Bricklayers Advice on Concrete Sleepers

Concrete sleepers are relatively new on the scene of landscaping and are becoming popular with the view they are a cheaper alternative. DIY home landscapers are keen to save on costs however at DLB, retaining wall specialist we still prefer brick and block.

We have worked with the material a handful of times now and been asked to quote for installation. However the verdict is out from DLB, we are a keen to promote why brick or block is better to help you make a informed decision when deciding what retaining wall to install.

Set Out ; Set out is key when installing a concrete sleeper wall, the steel posts used to slot the sleepers in need to be installed first using laser leveling system, the holes for the footing need to go very deep into the ground requiring machine hire. Props are needed to brace the posts while setting in concrete,

Acessability and Manouverability; Designed to be installed first before the house is built, with a team of men and small exchavator. They are very heavy! You dont want to have to move them multiple times. Bricks are easier to move into worksite with existing infrastructure.

Durability; Careful to make sure of the quality of your sleepers, concrete does crack and can be chalky, it is prone to concrete cancer in salty exposed coastal conditions. Check the ratings on your steel posts and sleepers to make sure they suit your climate. Be careful buying seconds.

Colour Choice; Limited colour choice with concrete.

Price: Not Cheaper, when you work it out and take into consideration mens wages, machine hire, concrete, and the product system. It works out about the same as a concrete footing steel and either bricks or block.

Support Your Local Trade: Quality skilled workmanship is still valued, choose small business, choose local, choose character, individuality and quality.