Raised Garden Beds: 

Macrocarpa sleepers are commonly used to create raised garden beds. By stacking the sleepers on top of each other and filling them with soil, you can grow plants in a contained space that offers better drainage and improved soil quality. The increased height of these beds also makes it easier to access them for planting, watering, and harvesting.

Using Macrocarpa sleepers is a cost-effective alternative to working with expensive stone or brick, and they require less skill to install than many other materials. Constructing multi-tiered or stepped flowerbeds with sleepers is relatively straightforward, making them ideal for sloped gardens. Additionally, you can use sleepers to build steps, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout your garden.

However, we strongly advise against using reclaimed sleepers treated with creosote or those of uncertain chemical treatment. Creosote is a carcinogenic substance that can harm plants and should never be used to build raised beds for growing vegetables or edible flowers.

Garden Edging: 

Macrocarpa sleepers provide a stylish transition from lawn or patio to flowerbeds, helping to prevent the spread of grass and weeds. Using sleeper edging with a tall profile will also ensure that any topping material, such as bark or gravel, stays in place while allowing water to drain freely, which prevents borders from becoming overly saturated. In most cases, single sleeper height edging will suffice. To install, simply dig a shallow trench, prepare the ground with sand or aggregate, and then lay the sleepers on top.

To prevent moisture from remaining in contact with the macrocarpa sleepers for an extended period, you can install a damp-proof membrane liner before backfilling with soil. If your flowerbeds are deep enough, you might also consider backfilling with aggregate to further aid drainage. However, be cautious, as alkaline materials like limestone can affect plant growth.

Compost Area or Bins: 

To create a composting area, stack materials to form a contained space for composting. The raised height helps contain the materials and prevents them from spreading to other areas.

You can use macrocarpa sleepers for compost bins or areas because they are organic. Their durability ensures they can withstand the elements, while their untreated nature keeps your compost free from harmful chemicals. The solid structure also provides stability, allowing for air circulation and promoting healthy decomposition. This makes macrocarpa sleepers a practical and eco-friendly choice for any composting setup.

Outdoor Steps: 

Macrocarpa sleepers provide a softer, more organic alternative to concrete or stone steps. Depending on the size of each step, you can fill the space between the sleepers with a decorative aggregate that complements the colour of the wood and offers additional traction.

If your steps are made entirely of wood, it's important to keep them clean of algae to ensure a safe walking surface. The construction of the steps must be robust to handle foot traffic, so we recommend properly preparing the ground and possibly using concrete footings in high-traffic areas.

Macrocarpa sleepers can be secured using a combination of picket stakes, fixing plates, and steel rods. Angle brackets are also useful for securing sleepers that form 90 degree joints. The engineering approach to your steps will depend on their height, the number of steps, and the volume of traffic they are likely to experience.

Retaining Walls: 

Macrocarpa retaining walls are a natural and attractive option for garden boundaries or soil retention, best suited for heights up to 1.2m. To extend the life of the sleepers, consider installing a drainage layer behind the wall, such as gravel or geotextile fabric, to minimize moisture exposure. Adding a waterproof membrane or plastic barrier between the sleepers and the soil can also help protect the wood and improve its longevity.