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Building a shed on a slope, and looking to add a retaining wall around it to block the space underneath, but offset the wall 2ft or so to add dirt and plants.

If possible, I want to be able to put something around the shed base to put the dirt up against on the back side of retaining wall without having to use concrete blocks. Keeping the space under the shed empty, and only filling dirt in between retaining wall and barrier. I am thinking of sealing the columns, and attaching wood wrapped in tyvek or something to protect it from rot.

The 6x6 posts, joists, and rim joists are all pressure treated wood.

What are some options to hold the dirt between the perimeter of the shed and retaining wall? Also do I have to leave a gap for airflow? Or can i seal it up to rim joist.

See picture for example.

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You want air flow under the shed to keep it dry. The traditional barrier around houses on piers was a wood lattice, mostly aesthetic, and of course unwanted critters would get past it.

I don't understand your idea of a retaining wall and a barrier with a 2 ft gap. The purpose of this is not apparent to me; it sounds elaborate and a lot of trouble. My initial reaction is that Tyvek wrapped around wood in contact with soil would not protect the wood from rot.

Plants around a shed are going to lead to watering around the shed. I can see that just a lattice around the perimeter might seem stark, but there is a reason this was traditional. Whatever you do, leave some convenient access to put rat traps under the shed. If and when they are needed, put them in the special boxes to prevent pets or any non-target animals from being trapped.

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  • Thanks Jim. I want the retaining wall to make it look a little more elegant. As right now it's an eye soar with its height. I was forced this location being on a corner lot and setback rules(there are less steep sloped areas in my yard).. so i am looking for a way to add the retaining wall, but still protecting 6x6 post. Maybe i can tar them? They do sit a couple inches off the ground on concrete... – eaglei22 Aug 8 '18 at 14:16
  • The 6x6 posts joists, and rim joists are all pressure treated wood. – eaglei22 Aug 8 '18 at 14:24
  • If they are pressure treated and they are not in contact with soil they will last indefinitely. You don't want to create a barrier to access under the shed that would prevent you from crawling under it to inspect and deal with unwanted critters so a port on the downhill side on the corner with the most clearance. You could use dry stacked concrete blocks that simulate stone with of course the finish side out. Some of these make a vertical wall and some an angled back wall. You should have vents for air to move through. – Jim Stewart Aug 8 '18 at 15:13

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