It might be a terrific DIY project to create a garden wall out of railroad sleepers to enhance the appearance and usability of your outdoor area. Large wooden beams known as railway sleepers were once intended to support railroad tracks, but they are now frequently utilised for landscaping projects.

They are a well-liked material for building garden walls, planters, and other outdoor elements since they are strong and long-lasting. We'll examine the procedures for constructing a garden wall out of railroad sleepers in this blog post.



Step 1: Planning and preparation are steps one.

It's crucial to organise your project and gather the required supplies and tools before you begin construction. You'll require the following supplies:

  • Railway sleepers: You can get railway sleepers from a landscaping supplier or garden centre. Choose the right ones for your project because they come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses.
  • The railway sleepers will be joined together using rebar or metal spikes. Make sure the spikes you select are long enough to cut through the sleepers completely.
  • Crushed stone or gravel: This will serve as the foundation for your wall. It aids in giving your sleepers stability and drainage.
  • You'll line the base of the wall with landscape fabric to stop dirt and other debris from getting into the gravel layer.
  • Power saw: To cut the railway sleepers to the required length, a power saw will be required.
  • You'll need a drill and drill bits to create the holes for the spikes or rebar.
  • Hammer: To embed the spikes in the sleepers, you'll need a hammer.


After you have everything you need, you can start thinking about the design of your wall. Before choosing the location, height, and length of your wall, measure the space you will be constructing in.

Before you start building, you must clear the space where your wall will be located. The area should be free of any grass, weeds, or trash, and the ground should be flat. Add dirt to any low spots and use a shovel, if necessary, to level up any uneven areas.

As soon as the ground has been levelled and cleared, you may begin laying the foundation for your wall. Spread a layer of gravel or crushed stone over the surface, and then use a rake to level it out.



Step 2: Cutting Sleepers to Size

Go forward now! It's time to chop up those railroad sleepers! Go out your power saw and start cutting those bad boys into smaller pieces. But take your time! To get a great, snug fit, take your time measuring.

Let's start placing those right away! Place the first sleeper on the landscape fabric to start. Make use of that dependable spirit level to ensure that it is as level and smooth as a baby's bottom. Got it? Good! If not, adjust it until it is flawless.


Put that bad boy next to the first sleeper, then get out of the spirit level once more. Keep it flush with the first one and level. Drill a few holes through each sleeper, then ram in some metal spikes or rebar. It's time to make it stick, Ensure sure the sleepers are securely closed.

Until you finish, keep driving those sleepers into the ground and drilling, spiking, and hammering. But, you hear, don't forget to stagger those joints. That will provide you with some steadfast stability and prevent the wall from collapsing.



Step 3: Cutting and Placing the Sleepers

It's time to cut and lay those railroad sleepers, so get your power saw ready to go! So take your time measuring before you begin cutting; accuracy is essential here.

Put that first sleeper on top of the landscape cloth to get things started. Make sure it is flush with the ground and level, and don't forget to verify your work with a spirit level before you leave the house. Do you need to alter anything? No issue; just correct it before continuing to the next step.


Get your power saw revved up and ready to go, 'cause it's time to cut and place those railway sleepers! But don't rush it - precision is key here, so take your time measuring before you start slicing.

Let's kick things off by placing that first sleeper on top of the landscape fabric. Make sure it's level and flush with the ground, and don't forget to whip out that trusty spirit level to double-check your work. Need to make some adjustments? No problem, just get it right before moving on to the next step.


Alright, time to bring in sleeper number two! Place it right next to the first one, and once again, make sure it's level and flush. Check it with that spirit level, and tweak it as necessary. Now, we're ready to drill some holes through both sleepers and jam in some rebar or metal spikes. Time to hammer it down and secure those sleepers in place!

Keep the train rolling by repeating the process for each additional sleeper, drilling and securing as you go. But don't forget to stagger those joints between sleepers for extra stability. Trust us, you'll want that wall to stand the test of time!



Step 4: Fixing your sleepers in place

It's time to stack and secure your sleepers now that you have them all set up. Starting with the second layer of sleepers, arrange them so they are staggered from the first layer. Check each sleeper's positioning with a spirit level and make any required adjustments.


Drill holes through both layers after the second layer is in place, and then put a metal spike or a piece of rebar into the holes. Drive the spike or rebar into the sleepers with a hammer until they are firmly in place. With each new layer, repeat this procedure, being careful to stagger the joints and secure each layer as you go.


Use a spirit level to examine the placement of each sleeper and layer as you build your wall to make sure it is level and straight. Shims or tiny pieces of wood can be used, if necessary, to level off any uneven areas.



Step 5: Finishing touches

When your wall has reached the proper height, you may add some finishing touches to improve its aesthetic appeal. The rough places on the sleepers may be smoothed out using a sander, and then you can cover them in wood preservatives to shield them from the weather. Also, you may embellish your wall with ornamental components like plants, pebbles, or other landscape features.


When you've constructed your wall to the correct height, you may add some finishing touches to improve its appearance. The rough edges on the sleepers may be smoothed out with a sander, and to protect them from the outdoors, you can varnish them with wood preservatives. Also, you may adorn your wall with ornamental components like flowers, stones, or other outside features.



Maintenance

It's crucial to maintain your railway sleeper wall on a regular basis to keep it looking wonderful. Regularly check your wall for any signs of degradation or damage, and then make any required repairs. To keep your sleepers shielded from the outdoors, spray a layer of wood preservative every few years.



Conclusion

Let's speak about making a garden wall out of railroad sleepers, so get your DIY mojo going! This project is the ideal way to give your outside space some major usefulness and aesthetic appeal. But pay attention, you must have the proper equipment and supplies and don't forget to plan and prepare thoroughly before you begin construction.


But don't worry, our step-by-step instructions will have you creating like a pro. So why are you still waiting? It's time to start construction and create the outdoor place of your dreams!