Railway Sleepers Blogs

As the weather becomes cold and wet and the evenings draw darker it’s easy to neglect your garden. However, preparing some vegetable beds or water features now means everything will be ready for you to enjoy when the spring comes in.

Railway sleepers are excellent for flower and vegetable beds, ponds, water features, decking steps, furniture, edging and borders. When using railway sleepers for raised beds remember the importance of membrane and good drainage, as well as choosing non creosoted sleepers for any area in which you wish to grow vegetation. 2.4M 100 x 200mm softwood railway sleepers are ideal for use with plant borders and raised beds. If you prepare the beds during winter, by spring you will already have plants growing ready for the summer months.

There are some plants excellent for winter months that will keep your garden looking cheerful all year round. Holly, Christmas Rose, Dogwood, Viburnum and Wintersweet are all examples of great winter plants to consider adding to your garden.

The winter is also a good time to make new edging round heavy clay soil, as frost can help to break the soil down, making it easier to dig and manage. AVS Fencing Supplies have a great range of shovels and digging spades to help you with your garden projects.

For the full range of railway sleepers, visit your local branch or shop online.

AVS Fencing has launched an e-newsletter for customers who want to keep up to date with the latest news, offers and expert advice on a range of garden fencing, decking and railway sleepers. So now you don't have to remember to visit, we will bring our news to you.

Customers who have signed up to the e-newsletter can expect a fortnightly email from AVS Fencing Supplies.

As well as the great advice and company news, there will also be the opportunity to get exclusive discounts from AVS Fencing Supplies.

How do I subscribe?
It is simple really. All you need to do is enter your details into the box on the right hand side of our homepage. Hit the sign up button and you will be ready to start recieving updates from AVS Fencing.

So if you are interested in keeping up-to-date with the latest garden fencing, decking, railway sleepers and landscaping products, as well as receiving exclusive discounts. Sign up to the AVS E-Newsletter now.

Have you always craved inspiration to start that dream railway sleeper project? Well if you have, AVS Fencing Supplies now has the answer as our inspiration centre is fully packed with sleeper projects. These projects are perfect to help inspire you towards that dream railway sleeper project.

Once again the sleeper projects highlight the versatility of railway sleepers and are great guide, as they show the different stages of construction. Better still, the project pictures show off the eye catching looks from railway sleepers.

There are 4 projects to choose from including using Railway Sleepers as patio walls to creating innovative ponds. Check them out now.

So if your desire is to make a retaining wall, garden path, raised beds, steps etc from railway sleepers, make sure you view AVS Fencing Supplies inspiration centre before starting your project. The inspiration centre will not only show the huge variety of stocked New & Reclaimed sleepers, but also competitive prices currently on offer.

There is an interesting article in the Eastwood & Kimberley Advertiser regarding the transformation of the outside play area at Underwood Primary School. This school was the proud beneficiary of a £2,000 grant so they decided to transform their outside area and purchased some Railways Sleepers to create vegetables beds to encourage children to grow their own produce.

The transformation in this area had such a huge knock-on effect, there were posters put up across the county which read ‘Dig For Victory’, to tie in with the world war two rationing morale. The head teacher at Underwood Primary School said: “It's all about teaching the pupils about self–sufficiency and it will give them a better understanding of where produce comes from, so they know it doesn’t grow at the supermarket!”

Once again this magnificent story highlights the effect of transforming a garden can do for so many people. So what are you waiting for? Come and join the wave of opportunism, by viewing AVS Fencing Supplies fantastic ‘Grow your own range’, which consist of a variety of raised vegetables beds that will not only save money, but mean you will have the best tasting vegetables in town!

Have you seen the extensive range of railway sleepers that AVS provide? We provide New Softwood Railway Sleepers, New Oak Railway Sleepers, Second Hand Hardwood Sleepers and our exciting Mini Railway Sleepers.

Railway Sleepers can be used for an endless range of things from path edging to raised vegetable beds and retaining walls. They can be recycled or new & unused.

New Railway Sleepers are very popular as they are not creosote treated which means that they are suitable for many more uses in the garden such as flower beds and ponds.

Second Hand Railway Sleepers are normally used for ground contact work and used where there is not the risk of frequent skin contact. AVS Fencing Supplies Railway Sleepers come in a range of section sizes and lengths so you can be assured we have exactly what you need!

So what are you waiting for start exploring the uses of eye catching railway sleepers by either buying online today or coming to visit us at one of 8 branches across the south east!

British summer time is finally here, which means that we all get an extra hour of daylight in the evenings!

With this extra hour of daylight we now can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and our gardens. With this is mind, now is the time to act and to get your garden up to scratch by choosing AVS Fencing Supplies who stock a comprehensive range of garden fencing, decking, railway sleepers and landscaping materials.

So if you want to take advantage of this extra hour, come and buy online and view our outstanding April offers, which are complimented by our free delivery service on orders over £120!

With spring finally upon on us and the sun now out, it's a great time to get into your garden and get it ready for use during the spring and summer months. To get the most out of your garden you should ensure that your garden fencing is both attractive and secure and you could also take this opportunity to consider some landscaping improvements. Perhaps this is the year where you could introduce a new decking area or perhaps you could construct some raised beds using railway sleepers to really help enhance your flower arrangements.

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we offer a great range of products that can help you get your garden in tip top shape. If for example you decide you need new garden fence panels then we offer a large range, including lap fence panels, sturdier closeboard fence panels and even grange elite fence panels for those of you looking for that extra special finish.

However, if you are more inclined to introduce some landscaping improvements to your garden than lets us help you by selecting from our decking materials or railway sleeper products. Our range includes quality Winchester decking, Canterbury decking, new railway sleepers and reclaimed railway sleepers amongst many others!

So if you have a garden project on the horizon and you need any garden fencing or landscaping products come and view our fantastic online selection or come into one of our 8 branches across the south east, all of which will offer you outstanding customer service and free delivery options.

Landscaping is the perfect spring project and with the weather constantly improving, now is the time to think about it. Whether you want practical, picturesque or child friendly space - AVS Fencing can help get your garden ready for summer.

Landscaping, or even just sprucing your garden up, can be daunting and a time consuming task. So with the met office claiming this has been the coldest winter in 30 years, now’s the time to give your garden some tender loving care by choosing AVS fencing supplies extensive range landscaping products.

Our landscaping range consists of new, second hand and mini railway sleepers which are the perfect landscaping product when creating a retaining wall or raised beds. Or how about viewing our decorative fence panels range? These are perfect to add character to any landscaping project.

So what are you waiting for? Come and view our vast range of landscaping products at any of our branches or send us an email for more information. All of our products are available with outstanding quality at affordable prices and even better, we offer a free delivery service!

It may sound slightly ironic to get your garden ready for the early spring during the winter months, however, by choosing this method, it takes all the pressure off you to get the garden ready in record time. We can already see that the evenings are getting lighter and the way time flies, spring will be on us in no time.

So if you need fencing, railway sleepers, decking or any other landscaping items, AVS Fencing should be your first choice as we have an experienced team, a large stock profile at all our eight branches and last but not least free delivery options!

With all garden design being so fashionable, it is interesting to see the origins of modern garden design. This week, we look at garden decking.

So where did garden decking spring from (no pun intended!)

Decking used to be considered a luxury as it was expensive, so only the rich and opulent were fortunate enough to have it. It was also used on piers and viewing galleries overlooking the glorious British countryside.

Times changed for the better and now decking is becoming much more affordable, so decking is gracing British gardens up and down the country.

So, why have Garden Decking?

Decking is great for extending the sitting area of your house, or perhaps marking out the corner of your garden for a nice tranquil quiet zone. Decking does add value to your house which one can't complain about – especially in an economic crisis! We need all the help we can get.

Can I build a Decking area myself?

Yes, if you have good DIY esperience and knowledge of building complicated wooden structures. It needs to be very safe as it will be well used. You can find out more about decking by clicking here, and remember to ask our experts as they have a wealth of knowledge in these areas and can guide you to buy the right product.

So go on, now is the time to get that garden project on the move ready to reap the rewards of a spectacular garden, in the spring and the summer months.

If all you want for Christmas is a smart looking outdoor living space, then you are going to need to come to AVS Fencing Supplies. With the New Year bringing with it a feeling of out with the old and in with the new, 2011 makes the perfect year to secure the garden of your dreams.

It can seem quite ironic to think of revamping the garden in the middle of winter, but the reality is this is the time to evaluate your outdoor space. We all too often decide to do this during high temperatures and suddenly the pressure is on to get the garden done in record time.

So why not plan your garden for next year in order to give your self time to choose the correct Garden Fence, Decking, Railway Sleepers or Landscaping products you need.

And when you are ready to purchase, either buy online or phone one of our eight branches, where our staff will be happy to help you secure your goods.

According to www.thisisnottingham.co.uk, Sue Thompson is a resident of Lark Hill Retirement Village, and she is quite right to feel proud of her award-winning winter garden in this year's East midlands neighbourhood category of Nottingham in Bloom.

Sue and a group of residents worked together to create this award-winning garden, which in turn helped to make the residential home a better place to live. Mrs Thompson explained “The gardens have helped break down barriers and were a conversation starter”.

What makes a winter garden special?

Any garden can be winter garden if it appears to stand out and look beautiful at a time when everything else in the winter landscape is dull, plain and brown is outstanding alone. If you want your property to be up there with the elite, in the height of winter as well as in summer, now is the time to get working on it.

So come and choose AVS Fencing Supplies who are proud specialist suppliers of Garden Fencing, Decking, Railway Sleepers and landscaping products all of high quality, at affordable prices!

Have you seen our new railway sleepers? No? We've got some new eye catching jigsaw railway sleepers. Our Grange jigsaw railway sleepers are a fantastic product that can be erected easily and efficiently. The unique design of these jigsaw sleepers allows them to be easily slotted together. Not only does this practical system look aesthetically pleasing, it allows you to to be creative with your new raised bed or a small retaining well.

Our broad range of railway sleepers are vastly becoming a garden fashion must-have, due to their eye-catching looks, and great functionality. You can see our sleeper ranges on our website or you can touch and feel them at one of our seven branches around Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Bucks and parts of London! Click here to see our branch locations.

We think this new range of railway sleepers adds personality to any garden. What do you think?

A new charity called Gardening Leave, has announced that they are going to help war veterans dig for victory by increasing their participation in more gardening activities. According to Anna Baker Cresswell, the charity’s chief executive: “It is a very simple concept. What the veterans get out of it is that they like to be together, they like to be outside, to have semi-structured activity in a safe, peaceful environment.”

Each passing month, the therapeutic benefits of being in the garden are becoming clearer and clearer. AVS Fencing Supplies want to encourage more people to take advantage of these therapeutic benefits by offering products and services to help you get the most out of your own garden experience. With the spending cuts announced by George Osborne this week, we could all do with a dose of theraputic therapy in our gardens!

Our products vary from railway sleepers, garden fencing and landscaping materials which can all be used to enhance your garden experience and add that spectacular feature to get the most out of your outside living space. Our green-fingered team at AVS Fencing Supplies are confident that you won’t be disappointed and you can start enjoying like others, the therapeutic benefits of being in your garden!  

AVS fencing supplies are the perfect match to create your dream garden fencing project. We offer an extensive range of garden fencing which includes; Lap Panels Closeboard Fencing, Featheredge, Picket Fencing, Palisade Fencing and much more. There is so much choice, all at affordable prices!

If decorative fencing is what you particularly crave for your garden, how about checking out our Grange decorative Fence Panels, which include our Grange Elite St Michel panel and many more.

As an extra benefit when buying garden fencing from AVS we also offer a 15 year post guaranteed on selected garden fence posts, so you can be confident you are in safe hands, when you buy from us.

So what are you waiting for? Go and get that Garden Fencing you have always desired either by using our easy to use website or over the counter at one of 7 branches across the south east, before those dreaded clocks go back.

If you are craving ideas and inspirations for your garden, then AVS fencing Supplies is the website for you. We have added another exceptional part to the website that will inspire you and help you generate ideas from other customer’s projects with pictures and step by step guides.

We are confident you won’t be disappointed, as we have projects ranging from; railway sleeper raised beds and pond projects, to exceptional fencing and gates ideas.

Come on and join the fun on our easy to use website.

Do you need to get your garden back on track this summer with some improvements?

Why not try AVS Fencing Supplies Railway Sleeper ranges. Railway Sleepers have amazing versatility around the garden from raised beds, retaining walls to vegetation beds, the list goes on! With Railway Sleepers becoming more and more of a popular garden fashion asset, it has become important to choose the right Railway Sleeper for the right purpose.

We at AVS pride ourselves in our consultation services to make sure you have the right product for the right purpose. So don’t hesitate to either call or see our easy to use website for all Railway Sleepers ranges which include New Hardwood, New Softwood, Mini Sleepers and our eye catching rustic looking Second hand sleepers.

Go on, treat yourself this summer and come and see our fantastic deals at AVS and get that garden back on track!

It is thanks to Eric Pickles who suspended the Home Information Packs (HIPs) which has prevented a slump in an already fragile housing market. According to Rightmove.co.uk, the new government decision has actually increased 22% of sellers coming into the market. This is therefore having a direct impact on average notional price increases in the housing market.

With this excellent news at our fingertips, now is the time to add some extra value onto your property, by creating that dream garden. Improving your garden can add 10% to the value of your property. AVS Fencing Supplies have a huge range of materials to 'add' that something special.

Why not add some decking, trellising or even some railway sleepers? Railway sleepers also make great raised bed walls. Or perhaps you may want to improve your kerb appeal? Try some of our garden or driveway gates. We have a range of metal gates and timber gates.

Have a browse through our website and discover all of our other garden products.

Our good friends at the BBC have written an interesting article about the effects of gardening for children. Their report of 1,300 teachers and 10 schools indicated that children who were involved in gardening were more resilient, confident and most importantly, lived healthier lives. You can see the report by clicking here.

Dr Kroon comments on the importance of the research conclusion and hopes that the new coalition government consider this in their new approach to primary curriculum, by understanding the real benefits of having an ideal garden. The report said: "it encouraged pupils to become more active in solving problems, as well as boosting literacy and numeracy skills."

Perhaps we should also encourage the coalition government to build a garden in the Houses of Parliament to help them figure out how to reduce the deficit in a painless way – although we wouldn't want the cost being added to their expenses!

Like Dr Kroon, we at AVS want to inspire you to create a garden, whether as a family, or an individual, so you can start to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Our new Railway Sleepers are the ideal product to create a raised bed for vegetation. Or perhaps try or our Decking Ranges to enjoy at the end of the week for some much needed relaxation. Whatever you desire for that dream garden, here at AVS we try to provide you with all you need.

Everyone is looking to improve and develop aren’t they? Well so are AVS Fencing Supplies. We have recently launched a new Railway Sleeper website with a range of improvements, which can be found at www.sleeper-supplies.co.uk. On this website you can find a range of products including our Second Hand Hardwood and Softwood Railway sleepers, as well as mini garden sleepers, which are priced very competitively.

Unfortunately, the World Cup ended rather abruptly for England. Don't worry though, the good news is that now is a perfect time for you to spend some of that extra spare time outside enjoying your garden. What a perfect way for you to take your mind off the tragic footy.

If your Garden Fencing or garden decking is starting to look untidy and you want to change this before the winter months, you should try AVS Fencing Supplies as your low cost specialist supplier of Garden Fencing Panels, Decking Materials and Railway Sleepers. On the subject of sleepers – how many of you nearly fell asleep watching England playing?

Don't forget that we offer competitive products including lap fence panels, trellis and new softwood sleepers to name a few. 

All of these products are offered at low prices and are available with the added benefit of being able to be brought online! AVS Fencing Suppliers give England something to be proud of – perfect gardens!

 
 

 

With the economic recession hitting peoples pockets, mixed with the growing demand for organic fruit and veg, the 'Grow your Own' movement continues to increase.
 
AVS Fencing Supplies are able to supply a wide range of railway sleepers that can be used to form garden beds, that can then be used to grow your own fruit and veg.
 
We offer a range of new railway sleepers both softwood and hardwood sleepers that would be ideal to create your own garden bed and as we offer home delivery, so you could be growing your own vegetables in no time at all!

Do you know how to make a bed from railway sleepers?

No? Don't worry, we've found a great movie clip from BBC2's Gardener's World. Click here to see the full instructions and everything you need to start preparing your raised garden bed with AVS Railway Sleepers.

Happy Digging!

AVS Fencing Supplies are a huge supplier of railway sleepers for garden and landscaping projects. This means you can have great confidence in the product with competitive prices and rapid delivery. Railway sleepers supplied included are both new and recycled in hardwood and treated softwood and are creosote-free.

The advantages of raised beds are:

• You can add soil which is suitable for herbs, vegetables or plants you want to grow.
• They save you back strain because you don't have to bend down so far!
• They need less watering than containers.

The disadvantage of raised beds is:

• You have to design and build them.

We can help to take care of that for you. Here are a few important points to bear in mind:

• Remember that raised beds are for the long term, so choose their site carefully. Do your plants want a sunny or shady position?
• Don't make your raised bed wider than you can comfortably reach.
• A height of 30 - 60 cm deep is sufficient for most small and medium sized plants.

How to make a wooden raised bed out of AVS railway sleepers.

What you will need:

Four railway sleepers;
eight tree stakes;
saw and hammer

1. Lay out the railway sleepers on edge in their final positions. Ensure that the best edge uppermost.
2. Hammer the two tree stakes into the ground, about 4cm from each corner, to hold the corners together.
3. Cut off ensuring the top of the stakes are flush with the railway sleepers. If you are making the bed on a paved surface use coach bolts to hold the sleepers together.
4. Fill your brand new sleeper raised bed with a suitable soil or compost. Top tip: If you want to grow herbs, then mix the top soil with grit.

Did you know why sleepers are called sleepers? Are you ready for this? Well ... according to Wiki Answers - when sleepers were added below the railway lines, the trains ran more smoothly and people fell asleep on their journeys.

One would normally build a railway sleeper retaining wall in your garden to support soil when they need to achieve a rapid change in ground levels usually created by forming a level area for a lawn or building.

The height of your railway sleeper retaining wall will be determined by difference in ground levels.

Most people only need to retain up to 600mm of soil so this is an easy task, which often creates an interesting and attractive feature in the garden.

The method you choose for construction will be influenced by the height.

Sleepers laid horizontally
Sleepers can be either stood on edge, which needs fewer sleepers but will need some additional supports or laid flat which is great for raised beds and lower height walls needing less additional support often just landscaping screws to join the railway sleepers.


Sleepers placed vertically
Great for medium height walls of about 1 metre high using hardwood sleepers

Joining Sleepers
Landscaping screws are great for joining sleepers together they are screwed in without needing pre-drilling and hold sleepers very firmly.

Drainage
It is advisable to place shingle behind the railway sleepers, particularly for taller structures. This can aid the life span of the sleeper and assist drainage, ensuring any water drains to the bottom and doesn’t run out between sleepers. Use a membrane on the back of the sleepers if the shingle is likely to spill through any gaps left between the sleepers.

Health & Safety
Sleepers are heavy and care should be taken when handling. Second-hand sleepers are treated with creosote so skin contact should be avoided. Taller structures may collapse if not constructed properly so if in any doubt consult a qualified engineer.

With the weather starting to improve and summer fast approaching, now is a great time to review your garden and sort out any fencing or landscaping projects that you have in mind.

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we realise that summer never seems long enough, so when it does finally arrive you want to be able to sit back and enjoy it, without worrying about the state of your garden.

To help you create your perfect garden for summer, AVS Fencing Supplies offer a range of great products for sale via our Website & local branches. We offer core products including fence panels, timber fence posts, concrete fence posts, feather edge boards, gravel boards, chestnut paling, as well as a range of landscaping products including new & second hand railway sleepers & multi profile deck boards.

With such a great range of quality garden fencing & landscape products at competitive prices, we are sure that AVS Fencing Supplies can help you find exactly what you need no matter what job you have in mind.

Whether you need to repair a dilapidated fence, want to build a brand new garden fence, create your dream decking area or install some raised flower beds using railway sleepers, we can supply you with what you need.

Search our website now to find the garden fencing or landscaping products that you require and then buy online quickly & securely to get your garden project under way.

AVS Fencing Supplies are pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved homepage. This has been designed with you the customer in mind and aims to provide you with a streamlined process when buying your fencing & landscaping products online. Whether you are looking for fencing, decking, railway sleepers or gates our homepage will lead you to exactly what you want.

In addition you now have new and improved access to special online deals in our frequently updated Web Offers Section. These are updated constantly and offer great savings to you on products such as Lap Panels, Featheredge, Railway Sleepers, Concrete Posts & Aggregates.

Finally to ensure you don’t miss out on this seasons must have products, we have launched our 'Top 10 buys of the month'. Here you can see what fencing & landscaping related products our other customers are buying, in order to gain some inspiration and help towards your purchasing decisions.

We hope you like our new website and look forward to doing business with you soon.