Replace rotten log roll borders with new railway sleepers - difficult?

I've been meaning to replace the log rolls (which must be 14 years old now) which spans most of my garden with an alternative. Having looked at concrete lawn edging, to bricks, to other log roll, I am one for using natural materials so I am erring more towards using railway sleepers instead. Not the reclaimed creosote ones (as have dogs to worry about) and also planning on buying them locally.

My questions are:

1. Can I use just 1 layer or must I stagger them in 2 layers?
2. How do I cut to shorten any that need shortening to fit smaller gaps?
3. How do I join 2 sleepers together where the ground is not very level so I don't get an uneven gap in between each one?
4. Must I stick to just straight lines with these sleepers or can I be adventurous?
5. Must I treat/paint them before laying them down?
6. How often must I re-treat them with paint?
7. Which paint is best used on them (bearing safety of dogs in mind please)?
8. Where is the best place to buy them from (Derbyshire here) please?

Many thanks and also please add info about anything I have overlooked.

 

I think Armandii has covered everything Derbyshire but I thought you'd like to see this bed. I took on a nightmare of a garden when I moved to my present home and spent three years levelling and getting it to the point where it was workable as a 'blank canvass'. This two tiered bed surrounded by railway sleepers was created for me as I couldn't manage the heavy work myself. I also had to contend with the mains sewer inspection drain (where the pot is standing) and as you can see a pole carrying the overhead cables as well, both within the confines of the bed.

There was only one layer of untreated sleepers put in on both tiers and they were joined with backing posts. I do get some slight seepage of soil from top tier to bottom but that's not an issue as I tend to add a layer of compost every year anyway. I've not treated the sleepers and have left them to weather.





Two years ago

 

Absolutely love it!

 

Thank you!

 

1 layer is fine, but if you want to put the sleeper "on edge" you may have to anchor it - as it won't be as stable. I drilled mine (you need a LONG drill bit!) and knocked some rebar through, and a couple of feet into the ground below. I have mine stacked 3-high I think, and just held in place with rebar rods.

I used a chain saw but found it very difficult to cut them square, so if you want acurate angles thena circular / chop saw would be better.

I doubt you need to do anything to new ones - that are pre treated. I put some pond liner under/inside them to reduce the rate that they rot

Never?

Dunno if it is too far for you, but I found the cheapest place was in Corby. VERY helpful people there.
http://www.uksleepers.co.uk/