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Retaining Sleeper Wall and Shed Base Revamp

Outdoor Space Revitalisation Project



Imagine a neglected corner of your garden, dominated by a rickety shed on a crumbling base, all overshadowed by a slope of unruly earth. The homeowners envisioned a complete transformation to renew the area and make it usable throughout the summer. This case study delves into the meticulous process of removing the decayed sleepers, installing new oak sleepers, building steps, creating a path, and preparing a solid base for a new shed.


The Project Scope

Initial Assessment


The project began with a thorough assessment of the garden's existing condition. Key issues identified included:


  • Rotten retaining sleeper wall and steps that were unsafe and unsightly.

  • A cluttered garden space limiting usability.

  • The need for a sturdy and level base for a new shed.


Planning and Design


With a clear vision, the planning phase was detailed and meticulous, laying the groundwork for a stunning transformation. The focus areas included:

  • Selecting Durable Oak Sleepers The first step was choosing high-quality oak sleepers known for their durability and natural beauty. These sleepers were intended to replace the old, rotten ones and enhance the overall aesthetic of the garden, adding a rustic charm that would blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

  • Designing Steps and a Walkway Attention was then turned to improving accessibility within the garden. Detailed plans were implemented for building steps using the oak sleepers, complemented by a shingle pathway. The design aimed to create a smooth transition between different levels of the garden, making it easier and safer to navigate and adding visual interest.

  • Ensuring a Robust and Long-Lasting Shed Base The final component of the design phase was ensuring that the new shed base would be sturdy and durable. This involved carefully considering the shed's future use, the weight it would need to support, and the best materials and construction methods to ensure it would stand the test of time. The goal was to provide a solid foundation that would help the shed securely, protecting it from ground moisture and potential subsidence.



Execution

Removing Old Sleepers


The first step in the execution phase was to remove the old, rotten sleepers from the garden’s previous retaining sleeper wall. Each sleeper was carefully removed to prevent unnecessary damage to the surrounding garden area. This ensured the site was prepared and safe for installing the new retaining sleeper wall.


All the rotten sleepers and any other debris were disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This involved recycling what could be reused and ensuring that all waste was managed according to local regulations.


Installing New Oak Sleepers


With the old materials cleared away, attention turned to installing the new oak sleepers, a crucial component in creating a robust and attractive retaining sleeper wall. The new oak sleepers were carefully aligned to ensure a straight and uniform appearance. Each sleeper was then firmly secured, forming a strong and visually appealing retaining sleeper wall that would serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.


During this phase, we employed adequate techniques to guarantee the stability and durability of the retaining sleeper wall. This included using heavy-duty brackets and screws, as well as ensuring that each sleeper was adequately embedded into the ground.


Building Steps and Path


To enhance the garden's accessibility and usability, steps and a path were constructed, integrating seamlessly with the new retaining sleeper wall. Using the same oak sleepers and adding shingles, we built steps to provide easy access between different garden levels.


These steps were designed to blend seamlessly with the retaining sleeper wall, creating a cohesive and attractive look. The soil was carefully dug away from the garden office to create a small yet practical path.


Preparing the Shed Base


The final part of the project focused on preparing a solid and durable base for the new shed, ensuring it would be a permanent and stable addition to the garden. The ground where the shed would be placed was excavated to create a level surface. This involved removing rocks, roots, or other obstructions that could affect the shed's stability.


Then, we laid a robust foundation to support the shed’s structure. This included a compacted gravel base and a concrete slab, ensuring the shed remained level and secure, protected from ground moisture and shifting soils.


The Transformation

Before and After


The garden's transformation was remarkable, with several fundamental changes that completely revitalised the space.


  • Enhanced Aesthetics Introducing new oak sleepers brought a fresh, natural look to the garden. The rich, warm tones of the oak contrasted beautifully with the greenery, creating a harmonious and visually appealing environment. The retaining sleeper wall, crafted from these high-quality sleepers, added a rustic yet refined touch, significantly elevating the overall aesthetic of the garden.

  • Improved Functionality The newly constructed steps and path vastly improved the garden’s functionality. The steps, seamlessly integrated into the retaining sleeper wall, provided easy access between different garden levels, making navigating safer and more convenient. The path created a clear path through the garden, enhancing the flow and usability of the space.

  • Ready for Use The new shed base laid a solid foundation for the upcoming shed installation.



Customer Satisfaction


The homeowners were absolutely delighted with the project's results. They now have a revitalised garden space that is visually stunning and highly functional. The transformation has opened up the area, making it fully usable for various activities during the summer months.


Retaining Sleeper Wall and Shed Base Revamp Project. The Key Takeaways.


This project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship in creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The retaining sleeper wall is the backbone of this project, showcasing the potential of well-planned landscaping to turn any garden into a stunning and practical outdoor living area.


Get in Touch for a Free Quotation


If this remarkable transformation inspires you and you are considering a similar project for your garden in Bordon, Hampshire, or the surrounding areas, we would love to hear from you. Our team at Yew Tree Landscapes specialises in creating stunning and functional outdoor spaces, just like the one showcased here. Check out our other projects to see the quality and variety of our work.


Each project reflects our commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Whether installing a new retaining sleeper wall, building steps and walkways, or preparing a shed base, we're here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to schedule your free quotation and take the first step towards a beautiful and practical garden transformation.

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