How to Make a Sloped Lawn into Tiers: The Step by Step Guide

Sloped gardens can be difficult to use and enjoy, but with a little planning and effort you can create tiers which can be both practical and look great. There are various ways to shape a sloped garden but this article will cover a two tiered garden. The levels will be created in the easiest way possible using a wooden sleeper retaining wall. This method can be used for tiers of up to 1m height. Taller tiers will need steel posts.

Before starting its worth noting that this method can be labour intensive and will require multiple days to complete, just make sure you are up to the task before hand. This guide will cover the practical aspects of creating tiers but there are other design aspects which should be weighed up too.

Tools

• Spirit level
• String line
• Measuring tape
• Laser level
• Trenching spade
• Post hole diggers
• Hose or watering can
• Staple gun
• Tamping square
• Saw
• Impact driver

Materials

• Skip
• 100x100mm wooden fence posts
• Pond liner
• Hex bolts
• Post mix (1 per post)
• 100 x 200mm treated sleepers
• Staples

Step 1: Work out the drop

In this step you need to balance what you want with what is practically possible and affordable. Most people want one large area, but this can be difficult and expensive to achieve. Think about where the sun hits the garden and what you would like on each level. Perhaps you want a seating area on the upper level and a vegetable patch on the lower level.

Start by measuring the length and height of the slope from top to bottom using a level, stick and measuring tape. If you want to go pro then use a laser level. The height of the upper tier will depend largely on what is surrounding it. Choose a level which would mean not too much added or lowered on the other areas of the slope.

Step 2: Dig out the area

Dig out the area up to where you want the retaining wall to go. This will best be done with an excavator. It is common to hit rocky clay soil when digging down to any depth, it can be extremely hard to dig through with a normal spade so we recommend using a trenching spade.

Step 3: Install wooden posts

The retaining wall will be supported by 100 x 100mm fence posts which sit 600mm in the ground and finish 100mm below where you want the top of the retaining wall. Make sure they are pressure treated so they won’t rot. To guarantee adequate strength the posts should be placed no more than 1.2m apart.

Step 4: Install the retaining sleepers

Using 150mm hex bolts securely fasten the sleepers to the fence posts in an overlapping staggered pattern. Use pond liner attached to the back of the sleepers to protect from water seepage.

Step 5: Level the upper tier

Wait at least 24 hours before starting this stage. Backfill and tamp down with a tamping square. Use a spade and spirit level to excavate high areas and fill lower areas.

Step 6: Install the borders

To hide the sloped edges, install decorative borders such as raised sleeper beds. Top with topsoil and plants.

Step 7: Pave the lower area

Lay paving slabs on the lower tier. We used natural Indian sandstone that fits in perfectly with the existing patio.

To conclude, this two-tier method is great for giving you the maximum usable space. With tiers this high it is essential to set up some sort of barrier to prevent accidents, especially if you have small children at home.