Can You Lay Railway Sleepers Directly on Soil?
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Laying Railway Sleepers on Soil: The Guide to Your Complete Garden Project
Laying Railway Sleepers on Soil: The Guide to Your Complete Garden Project
Railway sleepers are unquestionably a garden design staple across the UK due to their country chic charm. Retaining walls and raised beds are just two ways that these unique timber pieces allow you to enhance your garden projects. But the question is – can you lay railway sleepers on soil? The answer is – Yes you can. And below, we’ve provided a few tips on how you can make this happen.
First Steps: Beyond the Basics
No matter what the type of soil your garden has, or you use (clay soil needs more help with drainage work and sandy soil requires more stabilisation), the ground in which the base of your wooden fence is installed must be level and compacted so it will not shift in the future. This foundation work is what makes the difference between a permanent installation and one you need to be constantly adjusting.
Smart Choices: Picking Perfect Sleepers
New or reclaimed? This is an extremely common question we here at UK Sleepers. Here's what you need to know:
New softwood sleepers - softwood sleepers are a lot lighter and easier to work with, and as such are perfect for any DIY project. Pressure treatment process drives preservatives deeply into wood fibres as a key rot and insect barrier. Under proper maintenance, these sleepers last a good 15- 20 years and are ideal for raised beds and garden steps.
Hardwood sleepers - Despite their light weight, all hardwood sleepers give a very strong output, with natural resistance to decay. Because of their density they are especially suited for ground contact and load bearing structures. Although this means initial costs are higher, they are very cost effective if permanent installations such as retaining walls and terracing are to be undertaken as the lifespan is 25 + years.
Reclaimed sleepers - There is unique character and heritage to reclaimed sleepers for your garden. All the pieces are weathered and tell a story. But be warned - older sleepers could contain creosote, a harmful preservative, banned for domestic use. Always check the treatment history with your supplier too before purchasing.
Foundations for Success: Ground Preparation
The success simply lays in thorough ground preparation:
- - Start by marking your area precisely with string lines and remove all vegetation, including roots that could cause future movement
- - Create a proper depth - 100mm for garden paths or 150mm for structural walls - to ensure stability
- - Add a drainage layer using sharp sand or Type 1 MOT, spreading it evenly to prevent water pooling
- - Use a plate compactor to create a solid base, making multiple passes for optimal compression
- - Check levels frequently with string lines and a spirit level to achieve professional results
Installation Secrets: Choosing Your Method
The Quick Fix: Direct Laying
Perfect for: All are temporary, or require to be temporary structures, paths, and low height features.
- - A simple weekend project - requiring very few tools.
- - Simple no concrete mixing and no complex foundations.
- - Requires excellent drainage or it will rot out early.
- - If everything is monitored and maintained regularly, it’s stable.
The Professional Approach: Foundation Method
Ideal for: Including permanent structures, such as retaining walls
- - This creates an immovable base made of concrete or hardcore.
- - It incorporates reasonable drainage channels for the longevity.
- - Life Extension of your sleepers is significantly extended.
- - For structural projects, it’s worth the extra effort.
Essential Kit: Tools for Success
Prepare your workspace with:
- - For precise ground preparation use heavy duty spade and shovel.
- - Accurate installation with this professional grade 600mm spirit level.
- - Perfect for alignment, durable string line!
- - A rubber mallet is used to avoid damaging sleeper edges.
- - Steel toe boots and heavy-duty gloves, quality protective gear.
- - Good wheelbarrow that will transport bulk material incredible.
- - Wood bits for power drill to secure sleepers together
Maintenance Tips
Keep your sleeper installation looking great:
- - Clean surfaces annually by using a stiff brush.
- - Also, check regularly for signs of rot or splitting
- - Wood preservative must be applied every 2–3 years.
- - Drainage channels should be kept clear regularly
- - Check for movement or sinking movement.
The Real Answer: Can You Lay Railway Sleepers Directly on Soil?
Yes, you can lay railway sleepers directly on soil - but it's not always the best choice. For light garden features like paths or decorative borders, direct laying can work well if you prepare the ground properly. But for anything structural or permanent, you'll want proper foundations.
Think of it this way: Railway sleepers are a considerable investment in your garden. With adequate drainage and ground preparation, you can take time to create proper foundations, and the lifespan of your deck will be greatly extended. A little more prep can add years to your installation.
For best results, we recommend:
- - For simple projects, it has even been known to create a compressed subbase.
- - To do so, proper drainage is installed to prevent water pooling.
- - And using a damp proof membrane for ground contact
- - New treated sleepers are selected for direct soil contact.
- - Especially after wet weather, regular checks are needed.
At UK Sleepers, we've seen both approaches work successfully. The key is matching your installation method to your specific project needs. Whether you choose direct laying or full foundations, we're here to provide the right materials and guidance for your garden transformation. Get in touch with us today if you need any more guidance or click here to view our full range of sleepers.
or send us an email at
sales@uksleepers.co.uk.
