Is it illegal to use old railroad ties?

And what I discovered was shocking. (And I don’t shock very easily…) Every EPA site said the same thing about the main preservative in old railroad ties: “Creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use .” So it’s actually illegal to use old railroad ties in a home landscape.

Where can I buy railroad ties in size?

The railroad ties sold by Menards are 7 in x 9 in x 8 ft, which is exactly the same size as Home Depot’s. On their website they state that the ties are salvaged from train track beds and are as well as the above mentioned ones, previously treated with creosote. The price is not mentioned on their website, so you might have to call them.

How are railroad ties held in place in a house?

The ties may be held in place with blocking to each one from the braces. Block at ties only, leaving joints free for tamping. Corners were jointed as in block masonry with alternate beams from each wall continuing through. At each corner a steel dowel was let down through the ends of the ties, the full height of the wall.

What kind of wood are railroad ties made out of?

Wood railroad ties are typically made from hardwoods like Oak. Because they are thick and are treated with Creosote or some other preservative, woodrailroad ties last for years. You should go straight to Google for answers, that’s where the above answer came from.

And what I discovered was shocking. (And I don’t shock very easily…) Every EPA site said the same thing about the main preservative in old railroad ties: “Creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use .” So it’s actually illegal to use old railroad ties in a home landscape.

The railroad ties sold by Menards are 7 in x 9 in x 8 ft, which is exactly the same size as Home Depot’s. On their website they state that the ties are salvaged from train track beds and are as well as the above mentioned ones, previously treated with creosote. The price is not mentioned on their website, so you might have to call them.

The ties may be held in place with blocking to each one from the braces. Block at ties only, leaving joints free for tamping. Corners were jointed as in block masonry with alternate beams from each wall continuing through. At each corner a steel dowel was let down through the ends of the ties, the full height of the wall.

How big is a treated wood railroad tie?

This 8 ft. Treated Wood Railroad Tie can be used to add an attractive, natural-looking touch to your landscape project. It can be used for a variety of applications, such as creating steps and walkways. It is typically 7 in. x 9 in. x 8 ft. in size.