However, even hardwood sleepers are not immune to rot. 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.
Life Expectancy. Hardwood H4 Sleeper retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years.
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.
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.
Constant moisture is an enemy of all types of wood, and this sadly includes oak. Whether it is through rain or wet ground, constant exposure to moisture will slowly erode oak garden sleepers' structural integrity. Thankfully, there are a few ways to combat this – the most popular being wood preservatives.
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.
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.
Minor Repairs
Remove the affected wood and apply a wood hardener to the area. This will stabilise the remaining wood and prevent further decay. For larger areas of rot, you may need to replace the entire sleeper. Taking care of minor repairs promptly prevents them from turning into major problems.
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.
Dangers of Creosote Treated Sleepers
This treatment, once common for preserving railway sleepers, contains chemicals that can harm humans and animals. People exposed to creosote risk skin irritation or more severe conditions like cancer if they're in contact with the wood frequently.
What is the best treatment for wood outside? Roxil Coloured Wood Preserver and Roxil Wood Protection Cream is a comprehensive 2-part wood treatment that protects against wood rot, woodworm, rain and weather damage.
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.
To preserve the sleepers further, we would recommend treating them with an exterior wood oil or decking oil, ideally twice a year in Spring and Autumn. This will help to repel water and prevent water ingress, the main cause of wood rot.
For a longer life against rot and decay, we recommend applying preservative treatments to protect your timber. Working with sleepers can be very messy. Brush down your sleepers at regular intervals to remove any sawdust and thoroughly sweep or vacuum your working area before applying any finishes to the timber.
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.
To put all that into context, you can expect an untreated softwood sleeper that's placed directly on the ground to last around three to five years. Add a preservative treatment and your softwood sleeper could last up to 30 years.
Softwood that is left untreated will still last around two to five years, which is why all of our softwood sleepers have been treated for longevity. We also supply hardwood sleepers, with oak sleepers ranging from 15 to 20 years and European oak sleepers lasting for 20 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.
Circular saws are the middle ground between hand saws and chainsaws. They allow you to cut sleepers easily while giving you fine control over the angle and manner of the cut. This makes the circular saw the most popular tool for the job.
Selecting a wood species that is resistant to rot can really increase the longevity of a post in the ground. Wood species such as Osage orange, black locust, white oak, and various others are rot-resistant on their own.
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.
Class one represents the highest durability of natural timber. This means that in normal outdoor above-ground conditions, it should last at least 40 years. Place a piece of Class 1 timber in the ground, and it should have the durability to last at least 25 years.