{"title":"Oak Railway Sleepers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOak Railway Sleepers for Gardens and Landscaping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOak is the hardwood people choose when a sleeper has to last. It is dense, naturally durable and heavy enough to stay exactly where you put it. Left outside it weathers to a deep silver-grey that most people end up preferring to the fresh colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy oak rather than pine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOak is a hardwood.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is significantly denser than pine, which means it resists rot, insects and weather far better without needing chemical treatment. Untreated oak sitting in a garden will outlast untreated softwood by years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePine is a softwood.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is lighter, cheaper and easier to handle, but it needs pressure treatment to survive outdoors. Treated pine is a perfectly good choice and often the sensible one on a budget - it is just a different proposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe short version: oak if you want it to last and look the part with no treatment. Treated pine if budget or weight matters more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReal oak, and what is not real oak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvery sleeper on this page is genuine reclaimed oak.\u003c\/strong\u003e They have been in service on the railway, so they carry bolt holes, saw marks and an age you cannot manufacture. They are also less consistent in size and shape than a freshly cut sleeper. That is the trade - you get character and density, you give up perfect uniformity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA word on \"L.Oak\".\u003c\/strong\u003e You will see sleepers advertised across the trade as \"L.Oak\". The \"L\" stands for \"Like\" - it means oak-like. That timber is Eastern European hardwood and it can be any hardwood species. It is good, dense, hard-wearing stuff and it is usually cheaper than oak, but it is not oak and we will not sell it to you as oak. If that is what you want, our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/new-hardwood-l-oak-railway-sleepers\"\u003enew untreated hardwood sleepers\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/new-brown-treated-hardwood-l-oak-railway-sleepers\"\u003ebrown treated hardwood sleepers\u003c\/a\u003e are on their own pages. Ask us if you are unsure which is right for your project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOur reclaimed grading\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe grade every reclaimed sleeper so you know what is arriving:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGr A++\u003c\/strong\u003e - the best of the batch. Squarest, truest to size, least cracked.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium\u003c\/strong\u003e - very good condition with minor character marks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1st Grade\u003c\/strong\u003e - solid and usable, more visible wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2nd Grade\u003c\/strong\u003e - the most rounded and cracked. Good where looks matter least.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat people build with oak sleepers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaised beds and vegetable planters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetaining walls and terracing on sloped gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGarden steps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDriveway and path edging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow seating walls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeper-built benches and tables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHandling and installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThey are heavy.\u003c\/strong\u003e A full oak sleeper is a genuine two-person lift. Plan for that.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-drill before fixing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Oak is dense enough to split or snap screws if you drive straight in. Use structural timber screws and drill a pilot hole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow for movement.\u003c\/strong\u003e All timber moves as it dries. Leave a small gap rather than butting them dead tight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing food?\u003c\/strong\u003e New untreated oak is the safest choice next to edibles - no preservatives involved.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCut to size before delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCutting an oak sleeper at home is hard work - they are dense and a standard saw will struggle. We crosscut ours on a chop saw at \u003cstrong\u003e£7.20 per cut on reclaimed sleepers and £6 per cut on new sleepers, including VAT\u003c\/strong\u003e. Add your measurements to the order notes and we will invoice the cutting separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDelivery and collection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe deliver up to \u003cstrong\u003e175 miles\u003c\/strong\u003e from our yards at Dunstable (LU6 3QL) and Brigg (DN20 0BN) on a dropside or tipper van, unloaded by hand. Larger loads go nationwide on a hiab or artic - for an artic you will need a forklift or telehandler and room to unload. We confirm your ETA the day before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection from Dunstable is welcome within opening hours - call ahead on 07498617279. Brigg is by appointment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot sure which grade or size suits your project? Call \u003cstrong\u003e07498617279\u003c\/strong\u003e or email \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@davidstimber.co.uk\"\u003einfo@davidstimber.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"premium-reclaimed-oak-railway-sleepers","title":"Premium Reclaimed Oak Railway Sleeper (2600mm x 250mm x 150mm)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Hardwood Reclaimed Oak Railway Sleeper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(2.6m x 250mm x 150mm), (8'6'' x 10'' x 6'') (approximately)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(dimensions may vary slightly as these are reclaimed goods and not freshly machine cut)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe price is for a single sleeper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium grade sleepers have less and smaller splits and cracks than the first grade ones. They are also more square (have less waney edges) and are more consistent in size compared to the lower (cheaper) grades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e*Please note*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReclaimed pine sleepers are generally in better condition than reclaimed oak ones, but do not last as long compared to oak. Because of being more square, having significantly less cracks and not having bolts through their width, while building a retaining wall most landscapers tend to use the pine ones. On the other hand, while laying only one sleeper flat on the ground, for example when edging a lawn, landscapers tend to use the oak ones instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe sleepers are perfect for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Raised beds \u0026amp; planters,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- A railway sleepers driveway,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Stepping stones \u0026amp; steps,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- An exterior feature wall,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Lawn edging,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- And much more..\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHowever, being creosote treated in the past, the sleepers shall NOT be used:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003einside buildings, whatever their purpose,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein toys,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein playgrounds,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein parks, gardens, and outdoor recreational and leisure facilities where there is a risk of frequent skin contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efor the manufacture and use and any re-treatment of; containers intended for growing purposes, packaging that may come into contact with raw materials, intermediate or finished products destined for human and\/or animal consumption, other materials which may contaminate the articles mentioned above.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs advised by the DTI frequent skin contact is avoided when handling sleepers by wearing protective gloves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003eare able\u003c\/strong\u003e to drop the price if you placed a bulk order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003eare able\u003c\/strong\u003e to cut railway sleepers crosswise to your specification, but we \u003cstrong\u003earen't able\u003c\/strong\u003e to cut them lengthwise.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Davids Timber","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44791273390401,"sku":null,"price":47.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/5381\/3569\/products\/d7a03b_65215b6d23344880a52ec87bef554fa0_mv2.webp?v=1741171552"},{"product_id":"1st-grade-reclaimed-oak-railway-sleepers","title":"1st Grade Reclaimed Oak Railway Sleeper (2600mm x 250mm x 150mm)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1st Grade Hardwood Reclaimed Oak Railway Sleeper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(2.6m x 250mm x 150mm), (8'6'' x 10'' x 6'') (approximately)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(dimensions may vary slightly as these are reclaimed goods and not freshly machine cut)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe price is for a single sleeper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1st grade is our medium condition grade. The sleepers will not have as many and as big cracks as the second grade sleepers, however, will have more and bigger cracks than the higher grade sleepers. These sleepers may also have more waney edges than the higher grade ones and they are are less size consistent. Customers tend to use them in projects where the visual aspect is not the most important one. The consistency of size in length may be +\/- 50mm and in width\/height +\/- 15mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e*Please note*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReclaimed pine sleepers are generally in better condition than reclaimed oak ones, but do not last as long compared to oak. Because of being more square, having significantly less cracks and not having bolts through their width, while building a retaining wall most landscapers tend to use the pine ones. On the other hand, while laying only one sleeper flat on the ground, for example when edging a lawn, landscapers tend to use the oak ones instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe sleepers are perfect for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Raised beds \u0026amp; planters,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- A railway sleepers driveway,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Stepping stones \u0026amp; steps,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- An exterior feature wall,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Lawn edging,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- And much more..\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHowever, being creosote treated in the past, the sleepers shall NOT be used:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003einside buildings, whatever their purpose,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein toys,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein playgrounds,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein parks, gardens, and outdoor recreational and leisure facilities where there is a risk of frequent skin contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efor the manufacture and use and any re-treatment of; containers intended for growing purposes, packaging that may come into contact with raw materials, intermediate or finished products destined for human and\/or animal consumption, other materials which may contaminate the articles mentioned above.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs advised by the DTI frequent skin contact is avoided when handling sleepers by wearing protective gloves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003eare able\u003c\/strong\u003e to drop the price if you placed a bulk order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003eare able\u003c\/strong\u003e to cut railway sleepers crosswise to your specification, but we \u003cstrong\u003earen't able\u003c\/strong\u003e to cut them lengthwise.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Davids Timber","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44791274799425,"sku":null,"price":40.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/5381\/3569\/products\/1stgradereclaimedoakrailwaysleeper.webp?v=1741171516"},{"product_id":"gr-a-reclaimed-oak-railway-sleepers","title":"Gr A++ Reclaimed Oak Railway Sleeper (2600mm x 250mm x 150mm)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGr A++ Hardwood Reclaimed Oak Railway Sleeper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(2.6m x 250mm x 150mm), (8'6'' x 10'' x 6'') (approximately)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(dimensions may vary slightly as these are reclaimed goods and not freshly machine cut)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe price is for a single sleeper.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade A++ is our top condition grade. The sleepers have the least and the smallest cracks and splits, they are the squarest (the least waney edges) and their size is the most consistent out of all the grades we stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e*Please note*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReclaimed pine sleepers are generally in better condition than reclaimed oak ones, but do not last as long compared to oak. Because of being more square, having significantly less cracks and not having bolts through their width, while building a retaining wall most landscapers tend to use the pine ones. On the other hand, while laying only one sleeper flat on the ground, for example when edging a lawn, landscapers tend to use the oak ones instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe sleepers are perfect for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Raised beds \u0026amp; planters,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- A railway sleepers driveway,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Stepping stones \u0026amp; steps,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- An exterior feature wall,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- Lawn edging,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e- And much more..\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHowever, being creosote treated in the past, the sleepers shall NOT be used:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003einside buildings, whatever their purpose,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein toys,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein playgrounds,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein parks, gardens, and outdoor recreational and leisure facilities where there is a risk of frequent skin contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efor the manufacture and use and any re-treatment of; containers intended for growing purposes, packaging that may come into contact with raw materials, intermediate or finished products destined for human and\/or animal consumption, other materials which may contaminate the articles mentioned above.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs advised by the DTI frequent skin contact is avoided when handling sleepers by wearing protective gloves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003eare able\u003c\/strong\u003e to drop the price if you placed a bulk order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe \u003cstrong\u003eare able\u003c\/strong\u003e to cut railway sleepers crosswise to your specification, but we \u003cstrong\u003earen't able\u003c\/strong\u003e to cut them lengthwise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Davids Timber","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44791275028801,"sku":"632835642834572","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/5381\/3569\/products\/IMG-2525.jpg?v=1741171508"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.davidstimber.co.uk\/collections\/oak-railway-sleepers.oembed","provider":"Davids Timber LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}