Concrete sleepers have been a contemporary component of railway tracks all over the world. Due to their water, corrosion and sunlight resistance, they’re the preferred sleepers for many railway projects. They’re also affordable and extremely durable – a must for any track that will see heavy traffic.
However, concrete sleepers go beyond just being a practical and cost-effective solution for turnout systems. Any seasoned DIY enthusiast will tell you – concrete sleepers are common in landscaping, or more specifically, retaining walls. Consider our concrete sleeper products in Sydney or our partners Outback Sleepers Sydney.
The Uses of Concrete Sleepers in Landscaping
Since the 1950s, concrete sleepers have been used to create retaining walls to stabilize earth. Known for their incredible strength, concrete sleepers won’t wilt under the pressure of heavy loads. They are also incredibly easy to work with and install since many modular units can be connected.
Besides withstanding soil, concrete sleepers can beautify a landscape. With a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors available, you can build a retaining wall that’s modern, traditional, or even whimsical in design.
The Advantages of Concrete Sleepers
If you’re on the fence about using concrete sleepers for your retaining wall project, consider these additional advantages:
Straightforward Installation
Concrete sleepers are fairly simple to install for your retaining wall.
Why?
Because they come in modular units which can connect together, and the sleepers are easy to stack or place side by side. As such, it’s not necessary to hire a retaining wall builder as you could easily DIY. However, if your concrete sleeper wall goes beyond a certain height, you may be legally obligated to consult a structural engineer. This is due to the possibility of a collapse and injury, so it’s best to be aware of your local laws and regulations.
Creates Functional Space
Many outdoor spaces require a level of ground for building. If there’s a large drop-off in your area, soil will eventually erode away and collapse. To prevent this, a retaining wall is necessary to stabilize the soil and hold it in place.
A retaining wall can also divide your exterior space into sections, letting you create functional space in your yard. When you build a retaining wall, you can incorporate other landscaping features like:
- Benches
- Patios
- Gardens
- Walkways
- Firepits
In many ways, a concrete sleeper retaining wall is an exterior designer’s dream. It allows them to incorporate different design elements, improving functionality and increasing property value.
Highly Durable
Concrete sleepers reinforced with steel will last a life-time, meaning your retaining walls won’t need to be replaced any time soon. In addition, their resistance to water, pests and rot, sunlight and corrosion means that your retaining walls will not suffer from weathering or erosion.
If you need a wall to hold back your earth’s banks, or just wish to design a more attractive garden, concrete sleepers are ideal. They’re also more resistant to fire than timber sleepers – ideal if you live in an area prone to bushfires.
Low Maintenance Costs
Wooden sleepers need to be pretreated to avoid decay and rot. On the other hand, concrete sleepers don’t need any special treatment to last a lifetime. All they require is a yearly wash to clean dirt and grime from their surface.
As maintenance is minimal, on-going costs associated with concrete sleepers are low. This lets homeowners save money over the years without sacrificing quality and performance.
Read more about Concrete Sleepers Maintenance and Product Care
Good Insulation
Concrete sleepers are composed of sand, cement, stone and other materials. Circuited line tracks should have good insulation from the sleepers to prevent damaged tracks and pipes installed underground.
Ideal for Tall Retaining Walls
Taller retaining walls require additional support to maintain their structural integrity. Concrete sleepers with reinforced steel are extremely strong and can support larger walls without buckling or collapsing. If your wall exceeds the minimum height that requires a building permit, concrete sleepers can help create a safe and secure structure.
They Come in Various Finishes
Concrete sleepers were previously known for their dull, drab colors. But that’s not the case anymore. Now, they come in various finishes like smooth concrete, stackstone and wood.
If you enjoy the authentic look of timber but need a more secure structure, you can purchase wood grain concrete sleepers. Stackstone concrete sleepers, meanwhile, offer a rock-like finish, which accentuates the natural beauty of your garden. Smooth concrete sleepers come in plain or charcoal and have an industrial appearance.
They Won’t Fade Overtime
Concrete sleepers maintain their color and texture over time. Unlike other materials such as timber that’s poorly maintained, they won’t fade or crack due to weathering or UV rays. As a result, you can enjoy its beauty for decades.
A retaining wall that aesthetically detracts from your exterior isn’t just an eyesore, it reduces your property value. Potential buyers keep an eye on your exterior’s design and condition since it’s on them (if your home is purchased) to conduct any repairs. However, with concrete sleepers, your retaining wall will not only look beautiful but stay that way.
RWS Concrete Sleepers at Competitive Prices
If concrete sleepers for your retaining walls are on your purchase list, look no further than RWS. We provide high-quality concrete sleepers and steel posts to meet all your requirements. We also sell them at prices that won’t break the bank. So you can get the best at an affordable rate. Read more about how much concrete sleeper retaining walls cost here.
For more information about our products, browse our website or contact us directly. Our experts will elp you with your query and provide suitable advice for your landscaping project. Our services are available in Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
