Pressure-Treated Timber Retaining Wall & Stairway Project in Glenview, IL

This Glenview, IL backyard project focused on replacing an existing railroad-tie retaining wall and stairway system with new pressure-treated timber walls and a rebuilt staircase leading to the back deck. The existing railroad ties were removed and disposed of, and a new stone base was prepared before constructing the replacement walls and rebuilding the stairs and upper landing near the air-conditioning units. The project also included wooden railings and removal of tree roots within the work area.

Project Goals

• Remove and dispose of the existing railroad ties and timbers along the back of the house.
• Prepare a proper stone base for the new retaining walls.
• Construct new pressure-treated timber retaining walls to match the existing wall along the driveway.
• Rebuild the staircase leading toward the back deck.
• Reconstruct the upper landing near the air-conditioning units.
• Install wooden railings along the new stairway.
• Remove tree roots interfering with the construction area.
• Coordinate the project around the relocation of the air-conditioning units.

Existing Railroad Tie Removal

The project began with the removal of all existing railroad ties and timbers along the back of the house. These older retaining structures were removed and disposed of to clear the area for the new wall and stairway system.

Removing the existing timbers also provided access to properly prepare the base and establish the layout for the replacement structures.

Stone Base Preparation

After demolition and removal of the existing timbers, a new stone base was prepared for the replacement retaining walls. Establishing a solid base provides the foundation needed for the new pressure-treated timber construction.

The base preparation was an important step in creating a consistent foundation for the new walls and stairway system.

New Pressure-Treated Timber Retaining Walls

New retaining walls were constructed using pressure-treated timbers designed to coordinate with the existing wall along the driveway. Matching the material and overall appearance helps create a consistent look between the driveway-side retaining wall and the newly rebuilt backyard structures.

The new walls also define and support the elevated landscape areas surrounding the staircase.

Stairway Reconstruction

The existing staircase was rebuilt as part of the new retaining wall system, providing a renewed connection between the backyard and the back deck. The stairway was reconstructed after the old retaining structures were removed and the new wall system was established.

The project also included rebuilding the landing at the top of the stairs near the air-conditioning units.

Upper Landing & Air-Conditioning Coordination

The upper portion of the staircase and landing required coordination around the existing air-conditioning equipment. The scope calls for the air-conditioning units to be removed or moved by others so the landscaping team can complete the work in the designated area.

Once the equipment is relocated, the landing can be properly rebuilt as part of the new stairway and retaining wall system.

Tree Root Removal

Tree roots within the construction area were also addressed as part of the project preparation. The roots were to be removed where necessary to accommodate the new walls and staircase.

The associated trees are to be cut down and disposed of by the homeowner prior to the landscaping work.

Wooden Railings

Wooden railings are planned for the rebuilt staircase to provide a finished and functional element along the stairway. The railings will complement the new pressure-treated timber construction and coordinate with the overall appearance of the backyard retaining system.

Railings are noted as being quoted separately from the primary retaining wall and stairway scope.

Why Retaining Walls & Stairways Matter

A properly rebuilt retaining wall and stairway system can provide structure and defined access across areas with elevation changes. The combination of a prepared stone base, new pressure-treated timber walls, and a rebuilt staircase creates a coordinated system connecting the backyard to the elevated deck area.

Replacing the older railroad ties also allows the surrounding landscape to be reconstructed around a newly established wall and stairway layout.

Project Highlights

• Removed and disposed of existing railroad ties and timbers behind the home.
• Prepared a new stone base for the retaining wall system.
• Constructed new pressure-treated timber retaining walls.
• Matched the new walls to the existing wall along the driveway.
• Rebuilt the staircase leading to the back deck.
• Rebuilt the upper landing near the air-conditioning units.
• Removed tree roots interfering with the construction area.
• Included wooden railings for the new staircase.
• Coordinated the work around air-conditioning equipment relocation.
• Created a new cohesive retaining wall and stairway system for the Glenview backyard.

As you browse through the photos, you can see the process of removing the existing railroad ties and preparing the backyard for the new retaining wall and staircase system. The new pressure-treated timber walls were designed to coordinate with the existing wall along the driveway, while the rebuilt stairs and upper landing provide a renewed connection to the back deck.

The completed project establishes a new timber retaining system and staircase in the backyard, combining structural landscape construction with improved access to the elevated deck area.

 

---

Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us

Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.