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Posted: 24th July 2023 | Author: Adam Brown | Category: Landscaping
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Sleepers are a mainstay of many construction projects, with a range of uses for both the professional and the DIYer. They’re known by a variety of terms - railway sleepers, landscaping timber, garden sleepers - but regardless of what you call them, do you know what they are?
Keep reading to learn more about what sleepers are, what they’re made of and how you can use them in your next project.
The term sleeper can mean different things to different people. In this case, we’re not talking about a type of earring or a double agent, but timber that can be useful in a number of outdoor projects. Originally, timber sleepers were used to support the metal railway tracks that trains run on - hence the name railway sleepers.
Nowadays, railway sleepers are typically made out of concrete or steel, making the wooden sleeper somewhat obsolete - or it would if they weren’t useful in so many different applications. The sleepers you buy these days might not have been under the railway tracks, but they still share the common features that make them so handy. And if you did want to spruce up your garden with the real deal, you can buy reclaimed sleepers that have been used elsewhere - just be aware that the added rustic value can make them more expensive than their brand new counterparts.
Looking for ideas of how to use sleepers? Many people use them for garden DIY projects, such as:
When it comes to using sleepers in your garden, the opportunities are endless. Sleepers are strong, sturdy and easy to use, making them ideal for DIY projects. Some people even use them inside the home!
When you’re looking to buy some sleepers, the majority of options on the market will be either brand new or reclaimed. Reclaimed sleepers have been used in previous projects - not necessarily on the railways - and typically have a more worn, rustic appearance. This makes them popular in terms of aesthetics, and since you’re reusing an existing item, they’re good for the environment, too. They’re also usually made out of hardwood, which lasts longer - sometimes even longer than 20 years. This means you don’t have to worry about replacing them as often.
However, it’s worth noting that that number refers to the time since they were new. A reclaimed sleeper that has a 20-year lifespan might have spent a good chunk of that time in its previous use, so you may have to replace them earlier than you think.
The alternative, of course, is to buy your sleepers new. They won’t typically have that lived-in look that makes reclaimed sleepers so popular, but you can have a better idea of how long they’ll last before they need to be replaced. If you’re buying new, you’ll also have the choice between hardwood and softwood timber.
Top tip! Always check when buying timber to make sure that the wood is FSC certified.
One thing that unites all sleepers, whether they’re brand new or reclaimed, is that they’re all made of wood. If you’re concerned about whether or not a wooden sleeper would fit in with the general aesthetic of your garden, there’s really no need. Railway sleepers can be stained and painted just like other timber in order to align with any colour scheme you choose.
This applies regardless of what you’re using the sleepers for, but there are some things to be aware of if you’re considering painting sleepers for use in your garden. First of all, any outdoor timber will last longer if it is treated, which can’t be done after you paint. Make sure any treatments or preservatives have been applied before you start your paint job.
Secondly, always remember to check the labels of any stains, varnishes, paints or preservatives you use on your sleepers beforehand. For items such as decking or benches, most types of paints will be adequate, so you’ll just need to consider shades and finishes. However, if you’ll be using sleepers within your garden, for example in raised beds or garden edging, it’s worth making sure that the stains and preservatives you use won’t leak anything unwanted into the soil and affect the growth of your plants.
Finally, before you buy your top coat paint, check that it is suitable for outdoor use. Items that are outside all year round will have to bear the brunt of British weather and all that it entails. External use paint often provides a degree of protection against the elements that interior paint might not give - and it could make a big difference in terms of how long your sleepers last.
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The Author: Adam Brown
With a background as a Mechanical Engineer, I started Nationwide Supplies alongside my brother with a vision to modernise what seemed a stuck-in-its-ways industry in the builders merchant sector. Since 2011 it has been my goal to source quality products at the correct prices to be able to offer a saving to customers along with high quality customer service which offers quick delivery and superior technical knowledge in the industry.
