Seconds are some of the best value at the yard, and they're also the product we get the most questions about. They suit some jobs well and they're the wrong choice for others. Here's what they are, where they fit, and the rules that go with them.
What seconds are
Seconds are graded-out sleepers from our suppliers. When a sleeper comes off the line with a cosmetic issue, such as colour variation, a surface blemish, a chip or an edge mark, it's graded out of first-grade stock. We buy those sleepers and sell them cheap to clear.
Which maker they come from depends on what we get in, so the ranges, sizes and quantities change. What's listed on our site is what we have, and we'll tell you what's at the yard when you call.
What makes them different
Seconds are ungraded. That means they don't carry an engineering duty rating, the way first-grade sleepers do. Because of that, two rules always apply:
- We limit seconds to retaining walls up to 800 mm retained height (the height of soil the wall holds back).
- Seconds must never go in a wall that has been engineered, certified or specified by an engineer, certifier, council or head contractor. Those walls need first-grade Outback Sleepers or Silvercrete.
If your wall is over 800 mm retained, or it needs council approval, seconds are off the table. Our post on council approval for retaining walls in SA explains when that applies.
Where seconds make sense
- Raised garden beds and veggie patches.
- Low garden walls and terracing up to 800 mm retained.
- Edging, paths and landscaping where a small mark on the face won't bother you.
- Back-of-shed and side-of-house jobs where nobody's looking closely.
If the wall is the first thing people see when they pull into the driveway and every face needs to match, first grade is the better pick.
Thickness bands, and why they matter
First-grade sleepers are sold at a set thickness. Seconds are sold in two thickness bands instead, and each band needs a different post:
| Band | Posts that fit |
|---|---|
| 75–90 mm | 100UB or 100PFC |
| 90–110 mm | 120UB or 125PFC |
A 90–110 mm second won't seat between the flanges of a 100UB or 100PFC post. Pick the band first and match the posts to it on the same order. Seconds are listed at 200 mm high, in 2000, 2340 and 2400 mm lengths, depending on what we have.
One tip from the yard: order enough of one band for the whole job, so every post on the wall is the same, and check with us that we have that many before you start.
How they're priced
Seconds are clearance stock, so they're already priced low. On top of that they take the same automatic quantity breaks as the rest of the range, worked out on the total units in your order and applied in the cart:
- 5% off at 20 units or more,
- 10% off at 50 or more, and
- 15% off at 100 or more.
The quantity break is the best price on seconds. Trade account discounts don't apply to them. Every seconds price is on the product page, ex GST.
Returns
Seconds and clearance stock can't be returned for change of mind, so check the band, the length and the quantity before you order. Faulty goods are still covered by the Australian Consumer Law, the same as anything else we sell.
Check stock before you commit
Seconds are one-off stock and subject to availability. Once a batch is gone, we may not get the same range or size again for a while. If you're planning a full job, ring the yard on 0439 361 734 to confirm what's at the yard before you lock in the rest of the materials. Better still, come in and have a look. You'll see exactly what you're getting, and where it's safe to, our team will load it while you're here.
Need a quote?
Send us the wall length, the height and the delivery suburb, and we'll price seconds and the posts to suit, line by line. Metro quotes come back within 24 hours. Email sales@fenceplinths.com.au or give us a call.
Cheers,
Alex and the team