A retaining wall often fails because posts shift, water builds up behind the wall or the materials simply can’t handle tough Australian conditions. Many DIY walls only make it a few seasons before timber starts rotting or poor drainage takes its toll.
SuperSleepers are designed to sidestep those problems. Made from long-lasting composite material, they hold up in heat, humidity and coastal environments.
Let us break down the common problems SuperSleepers solve and how you can install them yourself.
Tricky ground conditions and harsh weather can make retaining walls a frustrating backyard project. Even the best traditional walls can eventually attract termites, split or fail if the drainage isn’t right.
SuperSleepers take away most of these usual pain points.
They’re made from a fibre-reinforced composite that’s strong, stable and built for the outdoors. It won’t split, crack or swell even in coastal air or Queensland humidity.
Because the sleepers are much lighter than concrete, most people can install a small wall over a weekend without machinery. The system uses composite C-posts and H-posts that resist corrosion, and the installation method ensures proper drainage from the start.
Most small backyard walls take about one to two days to install, depending on digging conditions.
Before starting your build, gather everything you’ll need:
SuperSleepers (Standard or Premium)
Crushed rock or road base for the footing
Socked AGI pipe for drainage
Concrete for setting posts
Galvanised bolts
Tools: tape measure, level, shovel, post hole digger/auger, drill or impact driver, wheelbarrow and standard safety gear.
Optional tools like a compactor, string line or circular saw can help make things quicker and neater.
These steps follow the official SuperSleeper installation method. For more in-depth details, their install guide and visual diagram are helpful to keep on hand.
Measure the length and height of your wall so you know how many sleepers, posts and caps you need. If your wall is over one metre high or near a boundary, check whether council approval is required.
And before any digging, always contact Dial Before You Dig (1100) to avoid underground services.
Run a string line along the path of the retaining wall. This gives you a straight and accurate reference for digging, aligning posts and keeping your wall level and consistent.
Dig a trench along your string line that’s wide enough for the posts and sleepers.
Add and compact crushed rock or road base so you have a firm, level foundation. This stops your wall from shifting over time.
Mark your post spacing, dig the post holes and place your C-posts and H-posts in position.
Prepare your concrete, then set each post at the correct depth and alignment. Check levels against your string line to ensure everything is straight. Allow the concrete to cure before continuing.
Once the posts are set, install the SuperSupports at the bottom. These ensure the first sleeper sits correctly and stays in place. Slot the bottom sleeper between the posts, resting it on the supports for accurate height and alignment.
SuperSleepers are designed to neatly slot into place, one row at a time.
Continue stacking the sleepers upward until your wall reaches the planned height. Because each piece fits into the next, the wall stays aligned and secure.
Place the socked AGI pipe behind the bottom sleeper and surround it with free-draining material. Lay geo-fabric behind the wall and continue backfilling in layers, keeping the material well-compacted and stopping about 300 mm from the top.
On the top row, install the SuperCap for a clean, finished look. Shape the topsoil so water runs away from the wall, then landscape the area with plants, mulch or groundcovers.
A clean, modern retaining wall that holds strong in tough weather. The composite build and lightweight design make installation smoother, and once it’s up, you’ll have a durable, low-maintenance feature that supports gardens, terraces and sloped areas easily.
If you’re after a retaining wall that’s DIY-friendly and built to last, SuperSleepers are a solid choice. They’re easier to install than concrete sleepers and hold up far better than traditional timber, especially in Australian conditions.
With the steps above, you can build a strong wall that improves your yard’s layout and stands the test of time and weather.
Check out the full SuperSleepers range at Australian Landscape Supplies today!
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