LIGHT DUTY LOG WALLS

Low-level Cantilever

Low-level Cantilever construction shown on left.

Pallisade construction shown on right. See this page.

This page describes the method of construction when using treated pine logs for light duty, low level cantilever walls. The low level cantilever walls do not require the posts to be deeply embedded but otherwise construction is similar that required for heavy duty walls. It is important to note that the systems described on this page are non-structural, that is, they are not designed to hold back large masses of soil or fill. They are decorative walls for use in low load situations where soil pressure is minimal or as a facing wall where the material behind the wall is self supporting, such as, low level garden beds or as a facing walls in front of a rock ledge.

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 as shown in the embedment sketch on the left making sure they have an inward (ie. against any slope) lean, or batter, of 4 or 5 degrees from the vertical as at left. Post spacing will be determined by the length of horizontal timbers to be used.

Embed posts as shown on this page

2. Fix rails to the earth side of the uprights using galvanised spikes. Pre-drill; horizontal rails. In some cases it is possible to fix the top rail first and then work downwards. This has the advantage of helping to achieve perfect alignment of the top edge.

3. Horizontal rails can be rounds, splits, winged splits or sawn section timbers as shown below.

4. Walls can be of closed or open construction depending on the effect to be achieved. Open faced walls should be back filled with rocks, as below left. For very low walls half round uprights can be used.