+1
this is now why we have such strict building codes and regs, due ppl building things in this way manner which don't hold up over time.
Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 21Dec 07, 2007 8:37 am Dukekamaya For anyone elses reference - the correct method for a timber retaining wall is to have the 'retainers' (sleepers) on the inside of the load bearers (posts) +1 this is now why we have such strict building codes and regs, due ppl building things in this way manner which don't hold up over time. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 23Dec 07, 2007 10:01 am Well Im glad I shared.
I've learnt my lesson. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 24Dec 07, 2007 4:42 pm Stewy wrote Quote: this is now why we have such strict building codes and regs, due ppl building things in this way manner which don't hold up over time. Tooo true..... And I bet in 10 years time the spate of DIY jobs will be popping up with some really big issues for home buyers as the "quick" reno job's that the TV's shows promoted in the 90's start to get tested by the age of time. Steve Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 25Dec 10, 2007 9:17 am Yak_Chat Tooo true..... And I bet in 10 years time the spate of DIY jobs will be popping up with some really big issues for home buyers as the "quick" reno job's that the TV's shows promoted in the 90's start to get tested by the age of time. Steve yes mostly i blame these shows, for their * work and designs and the encouragement of these clowns for others to go give it a go attitudes.......in saying that they have had some very good points/tips.....but personally any construction parts should of been cut from the shows.... Anyway cookie glad you have learnt something from this and hopefully and future DIY builders will see this and learn too. Cheers stewy Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 26Dec 10, 2007 9:36 am stewy Anyway cookie glad you have learnt something from this Yes, I have learnt not to share my experiences in a public forum. The wall I built is exceptionally strong and suitable for it's use structurally and aesthetically. But apparently you can tell from many KM's away that it isn't. Plenty of low retaining walls have been built in this fashion. But like I said, I've learnt my lesson. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 27Dec 10, 2007 9:39 am stewy Anyway cookie glad you have learnt something from this Cheers stewy I did think some sarcasm had been lost in translation...... Built Porter Davis "Dromana" 2007. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 28Dec 10, 2007 9:49 am Cookiemonster stewy Anyway cookie glad you have learnt something from this Yes, I have learnt not to share my experiences in a public forum. The wall I built is exceptionally strong and suitable for it's use structurally and aesthetically. But apparently you can tell from many KM's away that it isn't. Plenty of low retaining walls have been built in this fashion. But like I said, I've learnt my lesson. Hey Cookie, there are plenty of us who have taken the DIY action in our homes. Some with catastrophic results, but what you have done is great!!!. I'm sure if it was sub-standard, someone would have said something about it back then. But is wasn't -you did a great job - don't stress or let others put you off. I for one would like to compliment you on your effort and attention to detail taken to do the job yourself. To those that don't want to do these jobs, then be prepared to pay the price of someone elses efforts. But you will never have the pleasure of knowing that YOU have achieved something by doing it yourself... Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 29Dec 10, 2007 11:20 am The stress on a small retaining wall like that is sweet bugger all. And the difference in strength posts inside vs post ouside comes down to fasteners used. If they rust, with post inside design you have a problem.
Personally, for Cookies purpose, inside was fine as you have plenty of access on the low side, and it looks neat. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 30Dec 10, 2007 11:27 am There are plenty of DIY jobs that have been done over the ages (what was the invention of the wheel?)
I am reminded of my grandma's house that was wired in the 50's by her mate up the road who was a WW2 vet with no building license or formal training . Our previous 100 yo house had many historical DIY jobs that were both well and poorly done. The DIY shows have been great for providing a bit of information to those of us that might have done a REALLY bad job otherwise. As many of us have experienced ... there are many qualified tradesmen out there doing pitiful jobs and getting paid good money to do it as well. I think you did a fantastic job Cookie, and I'll be getting my hubby to take a look at your post in the hope that we can build something similar for our new house. . Or should I say ... he will build it and I can supervise and provide that much needed advice! Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 31Dec 10, 2007 2:52 pm Hi All,
I was not suggesting that DIY is a bad thing, nor was I suggesting that Cookies wall was built incorrectly. I was mearly stating that the way some of these DIY shows - imply that it's really easy to whack up a pergola in 2 hours flat, might not actually be good for acheiving the best results or is done using best building practices. Throw in some inexperience in DIY skills, and perhaps is not prepared to look and learn from places like www.homeone.com.au/forums - of course - Leads me to suspect that we will see a spate of houses with DIY jobs that are not as good as they could have been. Cookie. Don't let a bit of constructive critism deter you from sharing your past or future experiences - if the wall is fine the wall is fine - others were just expressing some other ways of building a wall. I will send a pic of my external clad retaining wall tonight - which was also built a few years ago by the previous owner and is now in need of repair, which I'll be fixing with a bobcat and a new block wall further up the hill. Steve Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 32Dec 10, 2007 3:12 pm Great job cookie. I was expecting a wall of cookies!! you've done well.
guys, rather than the wooden posts can one use metal rods with predrilled holes which can later permit one to use screws to retain the sleepers? we are gonna need such walls nearly 32 metres deep all along the sides of our block (identical to these photos) what would it cost us to get em done? what if we use bricks or sandstone lookalike blocks? Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 33Dec 10, 2007 3:31 pm vpande Great job cookie. I was expecting a wall of cookies!! you've done well. guys, rather than the wooden posts can one use metal rods with predrilled holes which can later permit one to use screws to retain the sleepers? we are gonna need such walls nearly 32 metres deep all along the sides of our block (identical to these photos) what would it cost us to get em done? what if we use bricks or sandstone lookalike blocks? 32 metres? Or 3.2 metres? Long or high? Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 34Dec 11, 2007 8:22 am Some pics of my - slowly crumbling wall that the bobcat and a backhoe will fix when I get to this bit.
It's not the best built wall you could ever see - and I suspect it is around 10 to 20 years old. But that's just a guess. Screw has pulled out of the timber. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Bottom planks being pushed out. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Self explainatory I think. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Just feedback for everyone folks. I have a similar sized wall in the backyard that is built with the timber inside of the posts and while it is leaning a bit - it is not falling apart as bad as this one. Steve Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 35Dec 11, 2007 10:58 am It is important to not backfill with soil, rather backfill with blue metal on top of a length of socked ag-pipe to run water away. The blue metal is then covered with a geotech fabric with a shallow layer of soil if turf is to be laid to the edge or shalow rooted plants planted etc. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 36Dec 11, 2007 11:14 am Dukekamaya It is important to not backfill with soil, rather backfill with blue metal on top of a length of socked ag-pipe to run water away. The blue metal is then covered with a geotech fabric with a shallow layer of soil if turf is to be laid to the edge or shalow rooted plants planted etc. I agree but not in all circumstances. If the water flow is away from the wall, then I wouldn't bother with ag lines. I have black plastic behind my small sleeper wall to stop water running through it and rotting out behind. Re: The Retaining Wall Cookie Built 37Dec 19, 2007 10:04 pm Don’t suppose anyone would like to see my vegie garden wall???
Maybe NOT! After all that! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Thanks for your reply! All valid points and I agree with you on many of them. I am in QLD, any recommendations on a construction lawyer would be helpful 3 2629 Thank you again Simeon.. I will call my certifier for that. Have a good day 4 5141 Thanks for the insights, that makes perfect sense, and yeah, I will be leaning on the experience of the excavator operator entirely. 6 16105 |