"Pam - gardengal" in
news:qN4pc.48038$z06.6860106@attbi_s01:

"Dooler" wrote in message
...
I am looking at putting up a fence, extending existing that ends
flush with house to extend out several feet plut at angle (around
electrical and mail box) then to run along side of house giving 6-8
feet space along side and total stretch of 60 feet. House is on
corner lot (small lot!!).

My original idea of installing myself seems to have gone by wayside
as project has taken on life of its own. Before putting fence in,
need to build up ground with 2' tall retaining wall for majority of
stretch (60 feet).

Quotes given to me by contractors ranged from 2100 to 2600 (ProGrass
was at $5400 ouch) for a ManorStone (MutualMaterials) retaining wall
and wooden fence. After selecting one contractor, as I have made
inqueries about small changes, such as wanting 6' fence for 15 foot
stretch, then rest 5', the cost for materials keeps edging up.

QUESTION: To help keep cost down, should I consider pressure treated
wood as a form of retaining wall instead of the ManorStone? It would
definately give me more yard room as ManorStone is 12" deep + extra
setback needed for posts. With my back, digging and lifting are not
what I dream of (more like nightmares), so was also reason of
selecting contractor.

If you are interested in going through this same exercise a few years
down the road, then you could use PT lumber. Wood, even pressure
treated wood, will rot when in constant contact with moist soil.

yeah, wood is wood.

the cca replacement might not be a rot resistant, but shouldn't leave as
nasty stuff in the siol when it rots?



Not a
material I would consider for any type of long term garden project -
certainly not for a retaining wall. Bite the bullet, get out your
checkbook and go with the stone. It is far better to invest some
serious dollars in good, longlasting quality materials than to
economize temporarily.

Have you considered having a poured concrete retaining wall done? It
will have a much narrower profile than the ManorStone and they can
inset post clips

better check the specs on the bases.
simpson is a big mfr. i think all their post bases warn against using
without top support.
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=%
22not+recommended+for+non+top%2Dsupported%22



directly into the wall to support your fence posts.

posts could be lag bolted onto side of retaining, but that would be ugly.


Look for a fencing contractor rather than a landscape outfit - they
are more experienced in this type of application and the cost should
be very competitive.

yep yep yep

pam - gardengal