Concrete sleepers lack the elasticity of wooden sleepers and, therefore, ballast tracks with concrete sleepers usually have a much quicker degradation of the ballast when loaded. This is especially true in curves, turnouts and switches.

Whether wood or concrete sleepers (the "ties" that hold the rails) are better depends on the specific environment and track use. Concrete sleepers are the modern standard for high-speed and heavy-load lines because they are incredibly durable, lasting 40–60 years, and their heavy weight provides superior track stability. They are also fireproof and impervious to rot. However, wooden sleepers (often oak or pine) are still "better" for certain applications like bridges or sharp curves because they are more elastic; they absorb vibration and noise much better than rigid concrete. Wood is also easier to transport to remote areas because it is lighter. The main downside of wood is its shorter lifespan (15–25 years) and the environmental impact of chemical preservatives. In 2026, many networks are transitioning to composite sleepers (recycled plastic), which attempt to combine the elasticity of wood with the durability of concrete.