When we bought the property, it included a nice 10×16′ shed. It’s insulated and wired with outlets and lights. The problem was what to do with it and where to put it. It was right in the way of where the new building was to be built.
After much measuring and thought, it was decided that it should go directly north and west about 30′. It would nestle into the trees and be in very close to the new building. That would allow it to be on the same driveway as the new structure. All nice and neat.
However, this created a new project. Where it was to go was way to steep just to hold the shed. Having the shed slowly slide down the hill into the timber was a no-go.
The previous owners had built a small retaining wall out of wood power poles but it had slowly failed and was sliding down said hill towards said timber. After carefully measuring the grade, it dropped 36″ in fifteen feet. That was a little steeper than it looked.
I couldn’t build on the existing failed wall so I came up with a plan for a new wall and left the old one to be buried.
Thinking back in landscape construction career, I honestly think I built around 50 retaining walls of various sizes and material. So I had a good idea on what type of wall was needed.
I knew a block wall would be too difficult to get a proper footing set to prevent settling. 6×6 treated timbers would work fine but when I priced them out, I got a sticker shock. I wasn’t wild about railroad ties (put a pin in that for later) because of the weight and quality issues. Sourcing was just as important as price. I didn’t want to start and not have the material to complete. On a whim, I took a look on Craigslist with little luck and then Facebook Marketplace where my luck changed.
A guy about 20 minutes from the house was selling used telephone poles. He worked for a contractor replacing the poles and the old ones were theirs to dispose of. He was cutting them at 9-10′ lengths and most of the poles measured 6-8″ in dia. At $10.00 each, I was pretty sure they would work. Most weighed around 60-80 lbs. so I could move and handle them.
I arranged to buy two loads-about 35 in all and the project began.