Concrete sleepers are strong and can support landscaping, retaining walls, or garden beds. They are more commonly used in Australia because they are much stronger, and their durability keeps them resistant to excessive weather changes. However, the installation is one area where most homeowners need to decide to install them alone or hire a professional company. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each approach to help you make the most appropriate choice for your next project.
What Are Concrete Sleepers?
Concrete sleepers and reinforced slabs are used for retaining walls, sloping land, and elegant garden features. Due to their durability and resistance to termites, they provide structural support and aesthetic value.
There are many different types of concrete sleepers available in Queensland, providing homeowners with many options for both design and performance. Due to their availability, they have become popular for landscaping projects in the state.
The DIY Approach: Is It Right for You?
Installing concrete sleepers yourself can be a fun and economical option. However, it is crucial to consider the challenges involved before you begin.
Advantages of DIY Installation:
- Cost Savings: Much of the professional installation cost goes into labour costs. By doing it yourself, you save money.
- Creative Control: You can design and build at your own pace.
- Opportunity for Skill-Building: DIY projects may have their rich, rewarding experience as far as learning goes.
Challenges to Consider:
- Physical Effort: Concrete sleepers are heavy and require considerable human effort for lifting.
- Tools Required: Specialised tools include spirit levels, post-hole diggers, and compacting equipment.
- Precision is Key: Small errors in alignment or positioning can lead to issues with stability over time.
Professional Installation: Why It’s Worth Considering
Hiring a professional is often the smarter choice for complex or large-scale projects. Here’s why:
Benefits of Professional Installation
- Expertise and Precision: Professional contractors have the experience and know-how to install sleepers to properly ensure appropriate drainage and support.
- Time-Efficiency: The experts will be faster in completing the project, thus saving you weeks of hard labour.
- Peace of Mind: Most of the time, licensed contractors give warranties and guarantee longer work.
While having a higher upfront cost, professional installation ensures that it is installed correctly and the outcome will last longer.
Key Differences: DIY vs Professional
To summarise the differences:
- Cost: DIY is cheaper, but may involve hidden costs like renting tools. Professionals charge more but offer reliability.
- Skill: Research and patience are required for do-it-yourself, while professionals bring expertise.
- Time: DIY can be time-consuming; professionals ensure it is done on time.
Which Option Should You Choose?
It depends on the project and available resources, but it can be accomplished by oneself if working on a small backyard garden wall with the necessary tools. Larger or load-bearing retaining walls necessitate professional installation to avoid mistakes that could prove costly or safety hazards.
Concrete sleepers are a wise investment for Australian landscaping projects. Whether installed by yourself or a professional installer, they offer long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results. If you make the right decisions, your outdoor area will endure!
