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Railway Sleepers

Railway sleepers are attractive and high-quality timber, often used to create accessible, well-draining raised beds. Suregreen supply several different styles of softwood railway... read more

Railway sleepers are attractive and high-quality timber, often used to create accessible, well-draining raised beds. Suregreen supply several different styles of softwood railway sleepers and hardwood railway sleepers - including the NEW charred brushwood range, which have the most beautiful and authentic finish, whilst still being easy to stack.

All our railway sleepers are ideal for both domestic and professional applications, including retaining walls, garden benches or as a rustic alternative to brick or stone.  These sleepers are also well-suited alongside our gabion baskets for a modern twist on traditional landscaping.

Treated Softwood Sleepers

Suregreen supply UC3 green treated softwood sleepers, UC3 brown treated softwood sleepers and UC4 green treated softwood sleepers, whereby the tanalised pressure treatment process protects the wood from rot and damp to ensure a long-life.  This treatment is completed under high pressure to ensure that the preservative penetrates deep into the wood, helping the sleepers to remain strong and rot-resistant - even with surface splits.  Please note that if you cut the sleeper, the freshly exposed ends will need to be treated with a wood preservative to ensure it remains fully protected. You can purchase at-home wood treatments here.

Perfect for any and all landscaping projects, these softwood railway sleepers are the ideal product for creating raised beds or retaining walls. The green treated sleepers are better suited to darker back drops, whilst the brown treated sleepers are fantastic at adding contrast to lighter gardens.

Charred Brushwood Sleepers

Charred brushwood sleepers are inspired by the ancient Japanese art of Yukisugi - these sleepers have been treated with fire!  Yukisugi is the process of strengthening and treating timber by charring the surface followed by brushing and treating it. This leaves a unique, distinctive pattern that is undeniably beautiful. Customers who have used the fire treated railway sleepers have reported that the photos don't do them justice to the beauty in-person, and they are extremely happy with them. They are soft to touch, and an extremely aesthetically pleasing garden sleeper. 

Hardwood Oak Sleepers

Made from a naturally dense timber, our oak sleepers are sourced from Quercus Cerris and Robur (oak varieties) and are extremely durable, hard, and strong. Turning a silver grey when exposed to the elements of sun and rain, they are naturally eye catching whilst blending in with all types of outdoor environments. Often referred to as hardwood railway sleepers, their durability and longevity make this variety of garden sleeper ideally suited for use in retaining walls or as an alternative solution when creating a decking/patio area.  Whilst our oak sleepers are naturally attractive and robust meaning they do not need treatment as standard, these can be added from our Barrettine range if a different colour is preferred to suit the modern garden such as black or grey, or the traditional garden such as cedar red or green.

All of these eye-catching garden sleepers are perfect for creating contrast with your garden or house, making any home, garden project or raised bed induce a sense of mystery and allure.

Better yet, Suregreen’s railway sleepers are sustainably sourced and are the perfect choice for strength, durability, looking good whilst helping save the planet. Planting trees and using wood for landscaping materials is the right way for us all to tackle climate change.  Looking to plant some trees? We manufacture and supply Vigilis Tree Shelters!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to attach Railway Sleepers together?

There are several ways to attach railway sleepers together, depending on the type of sleeper and the intended use. Here are a few options:

  • Using bolts and screws: You can use bolts and screws to join sleepers together by drilling holes through the sleepers and fastening them together with bolts and screws. This method works best for attaching sleepers that are used as retaining walls or for other structural purposes.
  • Using nails: You can also use nails to attach railway sleepers together by hammering them through the sleepers and into the ground. This method is relatively quick and easy, but it may not be as strong as using bolts and screws.
  • Using adhesive: If you want to attach sleepers together without any visible fasteners, you can use an adhesive designed for wood. This method works well for attaching sleepers that will be used for decorative purposes, such as creating a garden bed or a raised patio.

It's important to note that attaching railway sleepers together will not be as strong as using a single, continuous piece of wood. If the sleepers will be subjected to heavy loads or stress, it's best to use a single piece of wood or to reinforce the joint with additional fasteners.

Can I lay railway sleepers on concrete?

Yes, you can lay railway sleepers on concrete as long as the concrete is in good condition and can support the weight of the sleepers. Here are a few steps to follow when laying railway sleepers on concrete:

  • Clean the surface of the concrete: Before you start laying the sleepers, make sure to clean the surface of the concrete to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Place the sleepers: Place the railway sleepers on the concrete in the desired position, making sure they are evenly spaced and aligned.
  • Secure the sleepers: To keep the sleepers in place, you can use bolts and screws to fasten them to the concrete. You can also use adhesive to glue the sleepers to the concrete.
  • Fill in any gaps: If there are gaps between the sleepers and the concrete, you can fill them in with a concrete mix or a gravel and sand mixture. This will help to prevent weeds from growing and will give the sleepers a more finished look.

 

It's important to note that railway sleepers are heavy, so you'll need to make sure that the concrete can support their weight. You may also need to use additional supports or reinforcement if the sleepers will be subjected to heavy loads or stress.

How are railway sleepers treated?

Railway sleepers, also known as railway ties, are used to support the rails in a railway track or as a versatile gardening and landscaping product . They are typically made of wood, concrete, or steel, and are treated to increase their durability and lifespan.

The treatment process for railway sleepers varies depending on the type of material and the desired properties of the finished product.

For wood sleepers, the most common treatment method is preservative treatment, in which the wood is soaked in a chemical solution that helps to prevent rot and insect infestation. The sleepers may also be treated with a fire-resistant chemical to increase their resistance to fire. Hardwood Railway Sleepers, such as Oak Railway Sleepers, do not require pressure treatment due to the wood being naturally more resilitant than softwood alternatives.

Concrete sleepers are often treated with a surface coating or lining to protect them from weathering and wear. This may include the application of a layer of asphalt or a protective coating that helps to prevent the concrete from cracking or breaking down over time.

Steel sleepers are generally treated with a protective coating, such as paint or galvanization, to protect them from corrosion.

Regardless of the material, railway sleepers are typically treated to ensure that they can withstand the harsh conditions of the railway environment, including heavy loads, extreme temperatures, and exposure to the elements.

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