Even more uses for railway sleepers

We’ve previously covered using railway sleepers as steps, kerbing, retaining walls, and several other uses regarding gardening, art, and décor. There’s no end to the many ways a railway sleeper can be utilised, and the only limit is your imagination.

There are still a lot of projects you can do with railways sleepers. Before you proceed with this article, make sure that you are aware about the railway sleeper/s you have bought; treated railway sleepers can be hazardous and may be illegal in your area, so please read “Health and Safety Concerns When Using Railway Sleepers” first.

Fences

Railway sleepers are great when used as fences, particularly as border fences because treated railway sleepers are weather proofed, which can last for years before needing to be replaced. However, treated railway sleepers should not be used in gardens as the chemicals used for wood treatment can be absorbed into the soil, which harms the flora around the sleeper. Untreated or new railway sleepers are exceptions of course, although they should be treated later with an environmentally-friendly wood treatment to extend its lifetime.

Decking and Patios

Railway sleepers are good candidates for decking and patios. Why? They are readily available in large sizes and numbers, and they’re tough. You can trust them to be sturdy even through years of use.

Structures

Aside from walling, decking, and patios, railway sleepers can be used to build a variety of structures like tree houses, playgrounds, bridges, outhouses, etc. Do not use treated sleepers if human contact will be frequent (i.e. playgrounds).

Ponds

With some sealants involved, you can use untreated railway sleepers to create ponds as an addition to your garden.

Posts and poles

Wood is treated to lessen maintenance requirements, which is why treated wood is used in railways, telephones, signs, and the like. Use railway sleepers if you want to create projects similar to these.

Firewood

Untreated railway sleepers are perfectly safe to burn as firewood if already cut to an appropriate size. DO NOT BURN treated railway sleepers because it can ruin your burner or fireplace, and burning it will release noxious gasses and smoke in the vicinity or through the air.