How to make a planter out of sleepers

Sleepers have many different uses in the garden but one of the most popular is using them to create planters. You don’t need to get in a professional landscaper to do it, these simple and easy instructions are perfect for DIY!

8 easy steps to making a sleeper planter

1. Mark out your area: Firstly, you need to mark out the area that you want to create into a planter.
2. Cut sleepers: Once you have purchased sleepers you need to decide what shape you want the planter then cut the sleepers down to the correct size using a handsaw or electric saw.

   Lay the sleepers corner to end

3. Lay into shape: Once these are cut, lay them out on the area into the shape that you want your planter to be. Butt them up end to side at the corners.
4. Mark your outer perimeter: Then using a shovel, mark out the area into the grass on the outside perimeter of the sleepers.
5. Dig a trench: Now that you have marked out the area you need to dig out a trench around the edge which the bottom sleepers will go in half of their depth.
6. Arrange sleepers: Arrange them so the butt end of one meets the side of the next in a clockwise fashion. Using a 4-foot level and framing square, level and square the four timbers, adding or removing gravel as necessary.
7. Fix sleepers together: Next you can place the next sleeper on top. Screw them together at the 90 degree corners, allowing at least 50mm (or 2″) of the screw to go into the adjoining sleeper. Kebur sell hardened steel, self drilling, timber framing screws, black coated for extended corrosion resistance. These landscaping screws are an ideal way to join sleepers, joists etc without the need for pre-drilling. You can use corner brackets to secure the sleepers together and mending plates.

   Screw sleepers together at the corner

8. Prepare for planting: If you are using reclaimed sleepers we recommend that you line the planters so that none of the materials in the sleepers leach out into the plants because this may effect their growth. Ensure planters are well-drained by putting a layer of aggregate in the bottom and use a good topsoil to give your plants the best start.

Read more about how to choose and lay garden sleepers.

For any further questions please contact us.

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