Hi Bunnings community,
I’m after a temporary fix for this timber post before I have someone in to redo the entire retaining wall. What’s the best way to reattach this to the main wall?
Thanks for your help
Hello @phiaxs
Thank you for sharing your question about your retaining wall. Looking at the picture you've shared, it appears that the retaining timber pieces have been pushed out by the soil behind them. The only way to push them back is to dig the soil out from behind the retaining wall and then reposition the retaining wall post.
Another option is to dig along the retaining wall and add two more posts to the left and right of the leaning post. This will temporarily reinforce the wall and prevent further movement. I don't recommend putting in any permanent supports, especially if you are planning a revamp of the retaining wall in the near future.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Build Retaining Wall
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @TedBear, @JoeAzza and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @phiaxs
If you're looking for purely a temporary fix then, put two new posts in each section and just leave the old ones on place. Just keep it cheap and simple and use pine poles again but angled back as per image below to support the weight better. And go 50/50 with length. So, for 1000mm out of the ground, go the same in. Keep the hole as small in diameter as possible for added strength. Then use rapid set concrete as per the manufactures instructions on the pack. Nailbag
Thanks guys for your detailed instructions and excellent visual diagrams! This definitely seems like a more workable solution. Is there an option to just nail or screw the leaning post back onto the wall?
Hi @phiaxs,
You could certainly nail or screw the leaning post back to the retaining boards, but unfortunately, that won't do much to address the actual issue.
The post is there to resist the pressure of the soil behind the wall. If it has leaned because it's rotted below ground level or because the soil pressure has pushed it over, simply fastening it back to the boards will only stop it from separating from the wall visually. It won't restore any meaningful structural support to the retaining wall itself.
Even as a temporary measure, the priority should be preventing further movement of the wall and reducing the risk of collapse. That's why installing one or two additional support posts has been suggested. These new posts will take some of the load from the soil and provide actual reinforcement until you're ready to replace the retaining wall.
Mitchell
Good morning @phiaxs
I actually prefer @EricL's suggestion. Its only a shovels blade with you need to dig out to remove the pressure from pushing the existing one forward. You could then put in new posts as @Nailbag has suggested and straighten the retaining wall. backfill and leave until you have a new wall decided. (I like Gabion styled walls as they allow water through and do not need to be installed on a concrete footing)
Dave
