Repair any holes, gaps or uneven surfaces with a suitable exterior wood filler and treat all sound, good wood with an exterior wood preservative. 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.
Inspection and Repair: Regularly inspect your sleepers for signs of rot. If you find any, remove the rotted wood, apply a wood hardener, and fill any gaps with exterior wood filler. Treat the remaining sound wood with an exterior wood preservative.
To add an antique look to new sleepers, apply a coat of wood dye then sand back the surface to add a weathered effect.
Applying a good quality wood preservative or sealant to the ends can slow down the absorption of moisture and help prevent rot from setting in.
Boric acid (borate) is one of the most effective fungicides for use in treating wood rot. It can be applied to wood during construction to prevent future rot, or as a treatment to stop an active decay fungus from growing.
Using a jet wash is a very effective method to clean garden sleepers. This removes dirt, grime, and algae swiftly, leaving the wood looking fresh. Ensure the pressure setting is not too high to avoid damaging the timber. After jet washing, applying wood preservers can greatly enhance the durability of garden sleepers.
Exterior wood oils are a great option as they retain the natural appearance of the sleeper, will help to seal in any wood preserver used on them, and offer a good level of protection against weathering and water damage. Wood oils are also easy to maintain by simply applying a fresh coat of oil as and when required.
Create a Vinegar Treatment
Chemically staining new wood gives it an older-looking color and patin. This method uses vinegar and steel wool. Prepare a mixture by putting steel wool in a jar, spray bottle or other sealable container. Pour white distilled vinegar to cover it and let sit for about 10 hours.
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.
Life Expectancy
Hardwood H4 Sleeper retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years.
Clean any excess creosote from the exterior of the wood using a volatile solvent such as odourless white spirits or turpentine.
Repainting or touching up your sleepers helps protect them from weathering while maintaining their aesthetic appeal in your garden area. Opt for high-quality paint suitable for outdoor wood when it's time for a refresh.
Treated softwood sleepers will last between 8 and 10 years and if treated with a UC4 (class 4) treatment, the longevity can be extended up to 15 years. The UC4 treatment also makes timber suitable to be in contact with the ground. Oak sleepers will often last for up to 20 years.
Drill holes into each end of the sleeper for screws if you are going to use screws to fix them together. Apply wood preservative on cut surfaces and ends to protect against rot and decay, especially important for softwood sleepers.
Safe Cleaning
It's important to dilute these substances properly. Too much vinegar can potentially dull the wood finish over time due to its acidity, while too much Dawn can leave a slippery residue. The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn.
Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched. (The same goes for wood furniture.) Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations or pick a cleaner that's made specifically for hardwood flooring.
The darkness of the resulting color depends on the tannin content of the wood. Some woods like oak or walnut contain a lot of tannins and will turn fairly dark, while woods with lower natural tannin content like birch or maple will get a more gray or brownish color.
Restoring Old Sleepers
Decontaminate the surface with a rigid brush to eradicate soil, moss, and other materials that might have built up over periods.
Maintenance. Cleaning: You can brush your oak timber sleepers down to keep them looking clean and tidy. It is possible that you may notice a sap or resin leaking on the sleepers- you can wash this off with soapy warm water. Algae can also be removed by scrubbing the sleepers with warm water.
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.
Soil Improvement
Neglected gardens often suffer from depleted or compacted soil. Revitalize your garden by improving the soil quality. Start by removing debris and weeds from the soil surface. Then, add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to replenish nutrients and enhance soil structure.
Sprinkle with baking soda
The good news is you can also use it to freshen up your sheets because it naturally absorbs moisture and odour-causing particles. Simply sprinkle some onto your linen, let it sit for an hour, and then give your bedding a vacuum. Voilà!