1. Below are the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

2. Before you start, plan out the length and height of your retaining wall. We are replacing an old retaining wall, but the same principles apply t...

3. Use a tape measure to work out the length of your wall and how much timber you'll need. Make sure you leave some space at the back for a drainag...

4. Choose timber with a minimum rating of H4. We've gone for treated pine sleepers, which are designed to go in ground, and will last longer out in...

5. Depending on the length of your wall, the sleepers are going to need joiner posts to keep them in place. So, measure and mark the points where t...

6. Lay out where you are going to build your retaining wall by running a string line between two stakes at either end. Make sure you set your strin...

7. Dig holes for the posts the same depth as the height you want the posts to be above ground. We are also digging a bit further out from the strin...

8. Measure the height of your posts from the bottom of the hole to the top of the string line. We will be cutting enough timber for three posts, b...

9. Now it's time to cut your timber to the sizes you need for the wall and posts. Measure and mark your timber using a pencil and square, then use...

10. Once you have your timber cut to size, put the posts into position. Make sure they are far enough out to go in front of the wall.