Has anyone build raised border using (new) oak sleepers

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Thinking of getting some raised border build using oak sleepers - new rather that reclaimed (or at least not old railway sleepers that weep creosote. The idea is to have them running round the borders.

Anyone done it? Any tips?

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V8RX7 said:

Yes - the only issue is to consider how you join them.

Straps at the back, drill a hole and spike through the middle, huge screw type fixings etc

Have you done some? Just trying to work out rough costs for, say, a 10 run three deep.

I've seen for example, oak sleepers that are 2.4m x 100mm x 200mm for £20-ish.

For a 10m buy run I'd need 18 or them - so £360 for the timber.

Not sure how much prep is advisable bit if they were just laid on the ground it might take 2 x blokes 1 day.

Them I suppose I'd have to get a builders bag of topoil delivered and barrowed in?

Just trying to work out some ballpark figures before getting quotes.

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tuffer said:

Thanks Tuffer

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tuffer said:

Looked great for about two years and then started to rot

Ah, god to know. Assumed that Oak would last the course.

Although I did see some construction diagrams some where where they were recommending using internal membranes - that must be why.

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dickymint said:

Did these about 5 years ago using new Green Oak...........



Timberlock Screws are your friend........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POEUHxT9hdE

Looks great. Stil there?

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33q said:

6 years ago I had my garden landscaped using new sleepers. After 2 years there was evidence of rot and I have just had the whole lot ripped out. The amount if rot was unbelievable.

What a waste of £12k!

Just had the whole garden redone in natural stone.

I think the motto is buy cheap, buy twice.

Ouch...

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Chrisgr31 said:

I put some in around 10 years ago, treated them well before they went in, they have weed membrane then pea shingle between them and the earth. The parts I can see now need re-treating, no idea what the back is like! If I was putting them in now I would be terating the unseen parts with bitumen paint as all the approved treatments are useless!

Depending on where they are going and how high I would be tempted to use gravel boards or scaffold boards and just replace in 5 years or so.

Thanks.

Some very useful tips in here.

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5potTurbo said:

I used OLD sleepers, to build a wall with sleepers set horizontally, side edge up/down, with thick memberane behind as it was backfilled with soil. They were still as solid as ever after 8 years before we sold the house.
I can see the wall's still there whenever I pass it, some +3 years on....

Thanks 5pot.

Did they seep creosote in hot weather?