Why Railway Sleepers are BEST for building Retaining Walls

The versatility of railway sleepers will ensure that they will remain the most practical substitute for brickwork.  

Nowadays, more people are turning to railway sleepers to build retaining walls. As a cheaper alternative, they can add instant rustic appeal.

 

What is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a structure assembled to prevent soil from landslides or erosion. These structures are used to keep the soil in place on slopes or in areas with different elevations. This method is commonly applied to landscaping, where shaping the soil is necessary.

 

What Kind of Railway Sleepers to Use

Railway sleepers can be classified into two categories: new railway sleepers and reclaimed railway sleepers. Both variants are suitable for building retaining walls but each has their own different advantages.

           New Railway Sleepers

New railway sleepers aresold in both softwood and hardwood. They are also available in various cuts and sizes, which also come in custom cut proportions to suit your exact preferences. Low in weight, new sleepers make perfect retaining walls and are easier to install.

Reclaimed Railway Sleepers

Reclaimed railway sleepers are also available in various cuts and sizes but they are mostly supplied in hardwood options. These heavier timber cuts are treated with creosote or other chemicals in order to prolong their lifespan and to achieve extra resilience.

Tip: Both types are suitable retaining wall materials as they both display a great rustic charm. If the retaining wall is intended for an area that sees frequent human contact, it is recommended that you use new railway sleepers. The creosote chemical applied to reclaimed railway sleepers can be harmful to humans, especially with regular contact.

 

Benefits of Using Railway Sleepers vs. Bricks

Traditionally, bricks are used to build retaining walls due to their ability to hold the weight and pressure of soil, water and other elements. Railway sleepers are fast becoming the new trend because of the versatility that they bring to different applications.

Moreover, railway sleepers are better than bricks because:

Practical Choice

Railway sleepers are undeniably cheaper than bricks. They possess natural rustic appeal adding personality and charm to your flower beds.

Save Time and Effort

Bricklaying is a time consuming task that requires a great deal of effort. Railway sleepers can be installed horizontally or vertically on dugout areas, requiring only a little cement for support.

Why waste time, money and effort on bricks when you can add instant appeal to your garden using railway sleepers? Inject some personality into your garden!

3 Main Components of a Railway Track

Railway News:
In November 5, 1993, 23 years ago, the Railways Bill finally received Royal Assent and has become a law.

A railway track is structure that has 3 main components such as railway sleepers, railway fishplates and railway spikes. Apart from providing a dependable surface for the train wheels, here are the main functions of these components.

Railway Sleepers

New railway sleepers are the most important railway component. They are also called railroad ties or crossties. The main function of railway sleepers is to keep the correct distance of gauge. The sleepers are laid between two rail tracks.

Railway Fishplates

Also called as a rail joint bar or splice bar. A railway fishplate is a metal bar bolted to the ends of two rail tracks to keep them parallel to each other. It is an important connection between two rails. A railway fishplate consists of three parts: the fish bolt, flat washer and spring washer.

Railway Spikes

A railway spike commonly has an offset head. This component is used to secure rails and base plates to the railway sleeper on the track. While the main function of railway sleepers is to keep the correct distance of gauge; railway spikes keep the correct position of the gauge.

To make up the whole railway track, there are other minor components needed. All these are important and significant to have a normal operation in railway transportation.

3 Things You Should Know About Oak

Oak is one of the most popular materials used for making wood furniture. Due to its durability, oak was used to build war ships during the 19^th century. Nowadays, it is commonly used for building aesthetically pleasing furniture to adorn the home. Let’s get to know a little more about oak.

1.   Features

·         Oak’s classic appearance can give a rustic ambience to any home.

·         It comes in different colour variations. (See photo below).

·         Oak is not prone to water damage or corrosion.

·         Oak is resistant to scratching, staining and dust.

·         It has smooth texture and good durability.

2.   Purpose

Oak can be used for different purposes. Commonly used for decoration, the construction of an infrastracture, garden furniture, etc., oak is a very adaptable material.

·         Oak as coffee table

 

·         Oak as garden furniture

·         Oak as a dresser

3.   Maintenance

Oak products are easy to maintain. You can easily use paste wax to re-finish old oak furniture. It acts as a protectant and is a good cleaning agent. You can also use oil to clean oak furniture. A linseed oil can make it more moisture-resistant.

If you want the simplest way to maintain oak, you can simply wipe your furniture with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean cloth, once a week, to clear dirt.

However, oak can be prone to wear if it is not properly maintained. Here are some things to avoid:

               

·         Avoid direct sunlight.

·         Avoid putting hot items such as pans on top of oak furniture.

·         Do not use strong cleaning agents.

Railway Sleeper offers different types of oak railway sleepers in the UK. If you have any inquiries about our products, please call +44 (0) 1536-267-107. We are always happy to help!

Easy, Slot Together Raised Bed Kits from Railway Sleeper

Are you planning to make your own raised garden beds? Railway Sleeper offers different types of easy-to-install, “slot together raised bed kits“. We have categorised them according to the different wood types.

1.       Larch/Douglas Fir

English Larch/Douglas Fir is the most durable of all domestic softwoods. Usually untreated because of its high resin content, it is more durable than other types of softwood.

a. Square Raised Bed

This eco-friendly raised bed kit is made from four 1200mm x 250mm x 50mm railway sleepers. The assembled square raised bed has an external dimension of 1200 mm x 1200 mm 250 mm. Ideal for gardens with limited space, the square Larch/Douglas Fir raised bed kit costs just £42.00, including VAT.

 b. Rectangular Raised Bed

This untreated softwood raised bed kit is created with two 2400 x 250 x50mm and two 1200 x 250 x 50mm sleepers. With a total dimension of 2400mm x 1200mm x 250mm when assembled, this rectangular raised bed costs £54.00, including VAT. This raised bed is ideal for a larger garden space.

2. Oak

High in tannin content, Oak doesn’t need to be treated with preservatives against insects or decay. For a more aesthetically appealing raised bed kit, Oak makes the perfect choice.

a. Regular Slot Together Oak -  Square Raised Bed

Utilising four 1200 x 200 x 32mm new untreated Oak sleepers, Oak raised bed kits outlast softwood alternatives, even those that have been treated. This raised bed kit costs just £45.59, including VAT.

b. Regular Slot Together Oak - Rectangular Raised Bed

This long-lasting raised bed kit is created from new untreated 1200 x 200 x 32mm and two 2400 x 200 x 32mm Oak sleepers. Available at just £59.99, these sleepers include cuts or slots on the edges for easy assembly.

c. Heavyweight Slot Together Oak – Square Raised Bed

 Made from four 1200mm x 250mm x 70mm new untreated English Oak sleepers, this raised bed kit has an external dimension of 1200mm x 1200mm x 250mm when fully assembled. This heavyweight, slot together Oak raised bed kit costs £83.99 (VAT included).

d. Heavyweight Slot Together Oak – Rectangular Raised Bed

With an external dimension of 2400mm x 1200mm x 250mm when fully assembled, this raised bed is made from new untreated English oak sleepers (two 2400mm x 250mm x 70mm and two 1200mm x 250mm x 70mm) and is available at just £113.99, including VAT.

Railway Sleeper manufactures both treated and untreated railway sleepers in the United Kingdom. We offer a wide range of wood for decking, cladding and raised bed kits. For more details, please call 01536-267-107. Our support centre is open from Monday to Saturday.

How to Build Railway Sleeper Steps

Are you planning to add more detail or accent to your garden? Build wooden garden steps using new railway sleepers.

What materials do you need?

•   Wooden sleeper
•   Stakes or mason’s line
•   Drill
•  Handsaw or chainsaw
•  Tape measure
•   Wheel barrow

The steps involved in making wooden garden steps

1.       Prepare all the materials listed above.

2.       Measure the entire area where you intend to place the garden steps. Cut the railway sleepers based on your measurements. You can use a handsaw but a chainsaw is much better, especially if you are using thick wood.

3.       Place a stake or a mason’s line into the ground, then level it using a straightedge to determine the height of the bottom and top step. Don’t forget to add markings.

4.       Using your tape measure, calculate the distance between your two markings. Determine the gap between the bottom and top step. This can help you to determine the number of railway sleepers that you need to use for the wooden steps.

5.       Dig two trenches at the bottom for installing sleepers flush with grade. This will serve as your bottom step. Make sure that the trenches are side to side and are measured based on your set width.

6.       Before placing any sleeper on the ground, add wood preservative to the ends to avoid early decay and deterioration. Drill holes at both ends of the sleeper, with 9/16 inch diameter.

7.       Set the railway sleepers in trenches. Make sure that they are perfectly aligned with the surrounding grade.

8.       Place two 6x6 railway sleepers on top of the wood base. This will serve as your first step. Fasten the wood using a 10-inch landscaping screw.

9.       Settle two more railway sleepers on top of the first step to support the second step. Repeat this until you reach the highest step. Always make sure you fasten the timber properly to prevent it from moving after installation.

10.   Backfill around the sleepers using pea gravel or any filler you prefer to use. This will give the perfect finish to your garden step.

What are the advantages of using railway sleepers for your garden steps?

•  Wood is less expensive compared to other materials like bricks, stones, etc.
•  It is easy to install and requires basic carpentry skills.
•  Wood has different natural designs that will add distinction to your garden.
•  Wood mixes well with other materials.

Visit the Railway Sleeper website or call 01536-267-107 to learn more. Phone lines are open from Monday to Saturday.

Image source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/17/4d/1c/174d1c4b9d61e46c687459a99ceb1c7f.jpg

Natural Characteristics of Wood

Various Materials Used for a Raised Bed Kit

Raised bed kits are used for growing vegetables, herbs or setting up a flower bed. They are often used for gardening and even in typical back gardens. They are initially created to deal with gardening problems like poor drainage, poor soil and soil compaction. Raised bed kits are primarily introduced with the use of wood. Today, people are more creative when it comes to installing raised bed kits. They use various materials depending on their unique preferences. Some of the most common materials used for raised bed kits include:

1.Wood

The most common and the least expensive material for a raised bed kit is wood. Redwood and cedar are commonly used due to their natural rot-resistance. They are easy to install and are widely available in the market. They work perfectly with a traditional or a contemporary style of garden. However, wood doesn’t last forever. You need to replace it after a decade. Still, it is considered as the most cost-effective choice for constructing raised beds.

2.Concrete

Concrete can last forever. However, concrete raised beds are expensive and are not always the best choice because they can’t be moved easily. They have to stay where they are forever.

3.Rock

Small rocks and large cobbles can also be used for raised beds. They don’t have to be mortared. The beds can be straightened or curved depending on the style chosen by the gardener. This type of construction doesn’t require any special equipment and is not permanent. It is ideal for people who love to make frequent changes in their garden design.

4.Steel

Steel is commonly used in landscapes and construction projects that require a touch of rustic sophistication. With an initial natural steel colour, it then beautifully turns into a stunning rusty patina several weeks after installation. The installation process is said to be difficult. The material is heavy and much more costly than others. Steel raised beds are not recommended for areas that can rapidly deteriorate materials.

5. Cinderblock

The cinderblock can be constructed in different ways. It can be stacked easily to a certain height or can be mortared in place to give a more elegant finish. Cheap and widely available, cinderblocks can fit in with a wide range of aesthetics, depending on the application. This material is difficult to install due to its heaviness and fragility.

In general, most people still favour wood raised bed kits. Unlike other materials that are difficult to install, wood is widely available and is cost effective.

Visit the Railway Sleeper website if you are planning to install a RailwaySleeper raised bed kit. You may also call +44 (0) 1536-267-107 with any enquiries.

Image source: http://www.tankworks.com.au/TankWorks/media/TankWorkMedia/Images/Products/Gallery/Garden%20Beds/garden-bed-1.jpg?width=300&height=250&ext=.jpg

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ldp3HD5lgYA/0.jpg

http://www.vegetablegardener.com/assets/uploads/posts/5123/raised-beds-1.jpg

http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Raised-Herb-Garden-6.jpg

http://homesteadingontheinternet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fieldstone.jpg