Staggered sleeper edging - anyone got an idiots guide?
Discussion
Apologies if the answers are obvious but never having done this before I am not in the know…
I want to edge a lawn and also some flower beds with sleepers – both as a raised bed and also as a staggered edge.
For a staggered bed like this – [img] https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03... how do we fix the sleepers into the ground? Do we dig a trench, fill with concrete (or cement?) and set the sleepers into it or is there a better method? I assume they are fixed together from behind with metal straps? This will be a border between a flower bed and lawn.
I want to edge a lawn and also some flower beds with sleepers – both as a raised bed and also as a staggered edge.
For a staggered bed like this – [img] https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03... how do we fix the sleepers into the ground? Do we dig a trench, fill with concrete (or cement?) and set the sleepers into it or is there a better method? I assume they are fixed together from behind with metal straps? This will be a border between a flower bed and lawn.
As a mere DIY’er, I’d just sit the cut posts in concrete within a trench, then using long screws diagonally screw each post to the next one rather than using metal straps.
You won’t see the screws as long as you fit them around the back of the posts.
This quite possibly isn’t how a “pro” would do it though.
You won’t see the screws as long as you fit them around the back of the posts.
This quite possibly isn’t how a “pro” would do it though.
How far would they be protruding? Rough rule of thumb is to bury them 1/3 of the depth that they are above ground, e.g 30 in above ground = 10 in below.
Something like this at the rear of the posts would secure them as long as it's not 5-6 ft tall.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Galvanised-Fixing-Builder...
Something like this at the rear of the posts would secure them as long as it's not 5-6 ft tall.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Galvanised-Fixing-Builder...
I would sink them all in about 1 ft. You dont want it toppling over.
I would screw each one to the next with some proper screws.
You will need an impact driver to get them in though.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/timbascrew-hex-flange-t...
I would also be tempted to brace it altogether with small regular screws with a metal strip or wood if its flat screwed into the backs below the soil line.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/sabrefix-builders-band-...
I would screw each one to the next with some proper screws.
You will need an impact driver to get them in though.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/timbascrew-hex-flange-t...
I would also be tempted to brace it altogether with small regular screws with a metal strip or wood if its flat screwed into the backs below the soil line.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/sabrefix-builders-band-...
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