ON 20 March
By: Natalie McMurdo
Choosing the right sleeper for your project comes down to finding the ideal balance of durability, style, and practicality. Whether you’re constructing a strong retaining wall, a decorative garden feature or a raised garden bed, there’s a sleeper to suit your needs.
Let’s explore the key features of timber, concrete and composite sleepers.
TIMBER SLEEPERS
Best For: Natural aesthetics, DIY projects and cost-effective landscaping.
Why you’ll love timber sleepers:
- Warm and natural look – blends seamlessly into gardens and outdoor spaces
- DIY friendly – easy to cut and install
- Versatile – great for raised garden beds, edging, pathways and retaining walls
- Affordable – budget friendly and available in treated pine or hardwood for added durability
Considerations:
- Needs occasional maintenance (oiling and/or staining) to prevent rot and weathering
- Can be susceptible to termites if not properly treated
CONCRETE SLEEPERS
Best For: Strength, longevity and low maintenance.
Why you’ll love concrete sleepers:
- Durable – resistant to rot, fire and termites
- Minimal maintenance – no need for sealing or painting
- Heavy Duty Strength – ideal for retaining walls and high load applications
- Modern and stylish – available in multiple colour options and textures to match contemporary designs
Considerations:
- Heavier than timber, making installation more labour intensive
- More expensive than timber but lasts for decades
COMPOSITE SLEEPERS
Best For: A balance of strength, durability and eco friendly.
Why you’ll love composite sleepers:
- Weather resistant – won’t warp, crack or fade over time
- Eco Friendly – made from recycled materials, reducing environmental impact
- Low maintenance – no need to paint or stain
- Lightweight and easy to install – a great alternative to heavy concrete sleepers (without the need for machinery)
Considerations:
- More expensive than timber but offers long term savings on maintenance
Which Sleeper Wins?
That depends on your project. If you love a natural cost-effective option, pine sleepers or hardwood sleepers are a winner. For maximum durability and strength, concrete sleepers are a great option. If you’re after a low maintenance, durable, modern and sustainable option, composite sleepers are the future.
At 21 Timbers we stock all three, so whatever your style or project, we’ve got the perfect sleeper for you. Stop by at our timber yard in Loganholme or contact us today on 07 3801 1122 to find the best fit for your outdoor space.
