Why our oak sleepers are built to last longer
- Charlotte Jewell
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
We get it – sometimes our oak sleepers are a bit pricier than the ones you’ll find stacked up elsewhere. But there’s a good reason for that. We're timber people through and through, and we care about what we’re selling.
A few years back, we took a closer look at the oak sleepers on the market and noticed something that didn’t sit right with us…
Not all oak is equal
A lot of the “oak sleepers” floating around out there are made from a species called Turkey Oak (Quercus Cerris). It might have the right name on the label, but it’s only moderately durable, and we found they just didn’t hold up as long – especially once they were exposed to the good old British weather.
They’d start to show signs of wear and rot much sooner than you'd expect. And for something like a sleeper, which often sits right on the ground and forms the backbone of a garden project, that’s not ideal.
A better oak: Quercus Alba
So, we had a chat with our main timber supplier and asked them to help us find something better. And they did.
Our current oak sleepers are made from White Oak (Quercus Alba) – a species classed as very durable. That means it’ll stand up better to damp conditions, resist decay for longer, and stay solid for years to come.
Whether you're building raised beds, edging a path, or shaping up a garden feature, these sleepers are designed to last.
So why do they cost a bit more?
Simply put – you’re getting a better, longer-lasting product. The few extra quid up front means you’re less likely to be replacing them in a couple of years.
And when you’re putting in the time and effort to build something that looks great, it makes sense to start with timber that’s up to the job.
Ready to get stuck in?
Pop into your local Youngs branch or give us a call – we’ve got White Oak sleepers in stock and ready to go.
Whether it’s for a weekend garden project or a full landscaping job, we’ll help you get the right materials for the job. Because when it comes to timber, we don’t cut corners – and neither should your sleepers.
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