What to Know Before You Order Reclaimed Sleepers

Reclaimed railway sleepers are everywhere — in landscaping shows, Pinterest garden boards, and local garden centres. They’re loved for their rustic character, durability, and “built to last” vibe. But while they look like an easy win, they’re often misunderstood — and when used wrong, they can cause more hassle than expected.

At David’s Timber Products, we sell reclaimed sleepers every day. But we also field calls from people who’ve run into problems after ordering the wrong thing or underestimating what these chunky timbers actually require.

So let’s bust a few myths and give you the real picture. Because reclaimed doesn’t mean effortless — but it can absolutely be worth it when used the right way.

They’re Strong — But They’re Not All the Same

Not every reclaimed sleeper is identical. Each one has a history — usually decades of use under heavy train tracks — which means no two pieces are exactly alike.

Some arrive beautifully weathered and in excellent condition. Others may have rough ends, splits, minor warping, or leftover hardware. We sort and grade ours carefully, but if you’re expecting precision-cut timber ready for fine joinery, this isn’t it.

Reclaimed sleepers are perfect for jobs that benefit from strength and character — not pristine edges or smooth finishes.

They’re Heavy — Really Heavy

Here’s something first-timers don’t always realise: a single hardwood sleeper can weigh 60–70kg. That’s not something you just shift casually with one hand.

If your plan includes stacking multiple layers for a raised bed, creating steps, or building a retaining wall — make sure you’ve got enough help.

We recommend having two people ready for offload and planning the layout in advance. These aren’t just heavy — they’re solid, awkward to carry, and can do some damage if mishandled.

Cutting Them Takes Serious Gear

This isn’t like sawing through a bit of decking.

Reclaimed sleepers are dense, sometimes treated, and full of surprises like embedded nails or residual creosote. Cutting them requires powerful saws, tough blades, and protective gear.

Most domestic tools won’t cut it — literally. That’s why many customers choose to have their sleepers pre-cut by us using a high-powered chop saw. We offer square cross-cutting on all orders, so you can get your lengths right before they even leave the yard.

It saves time, mess, and potential damage to your tools.

You Need to Understand the Treatment

Here’s a big one. Many reclaimed sleepers — especially older ones — were treated with creosote, an industrial-grade preservative. It’s incredibly effective at resisting rot and pests, but not safe for contact with skin, food, or animals.

If you’re building a vegetable planter, a kids’ sandpit, or anything with regular human contact, you’ll need to choose untreated or new sleepers instead.

We always label our stock clearly, and we’re happy to talk through which type of sleeper fits your project. Just don’t assume they’re all family-friendly — many aren’t.

They’re Not Sized Like Modern Timber

Reclaimed sleepers weren’t cut with your garden project in mind. Most fall into loose size ranges (like 2.6m long, 250mm wide, and 150mm thick), but there can be variations across the batch.

If your design depends on tight, uniform measurements, you’ll need to adapt slightly — or mix in new sleepers for better consistency. And yes, we can cut sleepers crosswise to your specification, but we aren't able to cut them lengthwise.

The key is planning for flexibility. These timbers are meant to feel natural and rugged — not perfectly symmetrical.

They Can Outperform — If You Plan Properly

Despite all these considerations, reclaimed sleepers are a brilliant material when used the right way.

✅ They last for years

✅They anchor firmly into soil without shifting

✅They look beautiful in natural settings

✅They hold up to weather with very little maintenance

If your project suits them, they’re hard to beat. Just go in with your eyes open — and get them from a supplier who knows how to help.

A Few Smart Uses for Reclaimed Sleepers

Let’s talk about what they are great for.

Rustic garden steps or retaining walls
Low fences, edging, or dividing zones
Outdoor seating, benches, or casual landscaping features
Decorative framing or accent structures

Used right, they’ll give your space an earthy, grounded look — and they’ll still be standing years from now.

How We Help You Use Them Properly

At David’s Timber Products, we don’t just sell sleepers — we make them usable.

Our reclaimed stock is graded for quality and consistency
We offer square cutting on-site, using industrial-grade saws
We can guide you through treatment safety, sizing, and handling
We deliver across the UK using vehicles matched to your location
We’ll always give you the honest pros and cons — not just a sales pitch

This isn’t just about moving timber. It’s about making sure your project starts strong and finishes better.

Ready to Work With Reclaimed Sleepers?

If you’re planning a project and want to use reclaimed timber that’s tough, character-filled, and properly prepared — we’d love to help. Contact us today, or place your order online or give us a ring, and we’ll sort everything from cutting to delivery.

David’s Timber Products — timber that works.