give me 3 timbers across the span. My question is, can I "step" the subbase for each timber, or do I have to dig through a whole lot of godforsaken clay to level the entire first course of three timbers? Again, the slope is gentle on the shallow side, so there won't be much of a backfill/soil load on it. I hate both digging and wasting money, so what to do?

Answer 1

Yes you can step you base.  Just try to keep it hidden under ground.  The important thing is to keep what you can see level for appearance sake.

   I've stepped many footers. with much success.  Every time I get a yard fixed up, I move so I start over again.

   Steping is the way the professional do it.  I still would put three or four inches of coarse grave both under and behind a retaining wall for drainage and freeze protection.

   Think of me when picking your best answer, thankyou.  Good Luck.