Find the Best Concrete Sleeper Wall Builder Near You

Retaining walls are an effective way to keep floodwater, mud, and soil contained. They’re often seen around the side of mountain roads, on low lying beaches and in backyards. One of the types of retaining walls is concrete sleeper retaining walls.

A concrete sleeper retaining wall is perfect for retaining wall construction if you're looking for durability as concrete sleeper walls are smoother and are known to last for several decades. The best part about them is you’re no longer restricted when choosing the conventional grey concrete; you can choose among a variety of options to enhance the aesthetic of your landscape.

Concrete sleeper walls are a great alternative for retaining wall blocks, as they’re available in different colours, sizes, and textures. Have a look at the following points to understand the process of building a concrete sleeper retaining wall.

• Level the Area: The first step of building a concrete sleeper wall is to level the area in which you’re planning to landscape or build the wall.
• Prepare the Base: After levelling the surface, you have to prepare the base by excavating with the help of a mini loader. A minimum space of 200mm should be left for backfilling the retaining wall.
• Place Posts and Concrete: Once the area is dug, place a post and ensure it is straight and level with the string line using a spirit level. After that, confirm they’re on an equal level and concrete the posts. The hole can be filled with a mixture of cement, gravel, and sand.
• Slide the Sleepers and Backfill: First, you’ll have to wait at least 24 hours for the concrete to dry. Now, you can install the sleepers into the posts the next day and adjust the height of the sleeper by packing it to the bottom level of the post. Once the sleepers are installed, wait for one week to backfill with crushed rock. Place a soil plug and fill the wall to the top, and your concrete sleeper wall is ready to do its work.

Various factors determine the cost of a concrete sleeper wall including material, space, height, size, design, and more. You can expect to pay somewhere between:

• $450 to $700 per square metre for reinforced concrete blocks
• $550 to $750 per square metre for concrete besser blocks

With a nationwide network of exceptional suppliers for concrete sleeper retaining walls, iseekplant has builders operating in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also have suppliers in every major town and city across the country from Cairns down to Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gold Coast and then across the country to Mandurah.

iseekplant offers a vast database that is easy to navigate to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you don’t want to scroll through our directory, simply use our 'get a quote' tool and get suppliers contacting you with their prices within a few hours. If you have further queries or want to find out more, you can contact the iseekplant project team by calling on 1300 691 912 or emailing projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Concrete sleeper walls are known for their durability and longevity. When properly installed and maintained, they can last for over 50 years on average. This lifespan can be attributed to the inherent strength of concrete and its resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. High-quality concrete sleepers often come with warranties that guarantee their performance for several decades, ensuring they remain a reliable choice for long-term applications.

The cost comparison between concrete and wood sleepers can vary based on several factors such as location, availability, and the specific type of wood or concrete used. Generally, concrete sleepers tend to be more expensive upfront than wooden sleepers. However, concrete sleepers have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance, making them more cost-effective in the long run. While wooden sleepers may be cheaper initially, they are susceptible to rot, pests, and weather damage, leading to higher maintenance costs and earlier replacement.

The height of a concrete sleeper wall can vary based on the design, engineering specifications, and local building regulations. Typically, a concrete sleeper wall can be built up to 1.2 to 1.5 metres high without significant engineering input. Structural engineering and council approvals may be required for walls exceeding this height to ensure safety and stability. In some cases, walls can be built up to 3 metres or more with proper design and support, including reinforcing materials and drainage systems.

Yes, foundations are essential for building a concrete sleeper wall to ensure stability and longevity. The foundation typically consists of a concrete footing providing a solid sleeper base. This footing helps to distribute the load evenly and prevents the wall from shifting or settling over time. The depth and width of the foundation will depend on the height of the wall and the soil conditions. Properly installed foundations are crucial for the structural integrity of the retaining wall.

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water build-up behind the wall even for a relatively low retaining wall, such as one 400mm high. Without adequate drainage, water pressure can build up and cause the wall to bulge, crack, or even fail. Typically, drainage solutions include gravel backfill, weep holes, or a perforated pipe behind the wall to facilitate water flow away from the structure. Implementing effective drainage measures ensures the longevity and stability of the retaining wall.

The maximum height for timber sleeper retaining walls depends on the type of sleepers, soil conditions, and whether the wall is reinforced. For most residential landscaping applications, walls built with standard timber sleepers are typically safe up to 0.8–1 m high. Taller walls usually require engineered solutions, such as steel posts, reinforced sleepers, or professional design.

Tip: For walls over 1 m, always consult engineering guidelines and local council regulations to ensure stability and safety.

Concrete sleeper retaining walls are highly durable and can last 50 years or more when properly installed. Their longevity depends on quality of the sleepers, drainage, soil conditions, and correct construction techniques, including a stable base and compacted backfill.

Tip: Even though concrete sleepers are long-lasting, always ensure drainage and base preparation to maximise durability and avoid premature wall failure.

Yes, you can install concrete sleeper walls yourself, especially for small landscaping projects. However, the process requires heavy lifting, precise leveling, and proper base preparation. For walls over 1 m high or where structural stability is critical, professional installation or engineering guidance is recommended.

Tip: For DIY projects, plan for equipment, help, and safety, and consult local council guidelines if your wall exceeds 1 m in height.