Everything you need to know about Railway Ties

Image Credit: Editor B

Railway ties are rectangular wooden objects that are generally used for preventing the train tracks from falling into the ground. It is commonly used as retaining walls, flower boxes, garden or lawn edging, yard steps and fencing. They are ideal for landscaping projects due to preservatives added in them. They are treated with preservatives like creosote which is a black oily substance. Creosote is made from coal tar and has varying properties. Railway ties are treated with creosote to hold the rail spikes in place. These ties come in different sizes and grades. These are used as per the railroad standards. The standard size of railway tie is nine inches in width and seven inches in height.

There are two main types of railway ties. One is wooden and the other is concrete. Wooden railway ties are made up of huge wood pieces and hardwoods like oak. They are used for the construction of railroad tracks. They last for many years as they are treated with creosote.

Concrete railway ties are generally made up of cast concrete slabs which are internally reinforced by steel wire. These are preferred over wooden railway ties as they have greater strength, low maintenance cost and longer service life. Using concrete ties makes sure that rails do not crack or collapse easily.

 Advantages of using railway ties:

• They can be used for building retaining walls to decorate your backyard. Railway ties are the best material for retaining walls. Since these are made up of evergreen hard wood it is the most preferred choice to build retaining walls.

• They are used for building house walls, floors and ceiling. It can be used for framing walls of the house.

• They can be used for making steps for your garden. Wooden or concrete railway ties are suitable for this purpose.
  

• They can be used as landscape designs for parks and zoos to give a natural look.

• They can be used for furniture and cabinets. For this you can choose ready-made shapes and sizes of railway ties which you can purchase in the market.

While using railway ties you should consider the following safety measures:

• Wear gloves and long sleeves while working with creosote treated wood. Do not work in hot conditions. Make sure that the area is well ventilated.

• Keep away children from playing around the ties which may harm them by getting creosote on their skin and develop irritation and rashes.

• It is advisable not to use ties around the garden where food is grown.

• Wood ties should not be used in the areas where they will come in contact with pets.

• Creosote is toxic as it contains coal tar. It can cause many side-effects so it is best to maintain less contact with creosote treated wood.

Because of these harmful effects it is best to replace railway ties with non toxic alternative. You can use non-resistant woods such as cedar, stone or redwood. The cost of these alternatives may be higher but it ensures safety for human health and the environment.