Softwood railway sleepers, commonly used in landscaping, construction, and gardening, are a versatile and cost-effective choice for various projects. Among the options available, brown and green softwood sleepers are the most popular. While both types are derived from softwood species like pine and spruce, their differences lie in their treatment processes, aesthetic appeal, durability, and practical applications.
What are softwood sleepers?
Softwood sleepers are rectangular timber beams crafted from coniferous trees, known for their fast growth and sustainable harvesting. These sleepers are typically treated to enhance their durability and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, insects, and rot. The terms "brown" and "green" refer to the colour imparted to the wood during the treatment process.
Brown softwood sleepers
Brown softwood sleepers are treated with a preservative that gives them a rich brown finish. This treatment process often includes the application of tanalith or a similar wood preservative that contains a pigment to produce the brown hue.
Key characteristics of brown softwood sleepers
Aesthetic appeal - the warm, earthy tone of brown sleepers blends well with natural landscapes and gardens. Their finish often mimics the appearance of hardwood sleepers, providing a premium look at a lower cost.
Treatment - the brown colour results from the use of tinted preservatives, which penetrate the wood surface but may fade over time, depending on exposure to sunlight and weather conditions.
Durability - while they are robust and long-lasting, their durability can vary depending on the quality of treatment and the specific wood species used.
Uses - brown sleepers are ideal for decorative purposes, raised garden beds, and non-structural landscaping features. They are often chosen for projects where appearance is a priority.
Green softwood sleepers
Green softwood sleepers receive a treatment involving copper-based preservatives. These preservatives are responsible for the greenish tint, which is more functional than decorative.
Key characteristics of green softwood sleepers
Aesthetic appeal - green sleepers have a distinctive light green hue, which may not be as visually appealing as the brown finish. However, the colour often weathers to a silvery-grey patina over time.
Treatment - the green tint is a result of deep-pressure treatment that enhances the wood's resistance to rot, fungi, and insect infestation. This treatment typically penetrates the wood more thoroughly than the surface-level treatments used for brown sleepers.
Durability - green sleepers are highly durable and are often more resistant to decay than brown sleepers, especially when used in damp or ground-contact environments.
Uses - green sleepers are commonly used in structural applications, such as retaining walls, fencing, and steps, where durability is paramount.
Comparing between brown and green softwood sleepers
|
Feature |
Brown sleepers |
Green sleepers |
|
Appearance |
Warm, brown tone |
Light green, fades to silvery-grey |
|
Durability |
Good, depends on treatment |
Excellent, deeper penetration of preservatives |
|
Treatment |
Tinted surface-level treatment |
Copper-based deep-pressure treatment |
|
Best uses |
Decorative landscaping, garden features |
Structural projects, ground-contact uses |
Choosing the right sleeper for your project
The choice between brown and green softwood sleepers depends on your project requirements and personal preferences. If your focus is on aesthetics and creating a polished, decorative look, brown sleepers are an excellent choice. They work particularly well in garden settings, where their rich tones complement plant life and soil.
On the other hand, if your project demands superior durability, especially in high-moisture environments, green sleepers are the better option. Their deep-pressure treatment ensures long-term performance, making them suitable for retaining walls, heavy-duty landscaping, and structural applications.
Maintenance tips for brown and green softwood sleepers
Sealants - applying a wood sealant can help maintain the sleeper's appearance and prolong its lifespan.
Positioning - ensure proper drainage around the sleepers to minimise prolonged contact with water.
Regular care - periodically check for signs of wear and re-treat the sleepers as necessary.
New softwood railway sleepers from Witham Timber
At Witham Timber, we stock brown and green softwood railway sleepers that are ideal for creating raised beds, steps, retaining walls or adding an attractive garden feature. As our sleepers are new, they have none of the damage, such as scuffs and holes, of reclaimed sleepers. We also stock hardwood, solid oak railway sleepers.
For enquiries about our brown and green softwood sleepers, email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or give us a call on 01205 359188.