Oak sleepers have become a steadfast addition to landscaping, transforming outdoor spaces into gorgeous gardens and functional grounds.
They’re rustic, add heaps of character and can even offer some serious stability to certain landscaping ideas.
But before you invest in sleepers for your next project, there are some things you need to know first…
An Overview Of Oak Sleepers
Sleepers get their name from their origin - they were repurposed railway sleepers. Huge cuts of wood that help to space the train tracks.
When they were replaced, the old wood still had plenty of life, and many of them found their way into landscaping. Their strength and resistance to rot and decay made them ideal for walls and flower beds, not to mention more decorative visions.
Now, the oak sleepers you see for sale are not often originals taken from the train tracks themselves, but they should be equally high-quality when bought from a reputable wood merchant.
Traditional sleepers are 100mm x 200mm sawn. Sleeper-grade wood will have natural characteristics of wood - that means knots, splits, and dents. Freshly sawn oak will contain these splits, knots, and wormholes every now and then, as it’s a natural product.
Here at E O Burton, our sleepers are supplied with 4 sharp edges, but may sometimes have bark on some corners. Though unique differences like this are often desirable, as it sets your sleepers apart from all others.
Oak is inherently filled with markers like checks, splits and knots, so bear this in mind when ordering, so you know to expect some visual differences and natural charm in the wood.
Why Choose Oak Sleepers?
Oak sleepers are an exceptional option if you want to upgrade your garden projects or create some remarkable furniture and wall pieces. Sleepers are always in high demand, and for good reason. They offer you a plethora of benefits…
Natural Resistance
Oak is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor use.
Weatherproof
It can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, ice and sun exposure.
Strong and Sturdy
Oak is a dense hardwood that can handle heavy loads and resist wear and tear, making it suitable for structural projects like retaining walls.
Visually appealing
Oak sleepers have a warm, rich colour and pretty grain patterns that add natural charm.
Age well
Over time, oak sleepers develop a beautiful silver-grey hue.
Versatile
They can be used for various design styles, from traditional to modern, and complement different landscaping materials like stone and brick.
Eco-Friendly
Oak sleepers are a natural, renewable resource, especially when, like ours, they’re sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Easy to Work With
Oak sleepers can be cut, drilled, and shaped with standard woodworking tools.
Great Value
They offer a good balance between cost and durability, making them a cost-effective option for long-term landscaping projects.
Project Ideas For Oak Sleepers
Oak sleepers are mostly known for retaining walls - but they’re actually far more versatile than you may realise. Here are just some of the applications our customers have used oak sleepers for;
Retaining walls
The most popular uses for oak sleepers are retaining walls. The strong and sturdy wood can hold soil behind it for years, while adding a natural yet striking look to your space.
Raised beds
Raised beds add visual interest to a garden, and oak sleepers make them feel natural. Some people make their raised beds dual-purpose and have seating attached to the outside since sleepers are so sturdy.
Steps
Create secure and sturdy steps that add a flair of purposeful design to your garden.
Oak sleepers are ideal for steps - they blend better and are not as hard as concrete or paving. However, they might become slippery when wet, so adding anti-slip strips is a good idea.
Edging
Edging your paths, lawns and beds with oak sleepers allows you to bring in neatness while maintaining that outdoor feel. Landscapers can get creative with laying sleepers - we’ve seen artfully placed vertical and horizontal edges.
Pathways
By partially burying your sleepers, you can create stunning pathways that are both long-lasting and unique.
Mantles
Oak sleepers can be put to work inside the house too. The natural wood used as a mantel gives a room a country cottage-style that looks cosy and inviting.
Shelving
The thick and sturdy wood of sleepers makes for an interesting way to store books, jars or to display items.
Furniture
Sleepers are heavy by nature but this can make them good for some specific types of furniture. In recent months, we’ve seen projects that have included coffee tables, media units and even beds made from sleepers!
Bars
Whether in the garden or in a pub, a sleeper bar has a rustic charm, and removes some of the effort of constructing your own structure, as sleepers can simply be stacked or supported as the structure themselves.
Maintaining Your Oak Sleepers
What do you do once you’ve got your hands on oak sleepers? Here’s a general idea of how to properly prep, secure and maintain your sleepers…
Preparation:
First clean off any sawdust with a stiff brush. If necessary, apply a wood preservative or oil ( we recommend this, especially if the sleepers will be in contact with soil or water).
Layout: Mark the desired location and outline of your project (retaining wall, raised bed for example).
Excavation: Dig a trench or level the ground as needed for the sleepers.
Levelling: Use a spirit level to ensure each sleeper is level.
Securing: Retaining walls - stack the sleepers and secure them with spikes or brackets driven through the wood into the ground.
Raised beds: connect the sleepers at the corners using screws or nails, and reinforce the structure with internal supports if needed.
Edging or pathways: partially bury the sleepers in the ground and secure them with spikes or stakes.
Maintenance:
Regular Cleaning: Brush off debris and dirt to prevent buildup and keep the sleepers looking their best.
Inspect for Damage: Check for signs of rot, insect damage, or warping and address any issues promptly.
Reapply Finishes: You may need to reapply wood preservatives or oil every couple of years to maintain protection.
Choosing Oak Sleepers For Your Project?
Oak sleepers are a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing option for all sorts of projects, both DIY and trade. Whether you’re building a retaining wall, a raised bed or working on something more unusual, these sleepers open up a world of possibility.
Ready to start your oak sleeper project but need some guidance on choosing your sleepers?
Get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team today. Don’t sleep on the beauty of oak sleepers, transform your outdoor space with a natural, rustic look.