LIGHT DUTY LOG WALLS

Low level Pallisade

Low-level Cantilever construction shown on left. See this page.

Pallisade construction shown on right

This page describes the method of construction when using treated pine logs for light duty, low level pallisade walls. The design is a variation of the full palisade wall which has all vertical posts embedded in the ground for maximum strength in high load situations. This is a simple wall to build for decorative, lower load situations which allow only some of the posts to be embedded. The light duty design described in this leaflet involves embedding a number of posts at intervals, fixing horizontal rails and then attaching vertical timbers which look as though they go into the ground but are, in fact, cut off at ground line. This type of wall is suitable for tree collars, raised garden beds or low facing walls.

The preservative used to protect the horizontal and vertical members of the retaining walls from attack by termites and decay presents no hazard to humans, domestic animals or plants coming into contact with the structure. It is recommended that normal precautions are observed during construction, that garden gloves be worn during assembly and that, when cutting or sanding timbers, a simple mask be used to prevent inhalation of dust.

Treated timber must never be burned in barbecues, household fireplaces, wood burning stoves or in confined spaces. The best method of disposal is to take the unwanted treated timber to a tip. It should never be left lying where other people may collect it for firewood.

Treated timber is the ideal material for garden structures. Strong yet light and easy to handle it is pressure treated with CCA wood preservative to give it life time durability. Halfords publish a guide to the safe use of treated timber. Ask them for a copy of leaflet NO. 10 or you read can read our on-line Safety page here.

Once it is dry, treated timber can be painted or stained just like untreated timber. The application of paint and stain systems will minimise surface checking and splitting.

The information contained in this publication is produced as a guide only. Before the commencement of any work related to information provided, appropriate professional advice should be sought.

1. Set posts at 1 metre centres or whatever spacing is indicated by the design. If necessary, additional support can be provided by means of more vertical posts embedded in the ground or by adding a simple tie back as shown in sketch to the right.

Embed posts as shown on this page.

2. Position the horizontal rails by supporting with long nails. When alignment is correct, pre-drill rail and fix with galvanised spikes, as below left. Where rails end at posts, join by overlapping. Rails can either be rounds, half rounds or sawn section.

3.Fix vertical fill to rails by skew nailing with galvanised nails. Round, half round logs or sawn section section timber may be used.


4. To ensure a neat finish, make sure the fill follows the ground line closely. Tops can either be trimmed to the same height or left at staggered heights.