So all you need to do is dig your trench, lay a base of mortar, sand or aggregate, and then use your spirit level to check they're lying flat.
Although concrete is normally used to hold railway sleepers in place, whether lying on the ground, or fixed vertically, there are incredible examples of landscapers who have used smaller lengths of railway sleepers as 'bricks', and have stuck them together with mortar, as you would with building a brick wall.
If you're only creating a structure that's one or two sleepers in height you don't necessarily need foundations, which means you can lay your railway sleepers onto the soil. Though you'll want to make sure you use some kind of waterproof membrane so that sleepers don't soak up water from the soil.
Sleepers are best constructed on a firm and level surface such as soil, grass, decking or concrete, however, you should still use a spirit level to ensure the surface is as level as possible. Depending on your project, you may wish to use sand, cement or timber offcuts to level things out.
The gravel acts as a drainage layer, allowing water to flow away from the sleepers and into the ground below. It acts as a natural conduit, guiding the water away from the vulnerable wooden sleepers. This prevents moisture build-up and helps to keep the sleepers dry and structurally sound.
If you use gravel for a more practical purpose, such as a footpath or driveway then it is advised that you dig down roughly a minimum of 15cm and place a sub-base of 100mm before laying around 50mm of gravel on top. This prevents the gravel from moving and sinking under various weights and movements.
Railway Sleeper Retaining Walls, Terraces & Steps
With these kinds of projects, you're definitely going to be needing to use concrete, because once they're in place they're going to be taking a great deal more strain and undergoing much heavier usage than the planters and edging.
Get digging
If you plan on placing your railway sleeper onto a solid surface such as a patio or concrete, they can be put directly on top, but if you're going to place them on soil, they need to be slightly sunken into the ground.
If you have well-draining soil, a layer of gravel or crushed stone can be an excellent option. Garden design with sleepers and gravel offers various benefits. Gravel allows for proper drainage, preventing water from pooling and potentially causing damage to the sleeper structure.
You can use DPM on the rear of the timber, and pea gravel backfill directly behind sleepers. The pea gravel will allow a free draining area behind the wall. You could also add a length of land drain wrapped in geotextile membrane, to keep fine particles of soil out of pipe.
HS Code 4406 | Harmonized System Code of RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY SLEEPERS (CROSSTIES) OF WOOD.
To fix railway sleepers to the ground, use spikes or screws designed for outdoor use to ensure they remain stable over time. For raised beds or structures requiring multiple layers of sleepers, stack them securely and fasten each layer together with landscaping screws.
Softwood sleepers may last less than 5 years if they are not treated. Softwood sleepers come from pine and it is known that they are less resistant to decay. They need to be treated and maintained and then you can expect them to last for up to 20 years. Hardwood sleepers have been known to last up to 100 years.
When squeezed in to a ball a correctly mixed mortar will retain it's shape without falling apart or oozing water. Starting in the corner, trowel in enough mortar to cover the area of the first slab to go down. The depth of the mortar bed should be approximately 35-40mm deep.
Wood is a natural material, and when it's exposed to moisture, it can start to decay. When placed in the ground, sleepers are in constant contact with soil, which holds moisture. Without proper protection, this dampness can lead to the wood rotting, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.
Float wall with steel trowel and straight edges to form a plumb and true mortar surface. Allow the completed render coats to cure for a minimum of 60 minutes at 70°F (21°C) prior to the installation of tile.
Yes you can lay railway sleepers on soil, it is recommended If you're only creating a structure that's one or two sleepers in height,you don't necessarily need foundations, which means you can lay your railway sleepers onto the soil.
Sleepers can be laid directly on cleared, level and firm soil but you may choose to submerge the first frame if you plan on adding multiple frames for height. Begin by clearing the area of any vegetation and remove excess soil to another bed or tarpaulin sheet.
We suggest using gravel or sand to provide drainage and a level surface when laying sleepers directly on soil. When creating taller retaining walls using a large number of sleepers, a solid foundation is integral for the overall stability.
Cut your sleepers to your required length, which could be random for a rustic look. Then mix up some lean mortar, such as 6:1, to be used as a concrete base and haunching. Place at least a 50mm bed of concrete in the bottom of the trench and start inserting the sleepers, haunching them up as you go.
Yes, people can make concrete with just sand and cement, but it may lack certain properties compared to traditional concrete mixes that include gravel or other aggregates.
When fixing railway sleepers together, use steel landscaping screws as they are strong, won't corrode if they come into contact with timber treatment, and are available up to 250mm in length. With a hexagonal head they can be put in place using a power drill.
Each of these sleepers needs to be treated as if it's a fence post and concrete separately into a hole at least 1/3 of the total heigh of the sleeper being installed, i.e. 1500mm sleeper would need to be buried 500mm into the ground.
Disadvantages of Concrete Sleepers
It is brittle and cracks without warning. It cannot be repaired and required replacement. Fittings required are greater in number.
Applying a high-quality sealant to your concrete sleeper wall significantly enhances its protection against weathering and environmental elements.