As a general rule, hardwood sleepers will last longer than softwood and treated wood will last longer than untreated. Through treating the sleepers with wood preserver and exterior wood oil the life of the sleepers can be improved.
As a rule, hardwood oak sleepers tend to last the longest naturally with an expected lifespan of around 100 years. An untreated softwood will last for between three and five years if it sits on the ground, whilst treated softwoods can last between 20 and 30 years if they are maintained correctly.
Our Hardwood Sleepers are treated to H4 and built to last. They are ideal for gardens, timber fences and retaining walls.
Oak reproduction sleepers will naturally last longer than their softwood alternative. Both types should be treated with an exterior wood preservative on all sides prior to installation and paying special attention to any sawn ends.
To prolong their life, consider using a wood preservative or wood oil. New Reproduction Sleepers: Available in Oak and Pine, these sleepers should be treated with an exterior wood preservative on all sides before installation. Follow up with a clear or coloured decking oil, paying special attention to any sawn ends.
Life Expectancy
Hardwood H4 Sleeper retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years.
Providing Sufficient Drainage
This is by far the most important part of any successful sleeper installation. If water is allowed to sit against timber it will start to rot after a matter of a few years, even with pressure treated softwood or oak sleeper that have been treated before installation.
Natural oils such as linseed oil can be used as a protective treatment for sleepers. These oils penetrate deep into the wood, offering protection against moisture and decay. Natural oils are an eco-friendly alternative to chemical preservatives and can be applied easily with a brush or cloth.
Benefits of Pressure-Treated Wood
Homeowners who use timber outside for decks, playgrounds, pergolas, and other similar structures should use either pressure-treated timber or composite. Other types of hardwood don't need to be pressure-treated, such as cedar, ipê, and redwood.
Apply a Finish and Maintain it
Sleepers are treated so they can resist termite and fungal attack, but not long term exposure to weather. Applying a good quality finish to your outdoor projects will help protect them from UV damage. Remember to re-apply as recommended by the finish manufacturer.
Commonly used for fences, roofing and siding: Cedar can last for years without any maintenance or treatment. On the negative side, it is much softer and more brittle than the other species on this list with the exception of cypress.
Reapply Surface Treatments Bi-annually: To maintain their appearance and protective layer, reapply paint or wood stain every two years. Avoid High-Pressure Jet Washing: Although tempting, high-pressure washing can strip away protective layers and lead the sleepers vulnerable to weathering and pests.
Hardwood Garden Sleepers
Over time, especially in contact with soil and moisture, hardwood sleepers will also break down. They may last longer than softwoods, with a lifespan of 10-15 years if properly treated, but they are also more expensive.
These beautiful, naturally long lasting New Untreated European Oak Sleepers are cut straight from the tree and are suitable for use in a vast array of landscaping applications. The hardest and most durable domestic and european hardwood. Require no treatment.
Stainless Steel is suited for premium lifelong installs or oak timber/sleepers, oak will corrode any non-stainless screw or fixing.
Vinegar is an ideal wood preservative. Planned obsolescence, in particular, is something that we have come to expect.
Yes. But only for the purposes outlined in the regulations. Old railway sleepers treated with creosote can be used in parks, gardens, and outdoor recreational and leisure facilities but only if there is no risk of frequent skin contact.
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.
Softwood sleepers are widely used for landscaping and garden projects due to their cost-effectiveness and lightness. Douglas fir, pine, and spruce are the most commonly used softwoods for sleepers. Compared to hardwoods, softwoods have a lower density, lower strength, and shorter lifespan.
One thing to consider when using natural timber sleepers is their potential to warp or crack over time. This can be prevented by choosing high-quality timbers and treating them with a sealant or oil to protect them from moisture.