Untreated softwood sleepers need the most care. Use a good wood preserver and give them additional coatings over time. Hardwood is stronger and more durable so should need preserving less frequently. Treated ones are the most reliable but you need to make sure the preservation technique was safe.
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.
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.
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.
Reclaimed railway sleepers are likely to last for decades above ground if left untreated. This said, applying a wood preservative or wood oil will help to protect the timber for longer. Reproduction railway sleepers are usually made from Oak or Pine. They can be bought untreated and pre-preserved.
Life Expectancy
Hardwood H4 Sleeper retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years.
Oak is perfectly fine to be left outside without any treatment — it is dimensionally stable and has a strong level of natural resistance to moisture and rot. Be warned, however, that it is a natural product.
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.
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your sleepers in top shape. This includes inspecting for signs of rot, applying wood preservatives, and ensuring proper drainage around the sleepers. Cleaning the sleepers with a mild detergent and water can also help in removing any accumulated dirt and debris.
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.
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.
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.
Traditionally, tung oil has been used on oak to maintain its colour, however, if you wish to darken the oak then hard wax oil is preferable. Danish oil is popular, historically, as a finish on oak as it brings out its rich tones, as well as preventing staining to the surface.
While hardwood timbers can often be used outdoors untreated, softwood timber that has not been treated is likely to experience severe problems with rot should it be installed outdoors.
The natural tannins in oak serve as a protective barrier against environmental factors and pests, contributing to its resilience. Both air-dried and green oak beams share a common expected lifespan of around 200 years under optimal conditions, although many oak structures are known to last up to 500 years.
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.
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.
Treatment: Unlike softwood railway sleepers which have to be treated with either creosote or pressure treatment to prevent them rotting and collapsing, hardwood sleepers are much more durable. Because they are naturally longer lasting, we suggest leaving your oak timber sleepers untreated.
Vinegar is an ideal wood preservative. Planned obsolescence, in particular, is something that we have come to expect.
Stainless Steel is suited for premium lifelong installs or oak timber/sleepers, oak will corrode any non-stainless screw or fixing.