How to Secure Landscape Timbers
- 1). Mark the footprint for the new timbers using spray paint of construction caulk. Dig up the grass in the proposed area and cover the area with gravel. Level the gravel and set the first layer of timbers on top of the gravel. Use a level to check that the timbers are level. Make any necessary cuts for the first layer of timbers. For flowerbeds, the timbers are usually stacked three or more timbers high depending on the size of the flowerbed. Retaining walls can be as high as 20 timbers.
- 2). Secure the corners together using screws designed for pressure treated wood. The chemicals in the wood would destroy other types of screws. Stack the second layer of timbers on top of the first layer. Repeat this process until the stack reaches the desired height. Check the wall or flowerbed for level during this process.
- 3). Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the timbers until you reach the ground. You can drill timbers separately or use a long drill bit to drill through a stack.Insert a rod of rebar at least 2 feet longer than the depth of the stack into the hole. Use a sledgehammer to drive the rebar through the holes, just like driving a nail. The rebar should go through the timbers and at least 2 feet into the ground.
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