How to Make a Raised Bed with Railway Sleepers
Building a raised bed using railway sleepers is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden feature. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or decorative shrubs, sleeper beds provide structure, drainage, and long-lasting strength — perfect for both modern and traditional garden designs.
At Clarke Fencing, we stock a full range of railway sleepers including oak, softwood, and reclaimed timber options — ideal for creating raised beds, garden borders, and retaining walls.
Why Choose Railway Sleepers for Raised Beds?
Sleepers are strong, durable, and easy to work with. Their rectangular shape allows for quick assembly and straight, uniform edges. Pressure-treated softwood sleepers offer excellent value and protection against rot, while oak or reclaimed sleepers provide a rustic, premium finish.
Key Benefits:
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Long-lasting and sturdy construction
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Natural timber look suits all garden styles
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Easy to build with basic tools
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Customisable size and height to suit your space
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Improved drainage and soil depth for healthy plant growth
Choosing the Right Type of Sleeper
Clarke Fencing supplies a variety of sleepers in different materials and sizes:
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Softwood Sleepers – Pressure-treated for durability and available in lengths like 1m, 2.4m, and 3m. Great for easy cutting and lighter weight.
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Oak Sleepers – Naturally dense hardwood with a rich, rustic appearance ideal for premium gardens.
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Reclaimed Sleepers – Weathered and characterful, perfect for a traditional or cottage-style garden look.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Materials:
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4–8 railway sleepers (depending on bed size)
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Decking screws or timber coach screws
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Corner brackets or timber stakes (optional)
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Weed membrane
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Topsoil and compost mix
Tools:
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Spirit level
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Drill and long drill bit
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Saw (if cutting sleepers)
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Tape measure
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Screwdriver or impact driver
Step-by-Step: How to Build a Raised Bed
Step 1 – Plan Your Layout
Choose a sunny, level area of your garden. Decide on the shape — rectangular and square are the easiest to construct.
A common raised bed size is 1.2m x 2.4m, which allows easy access from both sides.
Lay out your sleepers on the ground to check fit and alignment before you start fixing them together.
Step 2 – Prepare the Ground
Remove any grass, roots, or debris. You can either:
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Level the ground with a spade, or
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Excavate slightly and lay a weed control membrane to stop weeds growing through the bed.
If you’re installing on a patio or concrete area, simply build the frame on top — no digging required.
Step 3 – Build the Frame
Lay out your first layer of sleepers in position. Use a spirit level to ensure they sit flat.
Fix each corner using timber screws or coach bolts for strength — pre-drill the holes to prevent splitting.
For higher beds, stack a second or third layer of sleepers on top, offsetting the joints for added stability. Secure each layer with screws or long timber dowels.
If extra reinforcement is needed, fit corner brackets inside or drive timber stakes into the ground at each corner.
Step 4 – Line the Inside
Although treated sleepers resist rot, lining the inside helps prolong lifespan. Use a weed membrane or heavy-duty landscaping fabric, stapled to the inside walls, to prevent soil contact with the timber.
Step 5 – Fill and Plant
Add a layer of gravel or rubble at the bottom for drainage, followed by a mix of topsoil and compost.
You’re now ready to plant — whether it’s herbs, vegetables, or flowering plants.
For deeper-rooted crops, consider building higher sides (three sleepers high gives around 600mm depth).
Maintenance Tips
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Apply a timber treatment or oil every 1–2 years to maintain colour and weather protection.
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Avoid using old creosote-treated railway sleepers, as these can leach chemicals.
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Check corner fixings occasionally and tighten if required.
Related Products
Complete your raised bed project with our range of landscaping materials:
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Sleepers – Oak, softwood, and reclaimed options.
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Topsoil & Aggregates – Perfect for filling and levelling.
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Decking Screws – For secure timber joining.
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Weed Control Membrane – Keeps your bed low maintenance.
For decorative finishes, you can also edge your raised bed area with sleepers for garden edging — ideal for paths or flower borders.
Helpful External Guides
For more inspiration and planting advice, explore:
Final Thoughts
Building a raised bed with railway sleepers is a simple weekend project that instantly transforms your garden. With strong, natural timber and minimal tools, you can create attractive, functional planting spaces that last for years.
Explore Clarke Fencing’s full range of railway sleepers to get started — available in oak, softwood, and reclaimed options, all pressure-treated and ready for your next garden project.
