Title: How to Build a Railway Sleeper Retaining Wall - AVS Fencing Supplies
Headings: How to Build a Railway Sleeper Retaining Wall
How to Build a Railway Sleeper Retaining Wall
Hardwood or softwood sleepers?
Do I need a foundation for my sleeper wall?
Retaining walls with horizontal sleepers
Retaining walls with vertical sleepers
Does my retaining wall need drainage?
How to cut railway sleepers
Ask the experts

Content: Adequate drainage is essential to avoid building a pond rather than a retaining wall. For larger walls it may be necessary to install a dedicated drainage pipe at the base of the wall, however for most garden applications or smaller walls the retained area should drain naturally with a little help. A simple method is to create a drainage tube with a length of permeable membrane and gravel. Before back-filling the soil behind your retaining wall, lay a length of permeable membrane at the base of the wall then cover half the width next to the wall with a 20cm wide and 20cm deep layer of large gravel or ballast. Fold the remaining membrane over the top of the gravel then cover with earth. This will stop the earth washing into the gravel over time and blocking the drainage. How to cut railway sleepers
A circular saw is the best method for cutting railway sleepers, although a hand saw can be used for softwood sleepers. However a circular saw blade may not completely cut through the thickness of a sleeper in one pass - cut through one side, then turn the sleeper over and recut to finish the job. Always remember to treat any cut ends of softwood sleepers with End Grain Treatment to preserve the weatherproofing of the timber. Watch out when cutting reclaimed sleepers for any nails or screws that may still be embedded in the sleeper.