Wood Grain and Smooth Face are popular types of concrete sleepers used in Australia. They both have their own beauty, advantages, and uses. Usually, it is said that concrete sleepers with smooth finish faces, such as Smooth Face Concrete Sleepers, are best for a modern and slick appearance, and for something that has the look of wood akin to timber sleepers, wood grain concrete sleepers will be perfect.
Smooth Face can be utilised in a range of environments. The smooth-face concrete sleeper is perfect for you if you don't care much about the appearance of your outdoor area and only need a dependable concrete sleeper that will provide you with eternal peace of mind. If you are into sleek, industrial style then a smooth face is a great option. These sleepers have a sleek, contemporary appearance. For modern homes and people who favour a minimalist style, the smooth texture is ideal.
However, wood grain sleepers are the ideal for you, if you want the elegance of timber without having to worry about them warping, twisting, decaying, or simply appearing drab after a few years. They give a rustic character by simulating the organic texture of wood.
For people who enjoy a natural look yet want a long-lasting, low-maintenance option, the wood grain texture is perfect. They are also an eco-friendly choice, good for retaining walls and garden beds. Wood grain sleepers can also be used to build garden beds and steps if available in thin sheets. With two steel bars for added strength and support, they can be used for making sturdy retaining walls and garden edging.
How do you choose the right sleeper for yourself??
So, how do you decide the ideal concrete sleepers for you? Well here are some prominent factors that can help you decide which one might be perfect for you.
1. Design style comparisons (modern vs. natural look)
Since smooth face concrete sleepers have a modern look and wood grain has a more natural look, you can simply decide based on your own aesthetics and what you prefer. You can never go wrong choosing what you already like.
2. Colour availability
For Wood Grain, they are generally available in black and jasper colour however it can also be available in sandstone if you do a custom order. Smooth Face sleepers, on the other hand, come in black, plain grey, and charcoal/ granite.
3. Examples from recent projects
One way to decide which sleepers are right for you is to look at pictures of recent builds that use the particular sleepers. If you find yourself liking more projects with Smooth Face over Wood Grain then that could be right for you.
4. Matching sleepers with fencing or garden themes
If you have already constructed some landscape features, then it might be a good idea to match the sleepers to them. Moreover, you can also match them with the colour or type of the fencing or even garden themes if you’ve already decided on one.
5. Cross-sell steel posts or end caps
Usually used in conjunction with steel supports, wood grain concrete sleepers provide robust structural support that is perfect for taller or engineered retaining walls. Although this arrangement guarantees flexibility and longevity, it may be more expensive and may detract from the exposed metal's organic appearance.
On the other hand, end caps are frequently marketed alongside smooth face sleepers, which offer a smooth, seamless finish ideal for decorative, low-height walls. This design is better suited for minor landscaping projects because it is less expensive and more aesthetically consistent than steel posts.
Whether strength or visual consistency is more important will determine which option is best. It is also possible to pair Wood grain sleepers with end caps, and Smooth face sleepers with steel posts, but it generally depends on the supplier, stock availability, and intended use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sleepers for your landscape project can seem overwhelming with so many options, however, ultimately it comes down to what feels right for you. Hope the factors mentioned above made the choosing process a little easier for you. Good luck with your landscape project and hope you find the perfect sleepers.
