If there’s anything that bridges the divide between experienced landscapers and people yet to embark on their gardening journey, it’s low-maintenance features that retain their appearance over time with little upkeep. Does that float your boat? Then why don’t we tell you all about how to build a raised bed with sleepers?
Raised beds, or planters, are the quintessential beginner’s project. There’s a little bit of graft to keep you interested but, on the whole, it’s a simple undertaking that anyone of any skill level can achieve.
In our fuss-free guide, we’re going to be showing you how to make a raised bed from 6 railway sleepers. Of course, you can shake things up according to your preference– namely, the sizing and design – but in our example, there are two layers at 2.4m in length. Let’s get things underway.
Outlining the process
We get it; you’re a busy person and you haven’t the time for long introductions filled with fluff. That’s why we’ve outlined each of the steps involved. Here’s how to make a raised sleeper garden bed at a glance.
Step 1: Pinpointing the ideal positioning for the raised bed
Step 2: Sorting out your dimensions and cutting the sleepers to size
Step 3: Securing your sleepers together for a base frame
Step 4: Creating a second layer
Step 5: Fixing the two layers together
Step 6: Repeat steps 4 & 5 until you achieve the desired height
Step 7: Waterproof, line and plant up
What you’ll need for this project
One of the best things about this project is that you don’t need too many bits and pieces of equipment to pull it off. Below is the definitive list of items to get your hands on.
Tools
- Spirit level and tape measure
- Groundwork tools for clearing and/or levelling the spot
- Safety equipment: goggles, dust mask and gloves
- An appropriate saw and sander for cutting the sleepers to size
- Electric drill and drill bits
- Wheelbarrow to remove refuse
Materials
- Durable and plant-safe sleepers, either new softwood or reclaimed wood
- Wood screws or corner brackets
- Peat-free compost and topsoil
- Landscaping fabric and pegs/heavy-duty staples to secure it
- Gravel for drainage
- A suitable exterior wood treatment (optional)
How to build a raised bed with sleepers in 7 straightforward steps
Building a raised planter using sleepers differs from using traditional raised bed materials; however, the process is very similar. Plus if you already know how to lay railway sleepers in the garden, you’re halfway there!
Step 1: Pinpointing the ideal positioning for the raised bed
The most logical first step is identifying where you want to put your raised bed(s) in the garden and the overall design you’re aiming for. To get it right, consider your outdoor space at length. If you’re working with a north-facing garden arrangement, make sure they get enough sun. Cursed with a long, narrow plot? Then you’ll have to be creative with the placement, ensuring they don’t impede the flow of the space.
Other contemplations include whether you need to clear and level the area before building the raised bed or wish to partially submerge it for better moisture retention. On top of that, think about how many beds is your Goldilocks number. Got it? Then, armed with this information, you can purchase the right type of sleepers for the job and then cut them to size.
Step 2: Sorting out your dimensions and cutting the sleepers to size
With your placement in mind, think about how big you want the beds to be. In this guide, we’re using sleepers that are 2.4 metres in length, but you can scale up or down however you prefer. Just make sure that your frame is made up of 2 whole sleepers for the longer edges and then 2 halves for the shorter ones.
Also, pick your height preference early on as this will affect the number of sleepers you buy. While you might be able to correct your mistake by laying the sleepers on their widest side for added height, it’s not worth chancing a second trip to the DIY store.
Once you’re happy with the measurements, you can use either your handsaw or a circular saw to cut the sleepers to size for the small sides of the frame and give them a lick of wood preservative. If you’re sticking with 2.4m sleepers, they’ll be 1.2m.
Top tip: If you’re diverging from our measurements and you find that no cutting is required, it’s always helpful to inspect the sawn ends before moving on to the next step – it’s possible that they’re not fully square and need to be planed or sanded for better accuracy.
Step 3: Fixing your sleepers together for a base frame
Take your prepared sleepers and lay them on a levelled piece of the ground in a rectangular shape and the thinnest sides facing upwards. Remember, if you require a boost in the moisture department, you can always submerge them. If you fancy it, you’ll have to first dig a small trench of the same width and around two-thirds of the depth.
When they’re nicely positioned, you can get on with attaching them to create the base frame. Using 150mm wood screws drive at these 2 into each corner to hold the structure together or use corner brackets if you prefer. Now it should look exactly like a classic raised bed, only it might be a little short…
Step 4: Creating a second layer
Want some additional height? Then it’s time to introduce another layer to your existing frame. To do so, we recommend laying each individual piece on top of the box shape you have just created. As you do this, imagine you are bricklaying, overlapping each joint for stronger structural integrity. Always start at the corners, screwing them together so they’re connected before tackling the remaining sleepers, each time drilling down through the top layer into the bottom.
Step 5: Securing the two layers together
To secure things nice and snug, drive 200mm long wood screws through both layers at regular intervals. Alternatively, grab your brackets and use these to connect the layers internally.
Step 6: Repeat steps 4 & 5 until you achieve the desired height
Step 7: Waterproof, line and plant up
With your raised bed properly taking shape, it’s time to get to the gardening part. Fill your bed with a mixture of topsoil and peat-free compost and let your imagination run loose with the planting. (We say peat-free as it’s a more sustainable choice).
For an extra level of security, you might want to line the beds using porous landscaping fabric; this way, you allow the water to drain whilst improving the durability of the planter. Another thing to consider is putting in a layer of gravel to help with the drainage, but this isn’t necessary and will depend on the needs of your plants.
Done all the above? Lo and behold you have a charming raised bed that captures the countryside charm of years gone by. The best part? Every time you look at them, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that it was your hard work that brought it to life.
Our final pearls of wisdom
Before we wrap up, we wanted to leave you with some extra tips that guarantee a solid outcome. As all great DIYers know, the more attention to detail you exercise, the longer your project will last.
Choosing the best sleepers for the job
We’ve talked about which timber is best for raised beds in previous posts, but it’s 100% worth reiterating. When it comes to railway sleepers, they are used for many reasons, above all their durability and timeless looks.
Notwithstanding these benefits, the professional consensus is that you should opt for treated softwood sleepers over reclaimed varieties as the latter are usually soaked in creosote, which is unsafe for vegetable gardens. Reclaimed sleepers are better for low-maintenance garden borders and other projects that don’t come near to the veggies you’re putting in your body.
Staying safe
It’s tempting to reach for the closest pair of shoes and get started on our garden projects without so much as a thought towards health and safety, but it really does matter. If you drop something heavy, you’d much rather it falls on a pair of work boots than Crocs. When you’re working with a saw and sander, don’t forget to fully equip yourself with the appropriate safety gear – eyewear, a dust mask, ear protection and gloves will all keep you safe.
Raised bed maintenance
There are many ways to add years to the lifespan of your planters. For one, it’s a good idea to continually check on the wood for any damp or mould, topping it up with preservative whenever you deem it necessary. Another option is to give it a lick of paint, which will act as armour against the wet British weather, not to mention all the insects.
Roll up your sleeves
Building a raised garden bed from sleepers may be time-consuming, but it’s sure as hell rewarding. With a bit of elbow grease, attention and love, you can turn a barren plot into a cornucopia of homegrown produce. Now, let’s see you roll up your sleeves!
