Do railroad ties make good steps?

Sturdy and rot-resistant railroad ties work well for turning a steep slope in your yard into an attractive and safe garden staircase. Railroad ties are typically coated in creosote to protect the wood and prevent rot. The stairs are dug directly in the hillside from the base to the top.

How do you use railroad ties for landscaping?

How to Secure Landscape Railroad Ties

1. Excavate a trench to accommodate the bottom layer of railroad ties.
2. Tamp the soil at the bottom of the trench to compact it.
3. Place the first layer of railroad ties in the prepared trench.
4. Drill holes about a foot away from the ends into each railroad tie.

Are railroad ties bad for landscaping?

Using railroad ties for garden beds can pose a threat to your soil, pets and children, as well as the food you grow. The wood is preserved by soaking it in creosote, which is composed of over 300 chemicals, many of them toxic and persistent in soil. Exposure to creosote has been shown to cause cancer.

Can I use railroad ties for a retaining wall?

When building a retaining wall out of any material, and especially with railroad ties, you must have some sort of tie between the wall and the ground it is holding back. With railroad ties you should use a 4 foot length of a tie that goes straight into the hillside and is also resting on the wall itself.

What can I use instead of railroad ties for landscaping?

Paving stones can be a better option than old railroad ties to create walkways in your garden. They can often be placed over turf or gravel, making them fairly easy to install. You can also create walkways using pebbles and adhesive.

How long do railroad ties last in landscaping?

Cons: Limited life span (10 to 20 years) because timbers rot and are damaged by pests. Cannot be used to create curving walls as can concrete and stone.

How long will railroad ties last?

Average life of hardwood ties is 20 to 25 years.” Kevin Haugh, president of CXT Inc., provides somewhat shorter estimates of tie service life: about 40 years for concrete versus a range for wood tie life of from 8-10 years up to 15-25 years dependent on the climate and wood type.

Are there railroad ties without creosote?

Chances that a railroad tie used previously by the railroad was not treated with creosote are extremely slim. There are used railroad ties for sale, where the seller can guarantee that the tie was never treated with creosote, railroad companies will not use those for their main purpose.

How do you install railroad ties?

Place the first railroad tie into the trench at one end. Place the tie against the front wall of the trench, with the holes positioned vertically. Lay a 3-foot carpenter’s level on top of the tie.

What are the dangers of treated railroad ties?

The creosote on the treated railroad ties is considered a toxic substance and can contaminate groundwater and soil. This is because the creosote slowly seeps into the ground over a period of time.

How much does a railroad tie cost?

Railroad Tie Cost and Pricing. Nasty stuff for some. My base numbers say a 13″ X 27′ has 160bdf scale and with a cost of $300/m or a cost of $48 (less closer to the stump), three ties @ $20/tie = $60. That pays for the log. Approximately 19 ties per m of logs or $380 in ties with around 540 bdf of side lumber.

What are railway ties?

Railroad Ties. Railroad ties, also known as crossties or sleepers are the primary lateral support for the rails themselves, anchoring the track and giving it a solid, sound base upon which trains can pass over.