How to Build a Cross-Tie Wall

Clear the area where you intend to place the wall. Mark the outside dimensions of the wall with wooden stakes and string.

Dig a shallow trench, 4 to 6 inches deep by 12 inches wide, where the wall will be set. Fill the trench with pea gravel. Use two stakes, string and the line level to level the surface of the gravel. This helps the base cross ties sit almost level. The gravel base will also provide drainage and reduce rot and water damage to the wall.

Level each marker string with the line level so that the string is 6 inches above the gravel base. Lay the first row of cross ties so the top of the ties just touches the string at the outside top corner. Remove or add gravel to adjust the height of the cross ties so they are level with the guide string. Cut the ends of the ties at the corner to match the ends of the walls.

Lay a second row over the top of the first. Set the second tie back 1 inch toward the fill side. The wall will lean slightly toward the dirt side. Stagger the seams by overlapping any butt joint or corner seam.

Lay the third row of ties on top of the second row, continuing to stagger the seams. Set the cross ties back 1 inch from the outside edge of the preceding row toward the fill side.

Drill a 5/16-inch pilot hole through the top of the third row of ties into the second row below. Drill three holes per tie.

Drive three 3/8-inch nails into the pilot holes in each cross tie and through to the lower rows of ties. Continue laying rows until you reach the desired height.