How long do concrete sleeper retaining walls last?

Author: Cole Zieme  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Life Expectancy. In our experience Concrete sleeper retaining walls typically last 15 to 25 years.

What is the life expectancy of a concrete sleeper retaining wall?

Designed to construct retaining walls up to 4 meters high, our sleepers come in STD, HD, and EHD variants, meeting the Australian Standards (AS3600/2018) requirement for a 50-year lifespan design.

How long do sleeper retaining walls last?

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. And if you were to choose hardwood instead, your sleeper may last a whopping 100 years.

What is the life expectancy of a concrete retaining wall?

Concrete Retaining Walls

Concrete is a common material for retaining walls because of its strength and durability. The typical lifespan of these walls is between 40 and 100 years, although they can persist for several decades.

What is the approximate life span of a concrete sleeper?

These sleepers are usually assumed to last perhaps 50 years, but changing operational and environmental factors can mean the actual life of the sleepers may be much shorter or longer.

Concrete Sleeper Retaining walls

What are the disadvantages of concrete sleepers?

Disadvantages of Concrete Sleepers

It is brittle and cracks without warning. It cannot be repaired and required replacement. Fittings required are greater in number.

How long will sleepers last in the ground?

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.

What are the disadvantages of concrete retaining walls?

Disadvantages of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls require careful planning and engineering to ensure they are strong enough to hold back the soil. Another disadvantage of retaining walls is that they can be difficult to maintain. Retaining walls can be susceptible to erosion, cracking, and other types of damage.

What retaining wall lasts the longest?

Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and boulder walls boast the longest lifespan. Their robustness ensures they can endure the test of time, often lasting 50 years and beyond.

Can concrete last 100 years?

Modern concrete usually lasts around 100 years before it starts to crumble and fall apart.

What is the cheapest longest lasting retaining wall?

Concrete blocks are a low-cost option for constructing a retaining wall. They are strong, long-lasting, and come in various sizes and forms to meet your design tastes.

How much does a sleeper retaining wall cost?

Average Cost of Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls

Starting at $480 to $680 per square metre, including standard design, basic excavation, and installation.

Do concrete sleeper retaining walls need drainage?

Concrete sleepers are a highly versatile tool and material that is often used in landscaping. They can be used to build retaining walls and are used because of their high durability and strength. However, proper drainage is essential for a concrete sleeper retaining wall to function as intended.

How long should a concrete retaining wall last?

Retaining Walls Made Of Concrete Blocks

They are incredibly long-lasting, often lasting a century or more. Using concrete blocks for your retaining wall ensures a stable and sturdy structure.

How do you waterproof a concrete sleeper retaining wall?

Liquid Rubber Paint can easily be applied to any retaining wall and it takes a few hours to complete the job. You will need a brush to apply the paint or a trowel. Get the first coat done and let it dry then put a second coat. Make sure that gravel and other sharp materials do not damage the membrane during backfill.

How much does a large concrete retaining wall block cost?

$450/m2 to $700/m2

The cost of a concrete retaining wall depends on the size of your wall and the type of concrete blocks you choose. For materials and labour, expect to pay: $450 to $700 per m2 for reinforced concrete blocks. $550 to $750 per m2 for concrete Besser blocks.

What is the most common retaining wall failure?

Soil saturation is the most common external factor that causes retaining wall failure, but there are many ways to prevent it.

What is the life expectancy of a sleeper retaining wall?

Life Expectancy

Hardwood H4 Sleeper retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years.

Is poured concrete retaining wall better than block?

Another advantage to concrete block retaining walls is that they're easier to repair. Walls made of other materials, like poured concrete, generally must be replaced and made from scratch if damaged. With blocks, though, the wall can be disassembled and reinstalled with the existing materials being reused.

Will homeowners insurance cover a retaining wall?

So, if soil and ground issues are not covered by homeowners insurance, are retaining walls covered by insurance? Because retaining walls are frequently considered a detached structure, damage to them can be covered under your homeowners policy under the right conditions.

Do concrete retaining walls crack?

Cracks in retaining walls typically occur by the following: Damp or wet soil which adds significantly more pressure than if it was dry. When a flood occurs, it can cause the hillside or area behind the wall to become overwatered.

Do concrete retaining walls need waterproofing?

As well as good drainage, a retaining wall also needs to be waterproofed to help reduce the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.

How do I stop my sleeper from rotting?

Tips to Stop Sleepers from Rotting
  1. Choose Treated Wood.
  2. Provide Proper Drainage.
  3. Elevate Them Above Ground.
  4. Use a Damp-Proof Membrane.
  5. Seal the Ends.

What type of sleeper is best for retaining wall?

In Sydney, and across Australia, concrete sleepers have emerged as a preferred choice for retaining walls, acclaimed for their exceptional durability, prolonged lifespan, and convenience of low maintenance.

Can you lay sleepers directly on soil?

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.

Previous article
What ceiling height is luxury?
Next article
How much water should drip from a car AC?