What is the best way to build a wooden retaining wall?

Question

I am moving a 10x10 wooden shed to a new area. This area is on a sloped ground (about 12" in slope). I was going to build a wooden retaining wall with 4x4's and fill with crushed stone as the base for the shed. Is this the best and most economical way. Long term?

Answer 1

The crushed stone will give you a shifting base. A better way would be to put in your retaining wall then fill the area with a load of fill dirt then pack down level. Spray down with water then pack down the area again. This way long term you will not have a shifting base under your building.

Answer 2

It will work but you have to do it right

With a 12 inch slope you will be using probally four layers of 4 x 4.  Lay the first layer of 4 x 4, then fill it with rock. Use pressure treated lumber.

Now every four foot or so put a piece of 4 x 4 perpendicular to the wall (like a T) back into the fill area. Nail or s***w it to  the 4x4 below and the pieces on each side. This is so the wall will not lean forward when it rains and water gets behind it. When you put in the pieces on the sides of the support (perpandicular one) cut a small notch for the water to leak out, put a piece of screen over the hole it you are using soil so it won't was out.

Put how many more 4x4 you need to reach your height and fill with the soil and rock. I would put the supports on layers two and three. Make sure you stagger the joints and the supports. Make sure you nail the 4x4's to the ones below. If you are in an area that gets a lot of rain, you may want to support each layer with the T except the top one.

This will make a good sturdy wall that will last for years. Crushed stone will only shift if you let it. You may want to do the retaining wall on 3 sides.

If you can find them railroad ties work best.