Retaining wall sleepers have, traditionally, been made from timber. In particular, they were made from railway sleepers, typically from Red Gum.
While these had a beautiful natural and rustic charm, they did come with downsides.
The Downsides of Red Gum Sleepers For Retaining Walls
Red Gum Sleepers are heavy and are susceptible to rotting, with the possibility of also attracting house-destroying termites in the moist environment between the sleeper and the soil. Increasingly, there are concerns about their ecological sustainability. Red Gum typically comes from native forests, rather than plantations, potentially impacting wildlife populations who live specifically in Red Gum Forests.
Enter Treated Pine and Concrete Sleepers
More recently, sleepers have commonly been made from treated pine or concrete, often inserted into galvanised steel H beams and C channels. Although the galvanised steel posts don’t rot, the treated pine will degrade over time. Concrete may crack.
In addition, both treated pine and concrete sleepers have the disadvantage of their weight, often requiring specialist equipment to transport and lift into place.
And Now, A Better Sleeper Alternative For Retaining Walls – Steel
Today, thankfully, we have a lighter weight, more durable option: retaining wall sleepers made from steel.
Steel sleepers are increasingly being used by builders and landscapers alike, throughout Melbourne and Victoria.
Steel Sleepers Australia is a proud manufacturer and supplier of them. Designed and manufactured locally, by a family-owned business of 15 years, steel sleepers are ideal for people who are seeking a durable and lighter-weight option.
There is no wood rot that is associated with timber sleepers and none of the cracking that is often associated with concrete sleepers. Importantly, they are much easier to transport and install, as they are five times lighter than concrete and two times lighter than treated pine.
This lighter weight not only makes installation easier, but also reduces transport costs.
In addition, once your steel retaining walls and sleepers have reached the end of their life, which may be many decades after installation, they are fully recyclable, and ready to be converted into more steel retaining walls and sleepers, or other steel products. This is challenging to do for treated wood and concrete.
Steel Retaining Wall Sleepers – An Ideal Option
Lighter weight, harder wearing, more durable, no cracking, recyclable, available in different finishes and colours – steel retaining walls and sleepers are a great option.
