Sleeper Projects

Railway sleepers are versatile enough to be used for a huge variety of uses. From simple path edging, steps, decking and retaining walls to larger garden structures and furniture. Use timberlok screws to fix sleepers together as they eliminate the necessity for pre-drilling.

Furniture

Non creosoted sleepers can make attractive and rustic furniture, for inside and outside. Oak sleepers can be easily cut to size and used to make coffee tables and benches and look great. Being such a dense hardwood, they don’t need treatment like other timbers.

Sleepers are also ideal for fireplace surrounds, new softwood sleepers can offer a more modern look, while oak or reclaimed railway sleepers will look great in with a more rustic, country home. You can use a belt sander and a waxing treatment to get a smooth and professional finish on the timber. It is important not to use reclaimed creosoted railway sleepers in any areas where there is frequent skin contact.

Bridges

Sleepers will make great looking and practical bridges, giving a rural and rustic appearance to suit the surroundings. If a bridge is needed to cross a small stream or ditch, two or three sleepers laid side by side are often enough to create an adequate crossing. Sleepers are thick and strong so therefore a short crossing only needs supporting at each end, as long as the end supports are substantial. Sleepers tend to be approximately 8’6” long, so a bridge crossing longer than this length will need central support to ensure durability and strength. If the sleepers are in any contact with water use new railway sleepers as, unlike reclaimed sleepers, these will not have the creosote treatment.

Garden Structures

Railway sleepers can be used imaginatively to create any number of garden structures. Machine round sleepers are ideal for children’s play areas due to the smooth machined surface of the timber. Tree houses and swings are other popular garden structures for children and sleepers are ideal for this purpose.

Pergolas and arbours are easily made with sleepers by standing them vertically in the ground. Ensure there are plenty of people on site to help when lifting sleepers above head heights.