Railway Sleepers: Versatile, Affordable Landscaping Solutions

Why Sleepers?

Faster, cheaper than brick/masonry. Natural wood blends with garden landscapes. Used for driveway edging, soil retention, and more.

Soil Retention Walls

Reconcile ground level differences. Height determines fastening method:
• ≥1m: Steel H-columns (UC).
• Lower: Vertical sleepers buried partially.
• 150–400mm: Minimal securing (right angles add strength).

Fixing Sleepers

Landscaping screws (hex head, up to 250mm, power drill). Extremely strong—screw through sleeper into next. High pull-out resistance.

Sleeper Types

• Recycled: Cost-effective, often creosoted hardwood. Durable but not for skin contact/clothing. Clad tall structures.
• New Oak: Attractive, durable even cut/buried. Costs more than softwood but outlasts it.
• Treated Softwood: Cheaper, lighter, easier handling.

Practical Tips

• Cut with chainsaw (handsaw for small jobs).
• Move with 2 people (heavy).
• Rotate for best face (new oak has best side; recycled varies).

Next Steps

Contact local stockist (e.g., AVS Fencing Supplies in Sussex/Surrey/Cambridgeshire) for advice and quotes.