When you are installing retaining walls or landscape in your back garden, your sleeper of choice might be important. Two popular types installed by house owners include wood sleepers and woodgrain concrete sleepers. The two are quite different regarding the advantages and limitations each provides but, with an awareness of them, you could easily decide to select the most suitable for you as well as the one within your price.
What Are Wood Sleepers?
Wood sleepers are exactly that—pieces of real wood used for structural and decorative purposes in garden designs. Their weathered appearance renders them very sought after by householders who would like to have an outdoor space that looks natural.
Benefits of Wood Sleepers
One of the greatest advantages of wood sleepers is that they are very affordable. They are also cheaper to buy in the first place than their concrete equivalent, and this can be a substantial saving for those owners on a budget. They also have that natural, warm appearance that will be readily incorporated into gardens and outdoor spaces. Another is that the wood is light, and it is easier to handle than other materials, so its installation or replacement is simpler, especially for householders who prefer to do things for themselves.
Limitations of Wood Sleepers
There are some real limitations to wood. Wood sleepers are highly susceptible to rotting with time, especially if they are exposed to wet conditions for a very long duration of time. They can also be infested by insects like termites, which will compromise their longevity. Wood also needs to be kept in check permanently, i.e., sealed or treated, in an attempt to trap in its life and look. This upkeep can be extremely expensive in both time and money, thus making wooden sleepers an inappropriate choice for owners who are looking for a long-lasting, no-maintenance option.
What Are Woodgrain Concrete Sleepers?
Woodgrain concrete sleepers replicate the appearance of timber but are constructed from high-strength concrete. They combine the natural appearance of wood with the durability of modern materials, hence qualifying as a good choice for most landscaping use.
Advantages of Woodgrain Concrete Sleepers
Weather-resistance and durability are likely the best reason for using realistic woodgrain concrete sleepers. Concrete will not rot, get damaged by bugs, or suffer from damage in any kind of weather, unlike wood. They need absolutely no maintenance at all, which is perfect for homeowners who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” product. And with advancements in manufacturing, the woodgrain effect is amazingly real, producing the illusion of wood without its drawbacks.
Weak Areas of Woodgrain Concrete Sleepers
Although there are a lot of positive aspects to woodgrain concrete sleepers, they do not come without faults. First, and most crucially, the fact that woodgrain concrete sleepers cost more at point of purchase than wood sleepers will deter low-budget owners. Second, because woodgrain concrete sleepers are heavier than wood sleepers, they will be harder to move and set up. Everything will require professionals for the homeowner to do in this case, adding to overall cost.
Which Choice is Best for You?
It honestly comes down to what you require. If you require a cheaper, natural appearance and don’t mind taking the time to offer sporadic maintenance, then wood sleepers will work for you.
But if performance over the long haul, no maintenance at all, and endurance are your key issues, then woodgrain concrete sleepers could be well worth the initial expense.
Consider your local weather, their application in the garden, and your budget before making a decision. Both options are viable, but understanding their respective strengths and weaknesses will enable you to make the optimal choice for your landscaping project.
