Can you use a railroad tie for a fireplace mantel?
When choosing a wood reclaimed beam for a fireplace mantel, the best choice is beams that were once part of a barn frame. Never use a reclaimed railroad tie. Railroad ties are coated with creosote. Not only is creosote flammable, but it continues to emit toxic fumes. Click to see full answer. Besides, can you use a railroad tie for a mantle?
Can you use railroad ties for a fence?
We recommend when putting in your fence to make sure at least 2 feet of the tie is securely in the ground, using concrete works great for this. A common use for railroad ties is lining the base of a fence. Perhaps in your yard you have a 2” space between the bottom of the fence and the ground.
How long should my railroad ties be?
Another popular method is to have us cut your railraod ties to 4 feet or 3 feet for particular rows. For example if you have 4 rows of railroad ties totaling a height of 36”, you can start your first and level row with the full length being 8’ or 8’ 6” railroad ties.
What tools do you use to lift railroad ties?
We also offer tools that make lifting the railroad ties and dragging them easier, like tie tongs. We also offer tie picks which are 3’ axe looking picks that help grabbing the tie and rotating them.
Can you use railroad ties for woodworking?
No, they are worthless for anything else, IMO. I forget what they are treated with, but it renders it useless for anything you might want to build with wood.Mar 7, 2010
Can railroad ties catch fire?
Railroad ties should never be burned in fireplaces or outdoors.Feb 13, 2022
Are old railroad ties toxic?
That means your vegetables could deliver a dose of a known carcinogen. Your children and pets may prove especially sensitive to tactile exposure to the chemicals, meaning that even playing around old railroad ties might harm them. The EPA pulls no punches about the danger of railroad ties in gardens.Apr 13, 2017
Are railroad ties solid wood?
Railroad ties are traditionally made of wood, but prestressed concrete is now also widely used, especially in Europe and Asia. Steel ties are common on secondary lines in the UK; plastic composite ties are also employed, although far less than wood or concrete.
Is creosote still used in railroad ties?
The railroad industry has more than a century of experience using creosote treated railroad ties. The vast majority of ties currently purchased are creosote and creosote/borate treated wood. Experience and testing continue to support the use of creosote preservation for wood ties.
What kind of wood are railroad ties made of?
Many railroads purchase oak and mixed hardwood ties and some buy ties made of softwoods such as south- ern pine, red pine or Douglas-fir as well.
Is creosote banned?
Consumer use of creosote has been banned since 2003. The Commission's new decision amends the Biocides Directive and stems from a risk assessment of the effects of creosote on human health and the environment.Jul 26, 2011
What can I use instead of railroad ties?
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.Sep 3, 2021
Why do they burn railroad tracks?
Heating the tracks with fire expands the metal until the two rails can be put back together again. Railroad switch points can also become clogged with ice and snow in subzero conditions, so the heating system is used to unclog them.Jan 30, 2019
What is the difference between #1 and #2 railroad ties?
1, or premium grade railroad ties are relay grade railroad ties that aren't good enough to be relay grade. They have 3 or 4 good sides and may have some cracking, slight warping, or minor splitting on the ends. No. 2 (good) grade railroad ties look good on 2 or 3 sides and may have some warping.
How heavy is an 8ft railroad tie?
100 to 300 poundsThey range from 100 to 300 pounds. Railroad ties can weigh as much as 200 pounds.
How do you keep railroad ties from rotting?
If there is surface splintering on the tie, sand or grind it off. If there is rot, sand it away or saw it off. If there are holes in the tie, fill them with spike-hole filler compound, which is specifically meant to fill up holes in railroad ties. Coat the railroad tie in a clear, protective compound.Jul 17, 2017
Faux Railroad Tie Mantel (Create, Paint, Distress, Install)
Welcome back. After showing you my painted fireplace earlier in the week I promised I would return to show you the DIY faux railroad tie mantel that finishes off my makeover.
Gather Your Aged Wood
My faux railroad tie is actually made from 3, 2×8’s that I picked up from a local salvage yard. The one on top has more knots, more splinters and more flaws than the other two and that is why it is perfect for my face board…the board everybody is gonna see.
Install
This board is exactly the width of my mantel. Mark the top of the mantel making sure it is level.
How long is a railroad tie?
Standard railroad ties are 8’ to 8’6 feet long and the dimensions vary but most typical are the 7” tall and 9” wide units. These railroad ties don’t have to be set in only one way. I suggest laying the tie with the height 7 inches on the ground this allows for you to cover 2 more inches for your wall.
How much space should I use for railroad ties?
A common use for railroad ties is lining the base of a fence. Perhaps in your yard you have a 2” space between the bottom of the fence and the ground.
Can railroad ties be used for retaining walls?
Railroad ties aren’t only good for retaining walls - the list is almost endless what you can do with railroad ties and we have seen and helped give advice for them all. Garden Beds. Railroad ties are great to use for garden beds or any flower beds. However, we want to warn you about the damaging effect of Creosote.
Can horses get cancer from railroad ties?
Horses that will stand on the railroad ties for hours at a time can absorb the creosote through their hooves, especially mares. If they have horse shoes and are full grown they’re much less prone to this but can still happen and the animal can develop cancer.
Do railroad ties bend?
Railroad ties are very sturdy and very hard, this means they’re not going to bend to adapt to your lawn or rocks you’re placing them on top of. It is crucial that you are placing the railroad ties on top of a surface that is perfectly (well okay not perfect but pretty dang..) level.
What is railroad tie?
Railroad ties are thick, durable, cheap, recycled wood that forms long-lasting barriers for beds, paths, and retaining walls. You see them everywhere and many consider their distressed appearance naturally attractive. The wood is preserved by soaking it in creosote, which is composed of over 300 chemicals, many of them toxic and persistent in soil.
What to do if wood ties break?
Wear long sleeves and pants, a mask, eye protection, and thick gloves. If the wood is likely to break apart, consult with a professional team that can ensure removal of all the pieces safely. Once the ties are out, they should be disposed of. Whatever you do, don’t burn the ties!
Is railroad ties safe for gardening?
Image by PaulMaguire. Railroad ties are common in older landscapes, but are old railroad ties safe for gardening? Railroad ties are treated wood , steeped in a toxic stew of chemicals, chief of which is creosote. You can find old railroad ties for sale even at garden centers, which makes the question confusing.
Can you use pressure treated lumber to build retaining walls?
You can try using a pressure treated product from your local lumber store but, honestly, these will contain potentially hazardous chemicals. A safer option is to use pavers or rocks to build retaining walls. In an abundance of caution, the rocks seem the safest choice, as they are of the earth and have no toxicity.
Do you burn railroad ties?
Whatever you do, don’t burn the ties! This releases toxic gases that can be even more dangerous than simple topical contamination. The railroad ties in vegetable gardens that are so common as raised bed barriers pose the worst threat. In these areas, the soil should definitely be removed to a depth of several inches.
