If you're placing your sleepers onto a hard surface, such as concrete or patio, they can just go straight on top, but if they're going onto the lawn or soil, you'll need to dig a shallow trench for the first sleeper to sit in.
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.
You can either opt for concrete, sand or gravel foundations or lay the sleepers on the soil with no official foundation.
Clear the area of all unwanted vegetation and material and then dig a shallow, level trench to allow for bedding material. Usually you would allow 3-4 courses in height and start by bedding the first sleeper onto a semi-dry concrete mix laid in your trench.
Sleepers sit on the ballast – the stones on the track bed – and support the rail, ensuring the rail stays the correct distance apart. Replacing sleepers when they come to the end of their life is an essential part of our maintenance and renewal work all over the railway.
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.
However, since they play such an important role in keeping railways safe and it's not always obvious if a track is considered a protected historic site, it's best to assume it's illegal to take rocks from any railroad tracks.
To fix railway sleepers to the ground, use spikes or screws designed for outdoor use to ensure they remain stable over time. For raised beds or structures requiring multiple layers of sleepers, stack them securely and fasten each layer together with landscaping screws.
Using old tropical hardwood railway sleepers as building blocks is both effective and remarkably attractive, and bedding the individual railway sleeper pieces on mortar frames each weathered timber piece beautifully.
Clear Wood Oil or Decking Oil: These products are ideal for those who want their sleepers to age naturally to a grey or silver colour while still being protected from the elements. A clear oil will nourish the wood, making it supple and water-resistant, which helps protect it from water and frost damage.
The use of gravel or sand to secure sleepers is a popular alternative to concrete. Whether you're using sleepers to form new edging around your landscape or are building a raised planting bed, gravel and sand foundations are certainly worth considering.
For finishing ideas and advice on application and maintenance, find our 5 ways to treat exterior wood. Although raised beds are usually constructed on free-draining soil, we recommend lining the bottom of your bed with a generous drainage layer of hardcore, stones or coarse gravel.
If you wish to add finishes or other treatments to your sleepers, this is the best time to do so. Laying sharp sand into your channels or in the dug area of your pathway will ensure each board has a nice even foundation. Pour in a layer of around 25mm and pack it down using one of your sleepers or a tamper.
Considering the type of soil
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.
If you plan on placing your railway sleeper onto a solid surface such as a patio or concrete, they can be put directly on top, but if you're going to place them on soil, they need to be slightly sunken into the ground.
The most effective technique to build a stable retaining wall is a solid foundation. Gravel should be added to ensure there is enough drainage, with a porous membrane to prevent earth sliding into the channel. Wooden treated sleepers should be laid in a pattern similar to bricklaying.
Sleepers can be laid directly onto firm ground, however it's recommended that at the very least a bed of sand or aggregate is used to assist drainage and provide a firm footing. Purists will always insist on a concrete bed, however if the wall is additionally supported by posts then this is not always necessary.
One of the most popular options is to use steel rod pins or long landscaping screws. Alternatively, you can use metal plates and corner braces to build a strong, square finish for your garden sleepers.
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.
Landscaping Screw
With a hexagonal head they can be put in place using a power drill. These will screw through one sleeper and into the next, holding them together. You do not have to worry about them coming loose as they require an extremely high force before they pull out as they make a strong joint.
Thus placing minor obstructions, such as coins, would probably not violate the statute. Injuring or obstructing railroad tracks is what is considered to be a “wobbler” offense. This means that a prosecutor can charge this offense as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
A violation of subsection (a) that causes railroad property damage exceeding $500 or cause bodily injury to another is a felony subject to enhanced maximum penalties.
Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal. The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate.