Can you put sleepers straight on the ground?

For one, you can simply place your sleepers directly onto soil, allowing the heavy sleepers time to bed in. Simply dig a shallow trench and place your sleepers down onto your newly created gravel or sand-based foundation.

How do you secure railway sleepers to the ground?

The best way to secure sleepers is with appropriate timber screw. The type of wood you choose to work with will dictate the type of fixing that needs to be used. Softwoods can be fixed with a choice of steel or zinc screws.

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 should a raised garden bed sit on?

The bottom of a raised garden bed should be a layer of grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, straw, and other organic material. The cardboard should be placed on top of that layer. The organic material will turn into compost, while the cardboard will prevent weeds.

How do you join sleepers for raised beds?

Lay the sleepers on a level section of ground in a rectangular shape, with the narrowest sides on the ground and facing upwards. Use two 150mm timber screws at each corner to attach the sleepers together. 50mm of the length of the screw needs to drill into the adjoining sleeper to create a solid connection.

What should I Bed railway sleepers on?

The railway sleepers should ideally be laid on a surface that is level and firm. Many people simply lay them down directly on the earth, grass, deck or concrete.

How do you prevent sleepers from rotting?

To preserve the sleepers further, we would recommend treating them with an exterior wood oil or decking oil, ideally twice a year in Spring and Autumn. This will help to repel water and prevent water ingress, the main cause of wood rot.

How long do railway sleepers last in the ground?

How long do railway sleepers last? Railway sleepers will last for years, with our softwood treated sleepers typically lasting around 8 to 10 years due to the pressurised treatment, and UC4 treatments extending this to 15 years.

Can you use old railway sleepers for raised beds?

Health and Safety rules prevent reclaimed sleepers being used in schools etc as creosote is carcinogenic. However, until relatively recently the advice given was that these sleepers are OK to use in raised beds as the creosote would be weathered.

How do you make a raised bed with sleepers?

1. Choose the right timber sleepers for your raised garden bed.
2. Choose the size and position of your raised bed.
3. Lay the sleepers on the ground and fasten them together.
4. Add another layer to the raised bed.
5. Attach a plastic membrane to the raised bed.
6. Fill your raised bed with soil and add your choice of plants.

Can you use railway sleepers for raised beds?

So you’re thinking of creating a raised bed or planter with reclaimed or new railway sleepers to add something extra to your garden? Using new or used railway sleepers, to make raised beds are great alternatives to using bricks, concrete or stone. …