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Railroad Ties
Northland Wood Recent Prices
Railroad
Ties
Railroad ties are heavy-duty rectangular timbers, typically made of oak or mixed hardwoods, that have been pressure-treated with creosote to withstand extreme weather and heavy structural loads. Because of their immense weight and preservative treatment, they offer a rugged, rustic aesthetic and decades of durability for outdoor landscaping and industrial-grade support.
In both residential and commercial settings, railroad ties are a go-to material for projects requiring "brute force" stability.
Uses for Railroad Ties
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Massive Retaining Walls: Their weight makes them ideal for holding back large volumes of soil on sloped properties or creating tiered parking lots for businesses.
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Driveway and Parking Edging: Used as heavy-duty curbing to define gravel driveways, preventing spread and protecting landscaping from vehicle tires.
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Rustic Garden Stairs: Stacked and pinned with rebar, they create wide, stable outdoor staircases for steep trails or backyard transitions.
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Raised Planter Beds: Frequently used for non-edible decorative plantings, providing a sturdy frame that won't shift during seasonal ground heaves.
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Loading Docks and Equipment Pads: Businesses use them as durable "bumpers" or base supports for heavy machinery and shipping containers to keep them off the damp ground.
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Fence Corner Anchors: Buried deep in the earth, they serve as immovable anchor posts for high-tension wire fencing or large farm gates.
A Note on Safety: Because most railroad ties are treated with creosote, they should not be used indoors, in poorly ventilated spaces, or for raised beds intended for growing food, as the chemicals can leach into the soil.
