Those Victorian terraces in Putney deserve gardens that match their character. Timber sleepers bring structure and warmth to any outdoor space, whether you're terracing that tricky slope near Putney Heath or creating raised beds for your cottage garden.
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Railway sleepers have found their way into SW15 gardens for decades, and it's easy to see why. The combination of rustic charm and practical durability suits everything from the compact courtyards behind Lower Richmond Road to the more generous plots up towards Roehampton Lane. Working with reclaimed oak or new-treated pine, the transformation happens surprisingly quickly. Most Putney homeowners are amazed at how sleepers can turn an awkward slope into usable terraces.
Getting the groundwork right matters more than the sleepers themselves. Proper drainage channels prevent waterlogging behind retaining walls - particularly important given how many gardens here slope towards the Thames. Each sleeper gets positioned with precision levels, secured through either concrete haunching or steel pins depending on soil conditions. The finishing touches make all the difference: capping timbers protect against weather, while strategic planting pockets soften those clean lines.
Twenty years of installing sleepers around Putney Common means knowing which timber suits each garden's personality. Local recommendations speak louder than any advertising - just ask the neighbours on Werter Road or Larpent Avenue.
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Basic retaining walls using new treated softwood sleepers start around £180-220 per linear metre including groundwork. Reclaimed oak installations run £280-350 per metre, though smaller raised bed projects often work out more economical at £400-600 per bed.
Absolutely - from the riverside properties near Putney Bridge right through to the leafier streets bordering Richmond Park. Regular installations happen throughout SW15, plus neighbouring Barnes and Roehampton.
Most residential sleeper walls take 2-4 days from excavation to completion. Raised planters might be finished within a day, while terracing larger Putney gardens could extend to a full week.
All structural sleeper work carries decade-long protection against movement or failure. The timber itself depends on type - pressure-treated softwood comes with manufacturer warranties while reclaimed oak's natural durability speaks for itself.
Steep slopes actually showcase sleepers at their best. Multi-level terracing transforms unusable banks into productive space - we've tackled some serious gradients behind properties on Putney Hill with excellent results.
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