WHERE TO BEGIN - SPACING AND SETTING THE POSTS

HOW TO
BUILD A PINE LOG Spacing. Using builder’s line and
stakes, mark the centre line of the
Fig. 1
RETAINING WALL upright posts that will support the
wall (see fig.1). Do not encroach
onto footpath or roadway. Logs to
be laid horizontally must be in the
centre back of the uprights making
it easier to fix in place with no visible
front joins. Dig postholes 600mm
Retaining walls can make a spectacular deep. Check clearance behind
improvement to the outside appearance of your posts to fit horizontal logs.
home, adding interest and individuality. Treated pine Setting. Holes
logs give so many design possibilities. Choose from should be clean
and straight.
smooth precision logs with a constant diameter to Shovel a layer of
butt together perfectly for a precise, uniform finish; coarse rubble into
easy stacking winged split logs and slabs; economical the base for
drainage (see
sleepers; popular split rounds; and general purpose fig.2). Measure
rounds with a natural taper and a rough finish for and cut posts to
a rustic appearance. Treated pine logs let you create length. Embed
posts vertically, side and back. Fill with pre-mix concrete 100mm below
landscaping with flair and originality, while retaining ground level. Temporary bracing with timber struts ensures posts remain
the strength and practicality that is an essential vertically plumbed. To prevent leaning, build with a backward slope
requirement of an outdoor building material. of 2 degrees (see fig.3). Check with spirit level, adjust if necessary.
Placing Logs.
Place bottom line
of horizontal logs
into position
ensuring ends
meet in centre of
upright posts. End
posts should have
logs level with
outer circumference (see fig.4). Fix logs to post using bolts working
from the bottom. (For perfect alignment set top rail first and work to
ground level.) Continue placing lines of logs hard against posts reversing
thick and thin levels, however this should be unnecessary with precision
PREPARATION & PLANNING MATERIALS logs. At required height, posts should be level with each other and the
Landscaping your garden by • Pre-mix concrete top line secured with fasteners.
building a log wall will greatly Fig. 5
DRAINAGE
enhance your home if done correctly.
Prepare by first making a rough SAFETY If necessary provide granular drainage layer
sketch of the type of wall you want • Always keep tools and materials behind wall around perforated poly pipe.
and note where any access gaps, away from children. Allow fall to run-off to disposal point (see
gates or steps will be, then transpose • Wear gloves when handling
accurate measurements to help
Fig. 5).
treated pine poles.
estimate log quantities. Keep designs • Read the instructions before PRECISION TREATED PINE LOGS
simple and take into consideration beginning your project.
land contours. Logs give a bold • You may need permission from Precision logs are uniform in dimension and
effect, so use large ones rather than your local council, and/or water smooth along the entire length. This makes
smaller ones. They look better and and power authorities before this it easier to achieve an even look and quicker
are less work. work is carried out. They should be to build. (see Fig. 6).
contacted before you start.
•Wear an approved dust mask HELPFUL TIPS Fig. 6
TOOLS when cutting, planing or sanding
• Posthole digger • Square timber AS/N251716. 1. Use galvanised fastenings. They won’t rust
• Crosscut saw • Plumb-bob and stain logs.
• Hammer • Crowbar 2. Mitre cut logs if there are corners in your wall and/or pin with long screws
• Drill and bits • Pencil or nails.
• Shovel • Builder’s line
•Tape measure
3. Drill slightly undersized holes if fastening with bolts. Keeps work rigid.
4. Plants beautify your wall and help prevent erosion.
5. Bed logs should be a minimum of 100mm diameter by 900mm long.
6. Low non-load bearing walls do not need inward slope to compensate for
deflection.
7. To prevent leaning, build with a backward slope of 2 degrees.
Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information and advice given in 8. For large hillside areas a
this guide is authoritative no legal liability is accepted for such information and advice.
series of low retaining walls is
less likely to move than a single
high wall.