Are you thinking that a raised flower bed would look perfectly at home in that bare spot in your backyard? Or perhaps you've decided that a raised decking would be the perfect outdoor patio for your family. Railways sleepers, originally chosen because they are an economical design element, have become the height of fashion in outdoor and indoor building, thanks to their versatility and rustic charm.
Many of the railway sleepers in use today are reclaimed from railroad beds throughout the world. The lots of timbers tend to be of uniform thicknesses, since they were originally cut to meet exacting standards of railway building. Years of exposure to the elements have weathered the wood, turning the utilitarian timbers into a subtly beautiful building material. Generally made of hardwoods - oak, beech or azobe, reclaimed timbers are solid, long lasting and full of character - and, to quote one designer - are as easy to work with as a set of child's building blocks.
There are literally hundreds of ways to incorporate new or reclaimed railway sleepers into your outdoor designs. Railways sleepers can be used to create raised beds, hold back gravel in terraced steps, build decking or create tree houses or other constructions. The only real limit to working with railway sleepers is the creativity of the builder. Most railway sleepers come in 6-8 foot lengths, making them the perfect size for use as is, or to cut down. The natural weathered wood blends in with brick, stone and plants to become a part of the surroundings. They can be used for projects as varied as coffee tables and outdoor benches, wooden lintels and carved bowls.
Railway sleepers are heavy duty, but the perfect material for the backyard do-it-yourselfer. The wood is precut and aged, so a friend or two and a weekend of work can totally transform your backyard into a lush garden with raised beds and terraced steps. Though most projects using railway sleepers lay the timbers flat on the ground, it's possible to create stunning visual effects with a little creativity. Sawn to different heights and stood on end, a railway sleeper can provide a sculptural accent in the center of a rock garden, or a striking retaining wall for a raised bed of mint or other herbs. A single eight foot timber can be cut to create planter benches or small tables - for indoors or out. Cut and laid along a gravel bed, railway sleepers can become a path or walkway through a landscaped garden or serve as a retaining wall for a series of graduated garden beds.
If you do decide to create your own project using railway sleepers, keep in mind that the timbers are heavy, and use safety precautions. A stack of railway sleepers can weigh several tons. If you are building with sleepers, don't trust to simple stacking. Be sure to use heavy duty bolts to secure the railway sleepers in place. While building, be sure to wear gloves and work with a partner to avoid injuries from lifting the weighty wood on your own.