Designing with Oak Sleepers: A Simple Planter and Wall That Just Works

There’s something really satisfying about working with oak sleepers. They’re chunky, solid, and bring instant character to a garden — no need for fancy finishes or complicated designs. I recently put together a planter and a low retaining wall using reclaimed oak sleepers, and it completely transformed the space. It’s simple, rustic, and just feels right in the garden.

Why Oak?

I went with oak because it looks great and lasts forever. It’s naturally durable, so there’s no need for chemical treatments, and it weathers beautifully over time. When it’s fresh, it’s got that warm golden tone, but as it ages, it takes on a silvery-grey patina that blends in perfectly with plants and the rest of the garden. Plus, every sleeper is a bit different — full of knots, texture, and character.

The Planter

The planter was a straightforward build — just a simple rectangular shape, two sleepers high, giving it a height of about 400mm. It’s the perfect depth for herbs, small shrubs, or even ornamental grasses. We filled it with a good mix of soil and compost, and it’s already thriving. One of the best parts? It doubles as a casual bench. The thick oak edges are sturdy enough to sit on, which makes it practical and social.

We fixed the sleepers with stainless steel screws, pre-drilling to avoid splitting. Some people like hidden fasteners, but I actually like the slightly raw, industrial look of exposed screws. It adds to the charm.

The Wall

Next to the planter, we used more sleepers to build a low retaining wall. This part of the garden has a gentle slope, so the wall helps level the area without making it feel boxed in. We laid the sleepers horizontally, two layers high, following the curve of the garden, and used steel rods for support. It feels really solid and adds a natural boundary between the patio and the lawn.

Again, it works as extra seating when friends are over, and it gives the garden a bit of structure without looking too formal.

Keeping It Simple

The key with a project like this is not to overdo it. Oak sleepers have so much character on their own, you really don’t need to dress them up. A clean, stacked layout with tight joints and a few rough edges gives it that relaxed, natural look.

We didn’t sand them down much — just enough to take off splinters — and left the wood untreated so it can age naturally. Oak’s tough, and it’ll hold up for years without needing much maintenance.