How to Lay Sleepers for Garden Edging

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Railway Sleepers

Marking Out Your Timber Border Edge

• Draw the line: Lay out a string line or similar to create a line along the desired border.

• Measure pin positions: Mark where each sleeper pin will go—typically at each end and every 1–1.2 m.

• Check curves: Sleepers can be cut or scribed to follow gentle curves; mark these before cutting.

Preparing Trenches for Garden Sleepers

• Depth: Dig a shallow trench about 50 mm deep— deep enough to seat the sleepers but shallow enough to sit proud of the surrounding soil. see this Gardeners’ World turf edging guide for similar tips

• Width: Slightly wider than the sleeper thickness (approx. 120 mm) for easy positioning.

• Clear debris: Remove stones, roots, and large clumps of soil to ensure a level base.

Laying Damp Proof Membrane Under Sleepers

• Cut to fit: Line the trench with DPM so it covers the base and rises slightly up the rear face of the sleeper.

• Protect timber: The membrane prevents soil moisture from wicking into the sleepers’ underside.

Position the First Railway Sleeper

• Set in place: Gently lower the sleeper into the trench on top of the DPM.

• Level check: Place your spirit level on top—adjust by adding or removing soil beneath until it’s perfectly horizontal.

Anchoring Sleepers with Pins & Postmix

• Optional Pilot holes: Drill a small guide hole through each end of the sleeper.

• Insert pins: Tap pins in using a rubber mallet. Spacing them in the centre or at joins of sleepers, using straight pins for Butt joins and Corner pins for coiner joints.
  For extra strength, set pins in postmix concrete:

  1. Mix postmix to a stiff consistency per bag instructions.

  2. Position pin, pour mix around its base, and allow to set.

Joining Plates for Smooth Sleeper Connections

• Butt join: Slide the next sleeper flush against the first.

• Joiners: Fix straight joining plates on the rear face with hex head screws. For corners, use corner plates.

• Secure pins: Screw a pin into each new sleeper anchoring it to the ground as before.

Backfilling & Compacting Your Sleeper Edging

• Soil or gravel: Backfill tightly behind the sleepers, tamping down to remove gaps.

• Finish top: Add a thin cap of fine gravel or soil against the sleeper front for a polished look.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Sleeper Borders

• Annual inspection: Check pins for loosening and sleepers for movement.

• Reapply paint: If you used bitumen sealant, freshen it every 2–3 years, particularly on cut ends.

• Weed control: Keep bed soil weed-free to prevent moisture build-up against the timber.

• Clean grading: Clear soil build-up on the top edge to avoid rot-promoting damp.

• Refer to this guide for more maintenance recommendations – BBC Tim­ber Edging Guide

Pro Tips for Perfect Garden Sleeper Edging

1. Straight runs are easiest: Curved edges require precise marking and cutting—start with straighter borders if you’re new to sleepers.

2. Level is key: A single unlevel sleeper can throw the entire run off—take your time with each placement.

3. Spacing of pins: Too few pins, and the sleepers may lean; too many can split timber—stick to 1–1.2 m spacing.

4. Use quality DPM: Thin plastic sheeting won’t last—choose a durable, UV-resistant membrane.

5. Work in dry conditions: Wet soil can compact incorrectly and make levelling difficult—aim for a dry day.

🧰 What Do I Need to Lay Sleepers for Garden Edging?

Sleepers

• Softwood Sleepers – Light duty perfect for Garden Landscaping (Softwood Sleepers)

• Oak Sleepers – Heavy duty hardwood railway sleepers (Oak Sleepers)

Joining Plates & Pins

• Straight Sleeper Joining Plate – Ideal for connecting two sleepers in-line (Straight Plate)

• Corner Sleeper Joining Plate – Used for 90° connections (Corner Plate)

• Straight Sleeper Pin (Single) – For securing sleepers into the ground (Straight Pin)

• Straight Sleeper Pin (Double) – For securing two stacked sleepers into the ground (Double Straight Pin)

• Corner Sleeper Pin (Single) – Anchors corner joins into the ground (Corner Pin)

• Corner Sleeper Pin (Double) – Anchors two stacked corner joins into the ground (Double Corner Pin)

Damp Proof Membrane

• DPM – Lay between sleeper and ground to reduce moisture contact (DPM Sheet)

Hex Head Sleeper Screws

• Timber Screws – Heavy-duty fixings perfect for securing sleepers (Hex Screws)

🛠️ Recommended Tools for Landscaping Sleeper Projects

Make sure you have these tools on hand before you start laying your sleepers:

• Shovel & Spade – for digging trenches and backfilling

• Tape Measure & String Line – to mark out straight, accurate edging lines

• Spirit Level – to ensure each sleeper sits perfectly horizontal

• Rubber Mallet – for gently tapping sleepers and pins into place

• Drill Set – to drive screws into sleepers and connecting plates

• Utility Knife or Scissors – to cut Damp Proof Membrane to size

• Protective Gloves & Safety Glasses – for safe handling of timber and tools

• Wheelbarrow (optional) – to transport soil, gravel, or mixed concrete

Having the right tools ready will make installation faster, easier, and more accurate. Happy building!

FAQs About Garden Sleeper & Timber Edging

Q: How deep should I set my sleepers?
A: For edging, a shallow 50 mm trench is sufficient. If you’re using sleepers for retaining walls or steps, deeper embedding (100–150 mm) is recommended.

Q: Can I use sleepers on slopes?
A: Yes, but you may need stepped installation—dig staggered trenches to create a gradual rise rather than a single run.

Q: Are oak sleepers worth the extra cost?
A: Oak’s natural tannins deliver outstanding rot resistance without chemical treatments. If you want a premium, long-lasting look, oak is an excellent choice.