Question 1

What is an RSJ sleeper post?

Accepted Answer

An RSJ sleeper post is a heavy-duty steel post, often made from sleeper steels, designed to support railway sleepers or timber in retaining walls, fences, and garden projects. Its I-shaped profile ensures maximum strength and stability. Post mix is usually used to secure the post. RSJ posts provide a strong, stable foundation for the sleepers, helping prevent them from moving or shifting. It’s also a great way to make your garden more visually appealing!

Our Sleeper Retainer RSJ posts come in lengths of 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, and 2000mm. Check out our other questions, which explain what you need and how to install a Sleeper retaining wall.

Question 2

How do RSJ sleeper posts work for retaining walls?

Accepted Answer

RSJ sleeper posts or RSJ for sleepers provide the structural support needed to hold timber or railway sleepers in place. They are ideal for creating strong, long-lasting sleeper retaining walls and garden features.

Question 3

How do I build a retaining wall with Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Please read our handy guide below, which outlines the basic steps for installing a retaining wall in your garden using Railway Sleepers and Sleeper Retainer RSJ Posts.

Step 1: Planning. This is where you need to plan and measure the area where you are installing your retaining wall, and make sure it is level and free of debris.
Step 2: Excavation. It's time to dig a trench in the area where you would like your retaining wall to be built. It is recommended that posts be dug in 50% of the wall's total height; for example, if the wall is 80cm, the RSJ should be dug in 40cm.
Step 3: Placing the Sleeper Retainer Post. Once the hole is dug, place the post and make sure it is level. Post Mix is used to secure the posts in place.
Step 4: Once the post mix is dried and the posts are secure, it's time to add the Railway Sleepers. Stack the Railway Sleepers horizontally and make sure they line up with the Posts. Use long screws (around 150mm) to securely fix the sleepers to the RSJs, connecting the layers.

Please note: This installation guide is just a basic guide and may differ. It's essential to follow safety precautions while working on the project, especially when using tools and lifting heavy Railway Sleepers. If you're unsure about any aspect of the process, consider seeking advice from a professional or consulting relevant building codes and regulations in your area.

Question 4

What equipment and products do you need to build a retaining wall with Railway Sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Here is a list of the main products that you will need to build a retaining wall:

Railway Sleepers: These are the primary building blocks of your retaining wall. They can be stacked on top of each other to create the desired height. We have Green or Brown Sleepers available in a length of 2400mm, height of 100mm, and width of 200mm. This handy Sleeper can be easily cut down with a saw to meet your size or design requirements.
Long Screws: You'll need very long screws, around 150mm in length, to firmly fix the Railway Sleepers together, ensuring a secure structure.
Sleeper Retainers RSJ Posts: These are essential for stabilising the retaining wall. We have a range of sizes, including 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm and 2000mm.
Tools and Digging Equipment: To install the RSJ posts, you'll need suitable digging equipment, such as a shovel or a post-hole digger.
Post Mix: Use post mix to secure the RSJ posts into the ground, providing a strong foundation for the retaining wall.
Creosolve Wood Treatment: To ensure longevity and maintain your Railway Sleepers, we recommend treating them yearly. Available in light or dark brown.
Hammerite Paint: Our Hammerite Primer and Hammerite Black metal paint can be used to maintain and elevate your RSJ posts. Our 50mm or 100mm paint brush can be easily used to apply paint.

Question 5

Can I install RSJ sleeper posts myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most RSJ sleeper posts are designed for straightforward installation. With proper spacing and alignment, RSJ for sleepers can be easily installed for retaining walls, fencing, or other garden projects.

If you would like help or need First Fence to provide installation, please contact installations@firstfence.co.uk for more information.

Question 6

What ground types can you fix Railway Sleepers to?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers can be installed on many ground surfaces, including soil, concrete, gravel, and decking. It all depends on what you are using the Garden Sleeper for. Level ground is ideal for installation, as it makes installation easier and makes it visually more appealing.

Question 7

Do Railway Sleepers and Sleeper Retainer RSJ Posts require maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Railway Sleepers require very little maintenance. We recommend using our Creosolve Wood Treatment to touch up the Sleeper annually to prolong its quality and life expectancy. If you have used Sleeper retainer RSJ posts, we have Hammerite Primer and Hammerite metal paint, which are useful for protecting the posts against rust, corrosion, and general weathering. These paints can be easily applied with our 50mm paint brush or 100mm paint brush.

Question 8

How are Railway Sleepers delivered and offloaded?

Accepted Answer

Due to their weight and size, Railway Sleepers require at least two people to safely offload and manoeuvre. If you don't have offloading facilities, we offer an offloading service for a fee. You can choose from various delivery options, including same day, next day, express, standard, or specific day delivery. We also offer free click and collect at all of our depots.

Question 9

Where can I get more information about Railway Sleepers and Accessories?

Accepted Answer

If you need more information about our sleepers or any other products, feel free to contact our team by calling 01283 512111, emailing sales@firstfence.co.uk, or using our live chat service. We are here to assist you with any questions or needs.

Question 10

What are the advantages of using RSJ for sleepers?

Accepted Answer

Using RSJ for sleepers offers several benefits:

Superior strength and durability compared to timber posts.
Long-lasting resistance to corrosion if galvanised.
Secure fit for railway sleepers or timber beams, ideal for retaining walls or fencing.

Question 11

Are sleeper steels suitable for garden and landscaping projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sleeper steels are versatile and perfect for landscaping applications. They can be used as RSJ sleeper posts for retaining walls, planters, and garden borders.

Question 12

How long do RSJ sleeper posts last?

Accepted Answer

High-quality RSJ sleeper posts and sleeper steels, especially galvanised ones, are designed to last decades. They resist rust and corrosion, providing a strong, low-maintenance solution for fencing, retaining walls, and garden structures.

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