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Wooden Sleeper Steps

Rich_HRich_H Posts: 2
in Problem solving

Hi,

I'm after some guidance on constructing some steps in my garden using wooden sleepers.

The image below is effectively what im trying to achieve. 

My first question is what would people suggest interms of fixing/securing the sleepers down? Concrete or metal stakes?

I was planning on digging out the rough shape of each step first then putting a layer of type 1 on each tread, followed by a layer of sand, similar to how i did with the patio?

Thanks in advance

Rich

image

Posts

  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355

    Sorry Rich - no idea regarding construction image - but I do know wooden steps (like decking) can become very slippery when wet - especially if algae starts to form on them.

    This is more likely to be a problem in shadier parts of the garden and during the winter months.

    You can use things like chicken wire (there is probably a better product available) to make a grippier surface and it would probably be easier to incorporate this into your build rather than trying to retro-fit.

    Good luck - the steps look lovely - hope someone can give you some sound advice re constructionimage

    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • Rich_HRich_H Posts: 2

    Hi Topbird,

    Good point, thank you for the advice it greatly appreciated.

    Thank you

    Rich

  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145

    Your proposal for the base sounds fine Rich. Are you planning a similar arrangement to the pic I.e sleepers to the sides? Ideally you need to retain your steps at the ends to give them stability and stop them from working lose.

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511

    I did this in a garden I designed. Best to use old sleepers as they are properly treated and won't rot. We fixed them wpith long bolts which were mostly hidden which worked well.

    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Unless the area is very wet and/or you are going higher than 2-4 steps, I think what you suggest is fine. If you want to be super safe you could drill a hole at each end of each step and hammer in a length of rebar. 

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Nick74Nick74 Posts: 44

    You might want to have a look at some ant-slip decking strips which are a bit more attractive than chicken wire. Just found these and they're pretty cheap and come in a range of colours: https://www.safetread.co.uk/decking-strips

    Last edited: 13 May 2017 09:36:44

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