Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Sleeper wall

matthewjh74I4tsOVuHmatthewjh74I4tsOVuH Posts: 11
in Problem solving
Hi all.
I want to change the sleeper steps to become a sleeper retaining wall to increase the patio size. I was thinking of using steel channel concreted in either side and placing the existing sleeper horizontally sitting inside the steel channel. I'm not sure if that would look OK as the steel channel would have to sit inside the existing wall. 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Hard to say as I can't see it!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I think a photo of how it is now would help.  Use the postcard icon above the box to load an image max 2mb in size.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matthewjh74I4tsOVuHmatthewjh74I4tsOVuH Posts: 11

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I would just pile the sleepers on top of each other and use a couple of pieces of treated 2 x 4 screwed in behind it to hold them in place.  Or in front if you prefer the look.  Line the back with plastic sheeting or old compost bags stapled just below teh soil line to protect the wood form damp in the soil.

    If it helps, in our last garden we had a sleeper wall that was higher and was held up with vertical sleepers.  You can just about see it at the bottom of this photo.
    .
     
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matthewjh74I4tsOVuHmatthewjh74I4tsOVuH Posts: 11
    So using steel channels would be an overkill?
    I'm assuming the 2x4's would be concreted in first? Also because the sleepers have already been cut there would be a gap between the wall and the sleepers, probably 50 mm either side. What could I fill that with?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    yes, you can concrete them in for stability.  More 2 x 4 to fill the gap?  2" are roughly 50mm.  Just make sure it's treated wood or oil it yourself.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • matthewjh74I4tsOVuHmatthewjh74I4tsOVuH Posts: 11
    Obelixx said:
    yes, you can concrete them in for stability.  More 2 x 4 to fill the gap?  2" are roughly 50mm.  Just make sure it's treated wood or oil it yourself.
    Yeah that would work. So if I put decent size screws through the posts and in to the sleepers, that would hold all firm and in place?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It ought to.  Be sure to drill pilot holes so you don't split the timber.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
Sign In or Register to comment.