Retaining
Sleeper selection guide
How to think about sleepers, posts and drainage notes before building a retaining or landscape list.
Match the sleeper to the job
Sleeper choice is not just the visible face. Capture height, length, posts, drainage and access notes before review.
- Wall length and height
- Straight runs or corners
- Post spacing notes if known
- Drainage material notes
- Access for heavy or long items
Sleeper planning notes
| Planning area | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper type | Timber, concrete or other preferred finish | Affects handling, post choice and visual result |
| Wall layout | Straight runs, corners, steps or returns | Changes quantities and cutting notes |
| Drainage | Gravel, pipe or fabric notes where required | Keeps the list from focusing on sleepers only |
| Access | Driveway, narrow path or unloading constraints | Helps review practical handling |
Retaining list checklist
- Approximate wall length
- Approximate finished height
- Preferred sleeper finish
- Post type or post notes
- Drainage layer notes
- Backfill or landscape material notes
- Access and unloading notes
Material areas often involved
Sleeper questions
Can I send a rough wall sketch?
Yes. A simple sketch with lengths, corners and height notes is often more useful than a neat list with missing context.
Should drainage be in the first list?
Add drainage notes early. Even if the final material choice changes, the review needs to know that drainage has been considered.
Do sleeper projects need site-specific advice?
Many retaining projects depend on the site. Use the guide to prepare a better list, then get the project reviewed by the right trade or design professional where needed.
Send the list with site notes
Include height, length, sleeper preference and access notes so the review starts in the right place.