TIMBER SLEEPERS - 3 Ways to Build Walls and Raised Beds

One of our most viewed types of projects is building with oak sleepers. I have tried a few options over the years, so here is a look at some of those. This would apply to oak, treated or reclaimed sleepers. Full build videos and tools used below.

TOOLS I USED

SUPPORT THE CHANNEL

TIMBER SLEEPER PLAYLIST

--- CLICK SHOW MORE FOR LINKS AND RESOURCES ---

CONTACT US

OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS

OUR BLOG

#OAKSLEEPERS #RASIEDBEDS #SLEEPERS

[martinb]

Great summary - thank you! A project for the Spring for me. I saw a nice lighting detail on another video which I’m going to use - sleeper wall built up on their edges with a top sleeper capping wide side down. Routing a groove along the underside to take an LED strip light. Looked great!

[Gaatyeo]

I did method #1 last year, followed your video. Very heavy work on your own, but results great. I bought the oaks dowels, but only used them as detail, I did not fancy being spun by the drill! Thanks for videos

[coffeefortwosolly]

I’ve watched every single one of your videos and still loved this .. I helped a friend lay a decking many year ago...we were novices ( and not too young ) and he sent a picture over after he had pressure washed like you do in isolation..and it’s still strong looking good...so proud! It’s good to look back and see these project stand the test of time. 🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧💕

[jamesward]

Converted my garage following your videos and am now looking to do our garden and searched retaining wall in YouTube and couldn’t be happier to see you face - I haven’t even watched the video yet ha but know that I can trust your advice!

[sukikahlon]

Thank you, I had so many questions about doing this properly, and you answered all of them. At least now I can do it with confidence and knowing it won't move or break.

[rich]

I used a concrete strip footing and through bolted the the first row of sleepers down., Similar to a timber frame house. You have to counter bore the holes so the stud and nut sit below flush and you can get a socket on it. Its easy to get everything level first with the shuttering for the concrete. I just timberlock screw the rest together. Rock solid.

[jimmylittleuk]

Thanks for pulling this together. Great work. The cables hanging from your computer monitor triggered my OCD 😃

[UKSegue]

Was thinking today about starting a project like this in the summer and then I see this notification. Very grateful !

[JamesTombs]

Perfect timing. This is my project this summer. Currently doing lots of prep work getting lawn level.

[MrJarkeveld]

...perfect video..I have made a few ideas now..thanks for posting..Jason in Perth Australia

[cmsharpe]

I loved the vertical option but wonder if it holds up to boys walking across the tops like little squirrels. I know they will so thought I better ask!

[myynyny]

For anyone looking to build raised beds which will last I recommend using oak gravel boards. These are fairly cheap compared to sleepers and are still thick enough for raised beds. Much longer lasting than pressure treated woods and won’t leach chemicals into soil!

[kevinblitzcki]

Hello,
You did a wonderful display of workmanship and skillfulness on this build and I hope you would be kind enough to answer those few questions:
1- You have anchored yours down to the ground using metal spikes to concrete, I have seen many builds where they dig a 3' long metal spike/peg into the ground but not sure how that will hold up over time as metal will rust out over time. I prefer your method.
2- If we're comparing the same build to a stone retaining wall, would timber be more cost-effective, and if so, by how much?
3- What would be the longevity expected from this wall compared to stone/cement build?
I'm really looking to do my own retaining wall and I already know hiring a professional is going to cost thousands and having watched a few vids, it looks more than doable but there's always questions to be asked. Of course there's engineering involved in this and absolutely no cutting corners or cheaping out and but the results are definitely worth it.
Many thanks again! :)

[elizabethh]

Excellent work!! Thanks for sharing...

[markbutcher]

Looks very good. I’m surprised you didn’t include any drainage holes or pipes in the wall. Waters heavy.

[jodybeard]

Great advice and such an easy video to watch and understand Tim. Thanks, All the best

[svong]

This is a superb video. Excellent build, and very well thought through.

[SteveZussou]

i like the vertical wall, 'im going to do a mix of horizontal, then add a vertical curve to retain a driveway space. Cheers

[Lee-kdbe]

Love all three ideas. Currently looking to convert the front of my garden with sleepers. It’s a new build so the soil is very clayey and crap if I’m honest.

Not the best at diy but hoping it doesn’t look crap when I’m finished lol

[nigelbullock]

You inspired me to build some walls using sleepers. I used a mixture of your great ideas. I built the walls by using the 200mm height on top of each other. Then I drilled a hole and then used timco long screws to secure. Then used dowls to fill the space I have drill out to make it look like Tim's impressive dowls that had been drilled all the way through all the sleepers. This way I hid the screws and had dowls instead.