The Pros and Cons of Using Wood Railroad Ties in Landscaping

Wood railroad ties have long been a popular choice for landscaping across America. If you're planning on building a raised garden, or adding steps to a sloped area, for example, you may consider using these wood timbers. Before you do, though, read this informative article and learn about the pros and cons of using wood railroad ties in landscaping!

What Are Wood Railroad Ties?
Railroad ties are basically rectangular timbers that measure about 8-1/2 feet long, are 9 inches wide, and are 7 inches thick. As the name implies, these huge wood pieces are used in the construction of railroad tracks. Railroad ties are part of the base underneath the track.

Pros

1. The Price Is Right
Probably one of the top reasons why homeowners choose wood railroad ties over other materials when they're landscaping is, their cost. If you're building a retaining wall, for example, railroad ties are cheaper than buying decorative rocks or bricks. Ties are an inexpensive choice for homeowners who wanted to beautify their homes' exteriors and stay within a budget at the same time.

2. Railroad Ties Are Readily Available
Wood railroad ties have always been available. Anytime a section of railroad track is ripped up and replaced, used ties then became available. According to wasteage.com, in 1995, 13 million wood railroad ties were being removed from service annually. Over half of those ties were recycled into landscaping projects and used for fuel, while the rest were placed in landfills...

3. A Good Way to Recycle
...which leads to yet another advantage of using wood railroad ties in landscaping- it's a good way to recycle these pieces so they don't end up clogging up our already-crowded landfills.

4. Used Wood Ties Are Durable
Wood railroad ties are typically made from hardwoods like Oak. Some are made from softwoods. Obviously, the latter don't hold up as long as the former. Still, because they are thick and are treated with Creosote or some other preservative, wood railroad ties last for years.

5. The Neutral Color Blends In
Since railroad ties are brownish-black in appearance, they tend to blend in with most any type of landscaping project.