How Can Railway Sleepers Be Used In The Garden?
August 10, 2010 by johnmce
There are loads of uses for railway sleepers, including as the base for railway tracks! As trains make way for air travel, sleepers who have served their time are often being used in increasingly creative ways by garden designers and landscapers. So much so, that demand has outstripped supply, and new ones are being manufactured which were never intended for use on the railway.
Sleepers are made of a variety of different materials, including wood, steel, plastic rubber and concrete. In fact, they can be made out of almost anything, which make them a great way of recycling. Wooden sleepers tend to be the most popular with those who enjoy gardening and landscaping, because of their attractive look.
Garden designers have been using sleepers in creative ways. They have been used as retaining walls or raised flower beds, and are versatile enough to be used for a variety of purposes. Stepping stones, steps or even paving can be created. Gardeners and landscapers find sleepers a particularly effective way of retaining soil when there is a level change. They can also be used as gateposts and to help build outdoor structures like sheds or summer houses.
Sleepers are traditionally laid on gravel, and if you're using timber that is recommended. Preserving timber railway sleepers can be tricky, and the lifespan will be governed by the type of wood and how well you maintain it. If the timber is in constant contact with moist ground then the lifespan will be greatly produced, especially if they are cut down to size.
When you buy sleepers for gardening and landscaping purposes, ask for a guarantee so you know how long they are likely to last.
Moving the sleepers from place to place can be hard work, with hardwood versions being extremely cumbersome. Softwood sleepers will be much lighter, and so easier to manoeuvre and transport. They are, however, an extremely diverse and useful material to have in the garden, serving a variety of functions and demanding minimal care and attention.
Cleaning sleepers can be tricky, and what tactics you use should depend completely on what is on them. If it's just dust and dirt then giving them a scrub with soapy water and detergent, wire brushing or jetting should get them looking smart again. If you have diesel or oil on the sleepers, then a strong detergent or oil dissolver should remove the offending stains.
