Which sleepers last longest?

As a rule, hardwood oak sleepers tend to last the longest naturally with an expected lifespan of around 100 years. An untreated softwood will last for between three and five years if it sits on the ground, whilst treated softwoods can last between 20 and 30 years if they are maintained correctly.

What is sleeper edging?

It don’t require complex design as sleepers provide an easy and practical way to define the edge of your garden. Simply stack sleepers on top of each other to form your desired edging. Sleepers also enhance your garden aesthetics. Reclaimed sleepers have a worn look that makes them perfect for a rustic style.

Can you edge a patio with sleepers?

Oak sleepers are great for edging your garden because they are robust and durable. You can use them to form a beautiful border around flower beds, grass or your patio.

How do you edge a garden with a sleeper?

5 steps for how to lay garden sleepers

Step 1 – Create a clear space for your sleepers.
Step 2 – Fix the garden sleepers into position.
Step 3 – Stack your sleepers (if you’re going for height)
Step 4 – Join your sleepers together.
Step 5 – Finish off the surface of the sleepers.

Will sleepers rot in the ground?

Like all wood, sleepers will eventually rot and fade when exposed to the weather. To prevent them falling to bits before their time, you need to use a good wood preserver.

What are the best garden sleepers to use?

Green treated or “tanalised” railway sleepers are coated in environmentally friendly, non-Creosote based preservatives, such as ACQ or Tanalith E, which are safe to use and suitable for all garden landscaping projects, making them a wise choice for your garden.

How do you anchor sleepers to the ground?

Cut your sleepers to your required length, which could be random for a rustic look. Then mix up some lean mortar, such as 6:1, to be used as a concrete base and haunching. Place at least a 50mm bed of concrete in the bottom of the trench and start inserting the sleepers, haunching them up as you go.

Can you Bed sleepers on mortar?

Should I line sleepers?

You may want to add bricks or stones at the bottom before the soil to increase drainage. Our timber sleepers are made from a specific class of timber for use in ground and water contact, so lining the beds is not essential.