How to fix oak sleepers together

From garden steps to raised beds, you can work wonders with a few Oak sleepers. At EcoChoice, we think that sleepers are one of the most versatile timber products on the market, and we are asked to supply them to suit all sorts of different projects around the UK. They are also a pretty easy timber product to work with, making them ideal for DIY ideas and timber beginners.

If you are getting started with timber sleepers, you will need to know how to fix them together. To make things super simple, we have put together a quick guide to some of our top choices for fastening your Oak sleepers.

Choosing the Right Fixings

Before looking at the methods, we wanted to talk quickly about the types of fixtures you might use. When using screws, for example, be sure to choose a timber-friendly material. That usually means stainless steel, galvanised steel or silicone bronze.

We also wanted to mention coach bolts (or carriage bolts). These are a pretty reliable and neat way to fix sleepers together, though when used with washers you will need to be able to go straight through the timber to fix the bolt from the other side.

Drilling and Bolting

A reliable and pretty easy method for fixing Oak sleepers is drilling and bolting them. To do this, you will start by marking the position for the bolts directly onto the timber, ensuring they are evenly spaced and level. Using a high-quality drill bit which works on wood, create holes through the Oak before driving your bolts through the first sleeper and into the second, using washers for a secure fit.

Timber Connectors

You can use timber connectors such as corner plates or angle brackets to fit two Oak sleepers together. These are particularly good when creating right angles, for example if you are creating raised beds in your garden. Just be sure always to pre-drill your holes to avoid the timber splitting or cracking, and use stainless steel or galvanised steel screws to fit your connectors in place.

Posts and Stakes

Timber posts and stakes are a common way of fixing sleepers together vertically, such as when building a retaining wall. The stakes are driven into the ground and fixed (occasionally using concrete for a stable finish) before the sleepers are attached to the stakes using long screws. For low walls, 50mm x 50mm stakes will be more than enough to support your Oak sleepers, though when you start stacking higher we would recommend going for 100mm x 100mm traditional fence posts.

Wood Adhesive

For Oak sleepers which do not need to  be under a lot of strain, you can use wood adhesives to form a pretty tough bond. However, we would not recommend this on its own, especially if any weight will be added to your sleepers or if you are looking for a long-lasting fixture. But wood adhesives do make a great addition to fastenings which require a little more oomph or need to be held together before fixing, where the glue is applied alongside screws, bolts or connectors.

Find Oak Sleepers at EcoChoice

Ready to start your Oak sleeper project? Get the advice you need to find the right sleepers for your designs at EcoChoice. With FSC-certified Oak delivered straight to your door, we make timber construction easier than ever.

To learn more or start a trade timber supplies order, get in touch with our team today.

Image: Laurence Berger / Shutterstock.com