Learn how to build a retaining wall with sleepers, from planning and preparation to finishing touches. Get expert tips on design, layout, materials, and maintenance. Garden sleeper wall construction uses timber beams, known as sleepers, to create functional and attractive landscape features like retaining walls, raised garden beds, and borders.
Originally used for railway tracks, these timbers are now a popular choice for their rustic, natural look that complements any outdoor space. In this video i will be showing you how to build a railway sleeper retaining wall. I will explain the complete process including the correct tools and method.
Before you begin constructing your sleeper retaining wall, careful planning is essential to ensure a successful and safe project. Start by assessing the slope and determining the purpose of your retaining wall. Consider factors such as soil type, drainage, and the height of the wall, as these can influence the design and structural requirements.
How to build a retaining wall with horizontal sleepers Horizontal sleepers is the more traditional design method for creating a sleeper retaining wall, with the structure establishing a brick-like formation. Here are the steps to follow for building a horizontal timber sleeper retaining wall: 1. Sleepers, which are large, rectangular timbers typically made from wood or concrete, are a popular choice for building retaining walls due to their durability, affordability, and versatility.
Building a retaining wall with sleepers involves careful planning, preparation, and construction to ensure that the wall is strong, stable, and long. To build a garden wall with sleepers, plan the layout, set a level base, fix each sleeper firmly, add drainage, then backfill and tidy the face. A sleeper retaining wall is a structural wall made of concrete sleepers supported by steel posts, often used in situations with pronounced height differences or uneven land.
Looking to make a simple upgrade to your or a client's garden? In this handy guide, Nationwide Supplies outlines how to build a sleeper retaining wall. To cut a sleeper measure off the length needed and make around the sleeper using a set square and pencil. Then simply cut the sleeper from both sides using a circular saw with a cutting depth just over half the sleeper's thickness.
The sleepers can then be laid butted up end to end and screwed into place. Screw the two courses together.