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!