Ideas to Make an Inexpensive Retaining Garden Wall

Timber

• Pressure treated pine timbers, like those used for building decks or sheds, work well for an inexpensive retaining wall. The natural look of wood also complements a garden unlike cement blocks or bricks. Timbers may be the least expensive of all retaining wall materials that can be purchased, but they do have a few drawbacks. According to Miller Nursery (millernursery.com), wood doesn't curve well and splits over time from exposure to sunlight and moisture. A timber retaining wall will only last between 10 and 20 years.

Concrete Bags

• A bag of concrete will set into a hard, stone-like lump inside the bag when exposed to the natural moisture of rainfall. By stacking the bags in a staggered pattern like bricks are laid, an inexpensive garden retaining wall is quickly built. An 80-pound bag of ready-to-use concrete mix costs around $3.00 as of April 2011. Each bag is much larger than a similarly-priced cement block. Concrete bags also seal together and dry like a mortared brick wall.

Gathered Stone

• Natural stone walls can be the most expensive garden retaining walls, unless your property already has the materials you need to build it. Take advantage of any chunks of stone that you may have on the property to build a simple stacked stone wall. Ask your neighbors if they have any unwanted stones as well. If you have to purchase stone, cultured stone is a less-expensive alternative that still has a natural look.

Tires

• It may not be the most attractive material, but old tires make a very durable and free or inexpensive retaining wall for your garden. Clemson University advises to use whole tires attached with metal posts or wire and filled with compacted dirt or gravel to create a long-lasting retaining wall. Cover the tires with landscaping timbers, paint or trailing ground-cover plants. Tires degrade very slowly and will last much longer than wood.