Railway sleeper are a great addition to gardens, where they add a wonderful natural look to many features. It is worth knowing that today one can buy ‘Softwood Treated Railway Sleepers’ which have been specifically designed for use in landscaping. These offer a regularity which can be difficult to find in railway sleepers that have actually seen use on railways. They are also free of the creosote which was used to weatherproof the original railway sleepers – and they are lighter and therefore easier to handle when undertaking a landscaping project. However, many people still prefer the original item (reclaimed or used sleepers) – and if grade 1 railway sleepers can be found (free of defects) they can provide a weathered look that is tremendously attractive.

Landscaping uses for railway sleepers can include Raised Borders building up raised beds, edging, steps (especially attractive in multi-level or split gardens), pathways or retaining walls. They can also be used to make garden furniture and construct decks.

However, the uses of railways sleepers extend into the home, rather than being limited to outdoor use. For the avid DIY enthusiast, there are a number of exciting projects which can make use of railway sleepers. The fact that reclaimed railways sleepers are available in various different wood types (Pine, Azobe, Oak, Jarrah, etc) makes them perfect for use in any home, almost irrespective of the interior design.

Interior projects can include tables, which are tremendously attractive when constructed from railway sleepers. Each piece will be unique, which makes a change from the often ‘cookie-cutter’ appearance of mass-produced modern furniture. The tables that can be produced are almost endless in variety. From coffee tables to sideboards and television stands, the limit is only the imagination.

Bookcases and bed bases are also fantastic projects that will accentuate the interior design of any home – but will be especially striking in those homes that have a more rural aesthetic – a trend that is becoming increasingly popular. That said, combining railways sleeper furniture with other materials can be extremely effective. For tables using glass as the tabletop, supported by railway sleepers is very effective. Combining stainless steel with railways sleepers provides an interesting contrast between the old and the new as far as interior design is concerned.

In short, railway sleepers are tremendously versatile – and for those who want to stand out from the crowd – either through landscaping or interior furnishings railway sleepers offer an option well worth exploring.