FIT AND FIX TIMBER SLEEPERS TO MAKE RAISED BEDS

Garden sleepers are an incredibly versatile timber product, ideal for landscaping, furniture, and general construction projects. They come in various sizes in both new and reclaimed, softwood or hardwood. Reclaimed sleepers were originally purposed to support railway lines; they have a rugged appearance which creates a rustic look for your garden.  Sleepers are incredibly popular due to their adaptability to any style or function of garden.

How to lay garden sleepers

1. Secure your sleepers

When using sleepers for a retaining wall, or for steps or terracing, firstly, make sure your area is clear of debris and vegetation and dig down a shallow trench. Concrete the sleepers in on a 100mm deep bed. Haunch at the back end of the sleeper and if possible, the front end too. This will help fix sleepers to the ground so they remain stable. If using sleepers for a low border or planter it may well be enough to fix a wooden post or spike behind the sleepers and fix this into the ground.

2. Stack your sleepers

Overlap them neatly at the corners, making sure they are level with a spirit level.

Sleepers are usually cut with a handsaw, an electric saw or a chainsaw. Softwood sleepers are easier to cut at home with basic DIY equipment than hardwood. Always wear personal protective equipment and seek professional help if you are at all unsure.

3. Connect sleepers together

There are various ways of connecting sleepers together if building planters or walls. Steel rod pins are a good way to secure a higher stack of sleepers.  You can use long landscaping screws that are counter-sunk into the sleeper, or metal plates and corner braces on the inside of the build which helps keep the build nice and square.

4. Finish your surface

Sand off any sharp splinters of wood. You may like to cover sleepers with a wire mesh or cut grip into the surface if you are using them as steps, as they can become quite slippery when damp. Paint or stain to suit your garden design.