How to make Railroad ties last longer?

[HawkinsHollow]

How high are you going to make the wall?

It is an L 2 RR ties high for 3 of the sections and 1 tie high on each end. Not very high.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I think I am going to bite the bullet and get a scoop of gravel to put against the ties. I have a material yard right next door to my property that lets me come in and grab a scoop at a time. (I know, what was I complaining about right?). I did a quick calc and it is about 20 cuft. Which is about 1 bucket full on my machine. I also have some left over road fabric that I can use to hold it up against the ties while I spread the dirt up against them. Kind of a no brainer, just an extra step I didn't want to do. But it is best if I do I reckon!

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Well, its done!! It was not easy to hold 57 rock against the ties before I backfilled. Used geotex fabric stapled to the bottom then filled it and then pulled it to the top. Worked ok, and I ran out of stone. But whatever, its done!! I backfilled it with some nice dirt I got for free from a project down the road. It was LITERALLY the perfect amount. No pics because it was dark by the time I finished. I will snap one tomorrow. I have some questions about super dry fill, and rain and extra compaction but I think I am going to start another thread. Stay tuned for pics. Only afters because I am the worst at taking befores.

 

[bcp]

Please report tie condition every 5 years.



Bruce

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Please report tie condition every 5 years.



Bruce

RIGHT? I will do my best!

 

[BlueKnife]

To make railroad ties last longer, consider applying a few effective strategies. First, placing a plastic barrier between the ties and the soil is a great idea; this helps prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, which can lead to rot. Additionally, applying a used oil treatment can provide some level of protection against moisture and pests, but be cautious as it may not be environmentally friendly.

Instead, consider using a wood preservative designed for outdoor use, which can enhance longevity without harmful effects. Lastly, ensure good drainage around the ties to minimize water accumulation, as excess moisture is a primary cause of decay. With these steps, you can help your railroad ties withstand the elements and last longer in your mom's backyard shed project.

Are you a real human?

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Are you a real human?

I was wondering the same thing. Sound very AI generated huh? Their other post sounds the same. Very interesting if AI is going to start jumping into the mix.

 

[oosik]

If you are talking "real" RR ties - they should last forever with no added help. I have four - serving to hold up two gates. Installed in 1982 and still solid as a rock.

If you are talking about the crap sold at you local hardware store. Well - you are going to get exactly what you pay for.

 

[ultrarunner]

If you are talking "real" RR ties - they should last forever with no added help. I have four - serving to hold up two gates. Installed in 1982 and still solid as a rock.

If you are talking about the crap sold at you local hardware store. Well - you are going to get exactly what you pay for.

Built a small porch with real creosote oozing 4 railroad tie posts.

For 30 years they looked fine and then moving a refrigerator the fount that termites had completely hollowed out the ties from the inside.

The outside 3/4 to 1.5” perfect but nothing inside except very upset termites…

 

[oosik]

In the heat of the summer - you can smell my RR ties from twenty feet away. Lucky - around these parts, no termites. We do have the occasional wood boring bee. Don't seem to like my cedar home or those "juicy" RR ties.

However - there must be a valid reason that prestressed concrete ties are now being used.