Breeze Blocks vs Sleepers

[Lordylordy62]

Hello all
I am looking at options to replace a 'crumbling' garden bed wall, about 20/25m long and about .6m high.
At the moment the wall ahs been built using sleepers, which have completely rotted away on the earth/bed facing side. (Pics attached - apologies for the flamingoes!)
I am considering using breeze blocks instead of sleepers - which work out so much cheaper - then rendering them and painting them white.
Can such a wall just sit on the ground - as the sleepers do - or would I need to dig a trench? And if so, how deep?
And would breeze blocks work ok, or would they just soak up water and expand?
If anyone has any experience or views your opinions would be hugely appreciated.
TIA all

 

[mikeey84]

Breeze blocks maybe cheaper, but it's a lot more work!

You'll need a foundation, probably 200mm of lean mix, then you will need to consider moisture ingress, as if the blocks get damp the render will blow when they freeze, then the white render will constantly grow green algae on it. White render is much better in the Mediterranean!

I'd replace the sleepers if I were you. You could maybe use 2x4 or 2x6, which could be cheaper, and you can get it in long lengths from a sawmill

 

[Why Not Indeed]

the white render will constantly grow green algae on it

OP, have you ever seen white render more than a handful of years old in this country that doesn't look like *****?