Bugs, Boards, and a Better Backyard: Retaining Wall Rebuild by Arch Carpentry

At Arch Carpentry, not every project takes place inside the home—and sometimes the biggest transformations happen in the backyard. We were recently hired by a homeowner to rebuild a failing retaining wall, and what started as a straightforward replacement turned into a memorable job full of surprises (and more bugs than we bargained for).

The Problem

The original wall was made from old 2x12 boards that had completely rotted out over time, leaving the yard vulnerable to erosion and collapse. Our job was to safely remove the old structure and rebuild it with strength and longevity in mind.

But as we began demolition, we discovered an unexpected challenge: the largest fire ant colony we’ve ever seen. Hidden inside the decaying boards, the colony had taken over the space. Before we could safely move forward, the area had to be fully treated and cleared.

The Arch Carpentry Solution

Once the extermination was complete, we got to work:

• Demoed and removed all rotten 2x12s

• Drilled new post holes and installed sturdy 4x4 pressure-treated posts

• Rebuilt the wall using new pressure-treated 2x12 boards

• Constructed the wall in three-tier stair-step sections, each 12 feet long

  
  

  • One section 3 boards high

  • One section 2 boards high

  • One section 1 board high

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• Backfilled behind the new wall to ensure proper support and drainage

The Results

The finished product is a solid, functional, and clean-looking retaining wall that will hold up for years to come—no pests, no rot, no problem. It’s now a much safer and more attractive part of the homeowner’s yard.

Why It Matters

Whether it’s protecting your landscaping, preventing erosion, or simply improving curb appeal, a well-built retaining wall makes a big difference. At Arch Carpentry, we believe in doing things right the first time—even when that means digging deeper (literally and figuratively).

Do it right the first time—with Arch Carpentry.