I had left enough space around the builders foam to add a retaining wall. I think the retaining wall is a nice way to finish the edges since I built up the land in order to have the leaf deck.
Since the foam layers are uneven, I cut strips of foam core board to act as filler and an even surface for the wood boards that will make up the retaining wall. Before gluing the foam core board in place, I added shims in a couple of places where needed to make the walls level. It already looks cleaner.
For the back piece, I cut a hole for the wires to exit the back.
I added a length of twine from the back opening to the top side of the landscaping area. This will allow me to feed through any wires for landscaping lights I might want to add later, before the final landscaping covers this wiring channel.
I will add 1/4″ x 1/2″ trim wood around the base to finish the rough plywood edge. On top of this will sit three horizontal rows of planks. I’ll use Woodsies sticks that measure 6″ x 3/4″ x 1/16″. A box of 300 sticks was $5 before using my 30% off coupon. They have rounded edges, so each one will need to be cut.
On top of the horizontal planks, I’ll use 1/4″ corner trim. This will give the look of a solid beam on top of the wall. For the vertical posts, I will use 1/8″ x 1/4″ bass wood.
I need to pick a stain color, though I’m already thinking something dark so it won’t compete with the Studio or the leaf deck. Perhaps walnut….
Now it’s time to cut a whole mess of sticks!!! :D
