When placed in the ground, sleepers are in constant contact with soil, which holds moisture. Without proper protection, this dampness can lead to the wood rotting, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.
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.
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.
Hardwood Garden Sleepers
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.
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.
Life Expectancy
Hardwood H4 Sleeper retaining walls can last 20 to 30 years.
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.
Left untreated, both softwoods and hardwoods will silver over time, due to the natural tannins being bleached by water and the sun. Sleepers should not be submerged in water and for the longest life, protected from the sun by shade or with UV filtering oils or finishes.
Untreated wood doesn't share the durability as pressure-treated lumber, because it lacks the same protective chemical preservatives. When left unprotected against elements like rain or snow, this type of wood deteriorates quickly – often within just a few years.
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.
Yes, you can lay railway sleepers directly on soil - but it's not always the best choice. For light garden features like paths or decorative borders, direct laying can work well if you prepare the ground properly. But for anything structural or permanent, you'll want proper foundations.
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.
Placed vertically in suitably prepared holes, railway sleepers are incredibly impressive as fences, walls and borders for various parts of your garden.
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.
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.
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.
A penetrating oil like CUTEK® protects wood from the inside out. It works by penetrating deeply into the timber to repel moisture. It also helps to stabilise wood, preventing cupping, splitting and warping.
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.
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.
Fill around the sleeper with soil or sand to secure it in place before moving onto laying the next one. To fix railway sleepers to the ground, use spikes or screws designed for outdoor use to ensure they remain stable over time.