Estimate shipping
Description
Quick answer: Pressure treated garden sleepers are chunky outdoor landscaping timbers used for raised beds, edging, steps, borders, low retaining features and general garden projects. These 195mm x 95mm sleepers are available in a choice of lengths, so you can plan the job with fewer cuts, fewer joins and less waste.
Best used for
These garden sleepers are a practical choice for outdoor landscaping jobs where you want a solid timber section that is easy to cut, drill and fix on site.
- Raised beds and vegetable planters
- Garden edging and borders
- Steps, paths and level changes
- Low retaining features and terracing
- Seating bases and garden structures
- General landscaping and timber garden projects
Which sleeper length should you choose?
Choose the length that gives you the cleanest layout with the least cutting. For raised beds and borders, it is usually worth planning the size of the project around the sleeper lengths rather than cutting every piece down unnecessarily.
| Sleeper length | Best for |
|---|---|
| 0.6m | Short returns, corners, steps, small features and awkward spaces. |
| 1.2m | Small raised beds, narrow planters and shorter edging runs. |
| 1.8m | Medium beds, borders, seating bases and general landscaping work. |
| 2.4m | A popular raised bed length and a good choice for reducing joins. |
| 3.0m | Longer borders, edging runs and projects where fewer joints are preferred. |
| 3.6m | Larger landscaping jobs where handling, access and support have been planned. |
Size note: Imperial sizes are provided as a familiar reference only. All timber is sold in metric measurements, so please use the listed metric size when ordering or checking your project.
Building raised beds with sleepers
For raised beds, sleepers are often easiest to plan around 2.4m lengths, with shorter lengths used for the sides or returns. One sleeper high works well for low borders and simple beds. Two sleepers high gives a deeper, more practical bed for many garden projects.
Use suitable sleeper screws, brackets, plates, spikes or anchors to hold the bed together properly. For vegetable or herb beds, consider using a suitable liner or barrier between the soil and timber.
Using sleepers for retaining walls
Sleepers can be used for low retaining features and garden level changes, but retaining work must be planned properly. Soil load, wall height, drainage, ground conditions and fixing method all matter.
For structural, load-bearing or higher retaining walls, check with a competent builder or engineer before ordering. The sleeper is only one part of the build; support, drainage and fixing method are just as important.
Complete the job with sleeper hardware
Most sleeper projects need suitable hardware as well as the timber itself. Choosing the right brackets, plates, spikes or anchors helps keep corners tight, runs straighter and the finished project more secure.
| What you are building | Hardware to consider |
|---|---|
| Raised beds | Internal corner brackets, straight support plates and sleeper screws. |
| Long straight runs | Straight support plates, straight spikes and suitable exterior-grade fixings. |
| External corners | Corner spikes, corner brackets or double sleeper corner support spikes. |
| Fixing to concrete | Sleeper/base anchors to concrete in galv or brown finish. |
| Two-sleeper-high builds | Double sleeper straight support spikes or double sleeper corner support spikes. |
View the full Garden Sleepers range for sleeper brackets, plates, spikes, anchors and related hardware.
Things to check before ordering
- Length choice: Plan your layout first so you can reduce waste, joins and unnecessary cutting.
- Fixings: Sleepers are heavy, so use suitable exterior-grade fixings rather than light-duty screws.
- Cut ends: Re-treat freshly cut ends where possible after cutting.
- Drainage: For raised beds and retaining work, avoid trapping water against the timber unnecessarily.
- Food-growing projects: Use a suitable liner or barrier where the growing method or crop makes it sensible.
- Handling: Longer sleepers are heavy and awkward to move, so plan safe lifting and delivery access.
- Natural timber movement: Outdoor timber can weather, check, split slightly, move and vary in appearance over time.
Useful extras
For heavy-duty fixing, see Performance Hex Drive Structural Timber Screws. For beds, borders and ground preparation, you may also need Weed Control Membrane.
If you are planning a raised bed, read the raised bed project guide before ordering.
FAQs
Are these sleepers suitable for raised beds?
Yes, these sleepers are commonly used for raised beds, planters and garden borders. For vegetable or herb growing, consider using a suitable liner or barrier between the soil and timber.
Can I use these sleepers for a retaining wall?
They can be used for low retaining features, but retaining work needs proper support and drainage. For structural, load-bearing or higher retaining walls, check with a competent builder or engineer before ordering.
Can the sleepers be cut?
Yes, they can be cut, drilled and fixed on site using suitable tools. Re-treat freshly cut ends where possible after cutting.
Which sleeper length is best for a raised bed?
2.4m is a popular length for raised beds because it works well for longer sides and helps reduce joins. Shorter lengths such as 1.2m or 1.8m can work well for narrower beds, returns or smaller spaces.
