Where To Get Free Railroad Ties?

If you happen to are planning to upgrade your backyard or deck, you might be wondering where you’ll be able to get reasonably priced or free railroad ties to make use of for various DIY projects.

Railroad ties is usually a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing rustic option for outdoor stairs, gardens, flower beds, and more.

Buying landscaping materials can cost quite a lot of money, and unfortunately, most of the options sold today are usually not as durable. That is why some people prefer railroad ties for his or her stability and sturdiness. But the difficulty is, where to get free railroad ties?

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Can I Obtain Free Railroad Ties?

The reality is, getting free railroad ties shouldn’t be often possible to do legally. When railway corporations lay latest ties, they might leave the old ones in place. This doesn’t mean that the old ones have been forfeited by the owners. Even when railroad ties look abandoned, they’re still legally owned by railway corporations or the federal government until they hire someone to remove them.

Thus, taking railroad ties without permission could also be viewed as a breach of the law and end in charges being filed against you. Even in the event that they are out of commission, taking railroad ties you discover shouldn’t be idea. Don’t assume that they’re free simply because they’ve been lying around for months!

It’s best to avoid taking a walk on a railroad to start with. Walking on railroad tracks is definitely illegal, and you might be prosecuted for trespassing.

Who Replaces Railroad Ties?

You will have seen the upkeep crews of railway corporations at work in case you move near a track of a railway station. These corporations are accountable for ensuring the sleek operation of rail lines. They maintain existing lines and replace old ones.

Normally, these are the people accountable for removing and replacing railroad ties. What they do with the materials afterward is as much as them. Sometimes, they might keep them of their yards or sell them to an area contractor, who can in turn provide them to you. More on that below!

Places to Get Free Railroad Ties (or Buy Them)

So what do you do? With all of the legalities attached to railroad ties, is it possible to get railroad ties in your yard projects?

You do have a few options! The necessary thing to notice is that it’s essential to make sure you’re sourcing them from a legitimate place, and have permission from a relevant party. Never take railroad ties without permission!

1. Ask the Railway Company

First, you’ll be able to try approaching your local railway company to investigate whether or not they have any need for the ties. In the event that they don’t, ask them whether or not they are willing to sell them. In the event that they don’t have any need for the ties, they might be willing to sell them or give them away without cost.

While there is no such thing as a guarantee that they gives you one without cost, there is no such thing as a harm in trying. In the event that they want to sell the ties, they are going to likely give them to you for an inexpensive price.

2. Check online

Another choice is to envision online for railroad ties. While you’ll probably not find free railroad ties using this feature, you might get some at extremely low prices. One technique to go about it now could be to do quick Google searches for “railroad ties near me.”

One other method is to make use of online marketplaces like OfferUp, Facebook, and Craiglist, amongst others. These platforms could have people selling railroad ties, and in case you are lucky, you might discover a seller willing to give you a reduction.

If you happen to’re buying from an area marketplace, ask the vendor where they got the railroad ties. In the event that they found them along the side of the railroad and took them without permission, you don’t wish to be buying stolen goods.

3. Construction and Demolition Sites

You may find a way to search out used railroad ties at construction or demolition sites where a railroad is being removed. You’d have to ask for permission from the positioning manager.

4. Local Landfills or Recycling Centers

Some landfills or recycling centers could have railroad ties which were dropped off. Nevertheless, that is becoming less common resulting from the doubtless hazardous nature of treated wood.

5. Home Improvement Firms

Buying railroad ties from home improvement stores like Lowe’s is an alternative choice, although they wouldn’t be free. Railroad ties at Lowe’s or similar stores are typically latest, untreated wood or recycled ties deemed secure for residential use.

They’re option in case you’re using them for landscaping or other home projects where safety is a priority. The downside is the associated fee, which is usually around $25 per tie.

6. Lumber Yards

Lumber yards and farming supply stores reminiscent of Tractor Supply Co. often carry used railroad ties at competitive prices. The proven fact that these ties are used can add a country charm to landscape projects while also being cheaper.

Prices can vary widely, however the last time I checked, a ballpark figure was around $19 per piece.

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How Much Do Railroad Ties Cost?

If you happen to strike out searching for where to get free railroad ties locally, how much will railroad ties cost? It will rely on your location and the availability and demand for them out there. The variety of ties you would like to buy may influence the vendor to cut back the worth per unit.

On average, expect to spend between $5-$25 per unit.

The best way to Cut Ties for Railroads

When you’ve acquired your railroad ties, how do you utilize them in your DIY projects? Ties are very sturdy materials that are usually not really easy to chop. Cutting takes time, skill, and the precise cutting tool.

A chainsaw is among the finest tools you’ll ever use for some of these projects. Listed here are the steps to chop railroad ties with a chainsaw.

1. Place the railroad ties on two pieces of wood

For elevation, place the piece of railroad tie on two pieces of wood to chop easily with the chainsaw. The wood pieces needs to be at the least 3ft other than one another. Also, make certain the cutting is completed on a flat surface.

2. Wear safety gear

Make sure that you wear safety gear like long pants, safety goggles, long sleeves to cover your arms, and ear protection. Wearing this gear will protect your body from chemicals and mud through the cutting operation.

3. Cut the ties steadily

When cutting the railroad ties, maintain a gentle hand by holding the chainsaw properly. If it’s a thick railroad tie, it is perhaps best to chop halfway down one side, then flip it the opposite way and finish the cut on the opposite side.

Final Thoughts

With regards to where to get free railroad ties, mainly your only option is to ask railway lines and hope they’re feeling generous! Generally, you won’t find railroad ties being offered without cost. Nevertheless, you might find a way to get them at a reduced price.

Make sure that you get your railroad ties from source that has permission to sell them, and exercise caution while cutting them in your projects! With those two steps, you’ll don’t have anything to fret about.