{"id":1256,"date":"2020-03-12T18:55:51","date_gmt":"2020-03-12T18:55:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=1256"},"modified":"2022-01-05T10:25:55","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T10:25:55","slug":"best-railway-sleepers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/best-railway-sleepers\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Can You Find The Best Railway Sleepers On The UK Market?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re always on the lookout for original, practical and innovative gardening ideas. But every once in a while, nature restrtuctures herself to give us something unexpected and evironmentally friendly to work with. Generally used to support, maintain, and align the tracks on a rail, railway sleepers have seen a massive revival due to their ruggedness and versatility.<\/p>\n

In case you\u2019re wondering if there\u2019s a train coming through UK homeowners\u2019 yards, railway sleepers have found a myriad of new uses. Whether hardwood or softwood, wooden sleepers have become incredibly popular; especially reclaimed ones that give your garden and yard a traditional, rustic look.<\/p>\n

One of the common ways to use railway sleepers include as raised flower planters or vegetable beds which are ideal for drainage and pest control. Likewise, the sleepers also make great and easy to install garden steps and plot edging. And if you\u2019re an advanced DIYer, why not give custom garden furniture a hand? There are some beautiful chairs, benches, tables, and even decking made entirely from railway sleepers.<\/p>\n

Key Considerations When Buying Railway Sleepers for Your Garden<\/h2>\n

i) Railway Sleeper Material<\/h3>\n

Railroad sleepers or ties come in a variety of materials and types. These include stone blocks, pre stressed concrete, steel, plastic, and wooden ties. Since we\u2019re interested in gardening and landscaping, it\u2019s best to keep the weight and cost down by going for wooden sleepers. Here. You\u2019ll have the choice of new or reclaimed hardwood and softwood.<\/p>\n

ii) Softwood Vs Hardwood<\/h3>\n

Lightweight, smaller, and easier to maneuver, softwood railway sleepers are a favorite among DIYers. They are easy to handle, drill, and saw through with little effort.<\/p>\n

Hardwood rail ties have a much higher density making them heavier and tougher. This means they are ideal for making permanent garden structures that last longer even when in direct contact to wet ground.<\/p>\n

iii) Treatment<\/h3>\n

Untreated railroad sleepers are vulnerable to attack by both vermin and decay. Ensure your ties are treated or even preserved for an even longer lifespan.<\/p>\n

The Best Railway Sleepers Reviewed<\/h2>\n

1. Suregreen Softwood Railway Sleepers (Pack of 4)<\/h3>\n<\/a>\n
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON -><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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If you\u2019ve got a sizeable project in mind, you\u2019re going to need a fair amount of railroad ties. Made from traditional softwood timber, Suregreen presents their large, sawn cut rectangular sleepers. The railway sleepers measure 2.4m long each and come in 4 packs totalling at 100Kg.<\/p>\n

Compared to reclaimed, old railway ties, these new sawn sleepers have far straighter edges making them easier and neater to stack. All of Suregreen\u2019s timber is tanalized for long lasting protection against water rot, decay, fungus and insect attack for upto 15 years. This gives the wood a green coloration that fades to brown and finally settles at gery. However, any surfaces that you saw through yourself will need to be treated again for total protection.<\/p>\n

What I like about it:<\/h4>\n