There’s one thing we DIYers and landscapers can’t stand. And that’s the attitude of unattainability circulated around sculpting a dream garden. We’re not just talking about price here but the mindset too – landscaping isn’t just about the designer homes you see in magazines or online, it’s about what makes you happy in your garden today. With that said, we’re going to show you one of the most attainable home exterior glow-ups: how to build railway sleeper steps.
Railway sleepers are strong and durable, making them an excellent choice for building sturdy outdoor steps. They also add a unique, rustic charm to your outdoor space at the same time as providing a wide, practical tread that people of all ages can use easily. Whether you’re looking to replace old and cracking steps or add new ones to provide access to specific areas such as a separate patio or raised lawn, know that railway sleepers are a versatile option that absolutely anyone can incorporate into their exterior décor scheme.
With that in mind, we’ve made sure that our tutorial is as straightforward and actionable as possible, so you’ll know exactly what to do when you get around to installing your railway sleeper stairs. Life is too short to hold back, so let’s dive in.
What’s the deal with railway sleeper stairs?
There are so many uses for railway sleepers in garden design and general landscaping, but what’s the deal with using them for stairs?
You may have seen these handy wooden blocks increasingly on the internet and in the wild, thanks to the rise in more natural and planet-friendly gardening trends. As green thumbs become more eco-conscious, they’re more likely to opt for materials such as wooden sleepers as they can be reclaimed as well as being a more sustainable option than say plastic or composite.
That’s not all. Railway sleepers are also robust and built to last, bringing a distinctive, rustic touch to your garden. Their sturdy structure provides a wide, secure tread, making them accessible and safe for everyone, from energetic kids to elderly family members. Whether you’re aiming to enhance the aesthetic appeal, partition your garden or improve its functionality, railway sleeper stairs can be the perfect solution.
Knowing what you’re getting yourself into
Energy and effort: Building railway sleeper steps isn’t a quick job. It requires physical effort, especially if you need to dig out the ground or carry heavy sleepers. However, the result is incredibly rewarding. If your strength or energy is limited make sure to enlist the help of a friend.
Skill level: You don’t need to be a professional landscaper to take on this project, but some basic DIY skills will certainly help. If you can handle a saw, a spirit level, and a drill, you’re already halfway there.
Cost: While railway sleepers can be relatively affordable, especially reclaimed ones, the overall cost will depend on the size and complexity of your project. At Estate Sawmills, we stock new softwood sleepers starting from around £20. Consider the price of sleepers, tools, and any additional materials like gravel or wood preserve before you get going with the project.
How to build railway sleeper steps
Creating your own railway sleeper stairs involves careful planning and preparation even if you’re familiar with laying sleepers as garden edging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Choosing Your Sleepers
The beauty of the humble railway sleeper lies in its versatility. Garden sleepers come in all shapes and sizes, from new oak varieties to the reclaimed and restored railway sleepers that once laid the foundations for all the rail routes across the country. Whether it’s the weathered charm of repurposed wood or the sleek feel of new oak, there’s plenty of room to experiment with your garden’s overall look. Consider the following when choosing your sleepers:
- New Oak Sleepers: These are very durable and offer a clean, modern look ideal for a contemporary garden design.
- Reclaimed Sleepers: These provide a rustic, weathered appearance with lots of character. Perfect for creating a traditional or rustic aesthetic.
- Softwood Sleepers: Typically cheaper but less durable than hardwood. Ensure they are pressure treated to prevent rot and extend their lifespan.
What you will need
- Tools: Circular saw or hand saw, spirit level, drill or screwdriver, and a shovel.
- Materials: Railway sleepers, wood preserve, stakes, wood screws or nails, ready-mix cement (optional), and gravel (optional for extra grip).
- Protective equipment: protective gloves, safety goggles, dust mask, earplugs, knee pads, overalls or clothes you’re happy to get mucky.
Step-by-step instructions
1. The planning stage
Determine the number and dimensions of your steps by measuring the total height of the incline and dividing by the height of your sleepers. Planning carefully for your steps will help you order the correct amount of timber and ensure your project runs smoothly.
2. Cutting sleepers to size
Cut your sleepers to the required size using a circular saw or hand saw. Then apply wood preserve to the cut ends to protect against rot. Reminder: make sure to measure and cut accurately to ensure a uniform look for your steps.
3. Preparing the ground
Mark out your steps and dig out the shape of each step. The depth will depend on whether you’re concreting the sleepers in place or using stakes for support. Ensure the ground is level and compacted to provide a stable foundation for your sleepers.
4. Fixing Sleepers in Place
For soft or rocky ground
Lay a bed of concrete between 50mm – 100mm thick. Position the sleeper on top of the concrete bed, adding extra concrete behind it for stability. Use a spirit level to make sure the sleeper is level before the concrete sets.
For firm ground
Drive wooden stakes behind each sleeper and screw the sleepers to the stakes. The stakes should be a few centimetres lower than the sleeper so that they can be covered by the lip of the next sleeper above, or a layer of gravel if you want deeper steps. Use a spirit level to ensure the sleepers are level before fixing them permanently.
For sloped ground
If you’re building steps on a slope, the process is slightly more difficult, so make sure to follow these additional steps:
- Shaping the slope: Before fixing any sleepers, shape the slope to create even treads and risers. Remove excess soil or add more to ensure a consistent height between steps.
- Marking out steps: Mark where the front edge of each step will go to ensure they are evenly spaced along the slope.
- Fixing sleepers: Use the methods described for soft or firm ground, adjusting the depth and angle of the sleepers to match the slope of the ground. Ensure each sleeper is securely anchored to prevent any unwanted shifting.
If you’re after more ideas on retaining walls to go alongside your sleeper garden steps be sure to explore our inspiration guide for sloped backyards.
5. Creating the steps
Continue layering sleepers, securing each one as you go. For extra-wide steps, you can place sleepers at the front and back and fill the space with gravel or soil. Line the steps with landscaping fabric to prevent weeds and make sure the ground on each step is well-compacted.
Maintaining your sleeper garden steps
To keep your railway sleeper steps looking great and lasting longer, regular maintenance is key. Apply a wood preserve annually to protect against the elements and check for any signs of wear or instability. Keep the steps clean by sweeping off debris and washing down with soapy water as needed.
Get started
With the right care and attention, anyone can master this simple method of building railway sleeper steps. From the reclaimed rustic look befitting of ancient woodland to the cool sophistication of new wood, it’s a wonderful way to kickstart a passion for landscaping that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
