Tools - Marking, Levels & String Lines

Retaining Wall Installation Tools — Levels, String Lines & Marking

A retaining wall is only as straight, level, and plumb as the tools used to build it. The difference between a wall that looks professional and one that looks like a DIY disaster usually comes down to whether the builder took the time to set up string lines, check levels, and mark out the job properly before the first post went in the ground.

Our range of retaining wall installation tools covers the essentials for setting out, levelling, and aligning a concrete sleeper wall correctly — whether you're a first-time DIYer or a trade builder who just needs to restock.

What's in This Range

• Spirit levels — for checking posts are plumb (vertical) and sleepers are level (horizontal). A 1.2m or 1.8m level is ideal for retaining wall work.
• String lines & line pins — for setting out the wall alignment before excavation and checking sleeper alignment as the wall goes up course by course
• Marking tools — chalk lines, marking paint, and stakes for setting out the wall footprint on site
• Tape measures — for measuring post spacing, wall length, and footing depths accurately

Why Setting Out Matters

Retaining walls that aren't set out correctly before the first post is installed are almost impossible to fix once the concrete footings have cured. A wall that's out of alignment by even 20–30mm at one end will look noticeably wrong once the sleepers are in — and fixing it means pulling posts and starting again.

Take the time to set up string lines at the correct height and alignment before you dig a single hole. It's the most important 30 minutes of the whole job.

Works With Your Full Wall System

• H-beam steel posts
• C-channel PFC steel posts
• Concrete & cement for post footings
• Hardware, brackets & cleats
• Retaining wall starter kits — everything bundled in one order

Need advice on setting out your wall correctly? Contact our team — we're happy to walk you through the process before you start digging.