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How to improve my retaining wall?

Hello!

Recent first home buyer here! Looking to improve this retaining wall. We have added some new treated pine sleepers to make the wall even and topped it up with some soil to attempt a garden bed in it.

The old sleepers are now causing me some grief with a build up of green moss/mould? I have pressure washed it which has helped a small bit.

1)Any tips on a solution that will aid in getting off the grime? I’m mindful that anything that needs to be hosed off after will run onto my already struggling grass which I don’t want to damage any further…

so any suggestions which will help get the grime off without damaging the grass would be greatly appreciated!

2) also when I had this project in mind I thought I would paint the retaining wall white or stain it to all be the same colour…. However many online forums say that painting or staining will cause damage to the wall as it traps the water and causes it to rot over time. Any suggestions on a paint or stain to go with?

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Comments

EricL

Hello @brookjvr

Thanks for sharing your question about your retaining wall. I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How to stain treated Pine on my retaining wall. by @Katetaxicabs. The suggested steps are to clean the surface of the sleepers with 30 Seconds 5L Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate in combination with a scrub brush and washing the surface with a pressure washer. If the stains are stubborn, I suggest a second application of the outdoor cleaner. Once the surface is thoroughly clean and dry, you can then try to oil or stain the surface.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

brookjvr

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/53285#Comment_53285

Thanks for that Eric! Do you think the 30 seconds outdoor cleaner will cause damage to grass when it’s hosed off?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88842#Comment_88842

Hi @brookjvr,

The 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner is generally safe to use around your garden and grass. However, it does contain chemicals, so to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to thoroughly flush any surrounding grass with water for about 10 minutes after you’ve finished using it. This helps dilute the cleaner and prevents any potential impact on your lawn.

Staining the retaining wall to achieve a consistent colour is definitely a good option and won’t cause any damage to the structure. You're absolutely right about the concerns with painting — applying paint creates a water-impermeable layer on the front face of the wall, which can lead to problems. Since retaining walls aren’t typically sealed from the back, moisture can still get in from behind. That moisture then tries to escape through the front, which causes the paint to blister, peel, or flake off — sometimes within just 12 months to a couple of years. This not only looks unsightly but can also be a pain to maintain. I’d strongly recommend avoiding paint and opting for a quality exterior timber stain instead. It will allow the wall to breathe, protect the timber, and still give you the consistent, polished look you’re after.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AlanM52

Hi brookjvr,

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner.

Soil (and watering) will rot the bottom of the palings and the plinth board, and maybe the bottom rail.

I suggest a barrier like fibre cement along the fence to mitigate rotting.

Cheers

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