Garden Project Ideas Using Landscape Sleepers!

Posted in Pennyhill Timber Blog by Pennyhill Timber on June 18th 2018

If you want to upgrade your garden this summer, landscape sleepers are a very versatile material. Indeed, they can be used in a wide variety of different garden projects. So if you're searching for landscape sleepers in Surrey, get in touch with the Pennyhill Timber team by calling 01483 486 739 or by visiting us at our timber yard in Surrey. or by visiting us at our timber yard in Surrey.

Two Garden Project Ideas Using Landscape Sleepers

There are lots of fantastic ways that you can use landscape sleepers in your garden. So, if you're excited for the summertime and you want to add something new to your garden, here is a quick list of two garden project ideas using landscape sleepers!

Building A Retaining Wall

A retaining wall made from landscape sleepers can be constructed in one of two ways: either horizontally using a brick bond, or by using the sleepers vertically (upright on their end).

A Vertical Wall
This process is straight forward; however it does require digging and lifting, so some teamwork may be beneficial! The project starts with drawing a line for the wall. This can be done using spray paint, string, or even a garden hosepipe. After you have created the line, you need to dig a trench. This trench should be approximately 450mm deep. After your have finished digging, lower your landscape sleepers into the trench and backfill using concrete.

Remember to use a dry mix of concrete. If you use a wet mix, the sleepers might not hold in place and it could also create a lot of mess. We also recommend using a connector (made from timber or steel) to provide the wall with extra strength.
A Horizontal Wall
With regards to a horizontal wall, the principal is similar to laying bricks. After marking out the line of the wall, dig a level trench (approx 300mm deep and 350mm wide). After digging the trench, you need to fill it to form a solid base. This can be done with either wet concrete, sharp sand & cement, or scalpings.

After this, lay each row of sleepers on top of each other, making sure that the joins overlap just like a brick wall. Also, remember to fix each row to the previous row using timber lock screws (sometimes referred to as "carpenter's mate" screws). Tip: A pilot hole drilled into the sleepers makes for an easy job!

Building A Raised Fish Pond

When creating a fish pond, it is very important that you consider the needs of the fish you want to keep. As such, make sure that the fish pond will be big enough for any fish that will be living in your pond and remember to research any specific needs that these fish have, such as food and habitat.

Once you are ready to build the pond, simply lay sleepers on top of each other along the perimeter of the pond; fastening them together using high quality timber screws. Continue this process until you reach your desired height. However, before you attach the final layer, remember to place pond liner between the last two layers of timber. For example, if you are building a pond with four layers of sleepers, your pond liner should be attached in between the third and fourth layers.

With regards to building a pond from sleepers, it is also very important that you choose high quality timber. For example, perhaps you would be interested in the fantastic selection of the oak sleepers that are available for purchase on the Pennyhill Timber online store?

Don't Want To Keep Fish, How About An Aquatic Garden?

If you're considering something different for your garden, how about introducing some aquatic plants?

This project is very similar to a raised fish pond; however instead of introducing fish to the pond, the aquatic area is instead populated entirely by a variety of different types of plants. As such, make sure that the pond is big enough for the aquatic plants you want in your garden, and remember to research the specific needs of the plants you would like to keep.

Can You Use Reclaimed Sleepers In Your Garden Project?

If used correctly, reclaimed sleepers can be a fantastic material for use in garden and landscaping projects. However, it is important that you recognise the health risks associated with the chemicals used to treat these products. Due to the chemicals used, please remember to take the appropriate precautions, always wear gloves when handling and always use a dust mask when cutting them.

Reclaimed sleepers are a versatile and aesthetically pleasing material for many projects; however they should not be used in areas where children will be in regular contact, or in areas where the sleepers could come into contact with food. This is because reclaimed sleepers are treated with creosote.

If you are searching for an alternative to creosote treated sleepers, the Pennyhill Timber online store has a selection of timber sleepers to choose from including oak sleepers, green sleepers, and incised sleepers. For example, you could choose a product such as brown landscape sleepers which have been treated with environmentally friendly preservative treatment to prevent against rot.

Landscape Sleepers In Surrey From Pennyhill Timber

If you're searching for landscape sleepers in Surrey, or if you're interested in any of the other timber products that are available from our timber yard, please browse through our online store or visit our team in person at our timber yard in Surrey.

Our team has over 50 years of award winning timber knowledge and experience. We use this knowledge and expertise to provide quality products, competitive prices, and class leading service. So if you have any questions regarding the products that are available from Pennyhill Timber, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and enthusiastic staff will be happy to offer advice and assist you with your enquiry.

Interested? Give Our Team A Call Or Visit Our Timber Yard In Surrey

If you would like more information or if you would like to make an enquiry, you can speak to a member of the Pennyhill Timber team by calling us on 01483 486 739. Our office opening hours are Monday to Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm.

However, if you would like to visit our team in person, our address is,

The Timber Yard, Lucas Green Road, West End, Woking, Surrey, GU24 9YB.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to contact our team using the internet, you can send any questions you have to us by email. Our email address is info@pennyhilltimber.co.uk.