Window well material options?

Question

I am going to be installing 3 egress windows in my basement. I don't want to use galvanized steel window wells because of the cost and they are ugly.

I don't have the time to pour concrete so I am thinking of building them out of treated wood. I live in a very dry climate so moisture will not be a big problem. We have a lot of fence posts from the 1950s that are still holding strong.

These wells will be 3' D X 4' L X 4' H. I am toying with the idea of using treated 2X6s. I am not sure if they will have enough strength to hold back the soil. My other thought is to use railroad ties, which I know can handle the weight of the soil.

Anybody have any experience with building window wells or retaining walls?

Answer 1

I think it would look awesome as long as you don't get a lot of rain, but would not last as long as the galvanized. . . I hate them myself, so I just mortared some quartz rock up around ours to give it an awesome look :)  Cheap and easy to do for such a small job :)  GL!!!

Answer 2

the two by sixes are not the appropriate material for the job. they will warp and dirt will leak through the cracks. the railroad ties are not a horrible idea but how about using retaining bricks. they sell many different kinds and colors at the home stores. i think, and have seen, that this would look nice and be plenty functional.