Timber and Ties: Everything You Need to Know from Types to Application and Maintenance

Written By Carli Holas

If you’re planning to add to or revamp your yard’s landscape, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use railroad ties or landscape timber.

But what are landscaping timber and ties for? Can they be used in all types of yards? Do they need special care? If you’ve got these questions on your mind, you’ve come to the right place.

Both timber and ties come with certain pros and cons and need proper maintenance is necessary to ensure they last as long as you need, but they are both irreplaceable.

Types of Timber and Ties

Timber Types

Landscape timbers are commonly used to line driveways, build patios, and for raised garden beds. Broadly speaking, they’re available in two types and may vary in size, length, functionality, and price.

  • Natural landscape timbers: These are either treated or untreated landscape timbers. The treated variant can dodge rot, mold, and damage from the elements and underground contact. Untreated timbers do have some natural resistance but don’t do well with ground contact or when exposed to bad weather.
  • Synthetic landscape timbers: These are made from recycled materials, including plastic. They’re easy to work with as they’re lightweight and are available in various colors and shapes.

Tie Types

Railroad ties were initially used on railway tracks. However, they’ve evolved over the years to find utility in yards and gardens as well. Their different varieties include:

  • Stone block: This is among the earliest types of railroad ties and consists of a pair of stone blocks laid into the ground, with the rails attached to these blocks.
  • Wooden ties: These ties are made from a variety of softwood and hardwood timbers. Some popular hardwoods include oak, jarrah, and karri. However, it’s difficult to obtain them, especially from sustainable sources.
  • Concrete ties: These are comparatively easier to obtain and cheaper in cost. They also require less maintenance and last longer.
  • Steel ties: Modern steel ties can handle heavy loads and endure adverse conditions.
  • Plastic ties: These are a good alternative to wooden ties as they won’t rot. These ties may also be made from fiberglass.  

Timber Pros and Cons

Bringing your landscaping ideas to life with timber or ties is possible only when you have a good understanding of their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some upsides of using timber.

Pros of Timber

Landscape timber is known for its versatility. It’s easy to work with and looks pleasing. There are also various looks to choose from–from Pecky Cedar to California Redwood. This makes it easy to find materials to your exact liking.

Landscape timber is natural and non-toxic, and hence, eco-friendly. It’s available in different sizes and can be cut to your precise specifications.

If you’re planning to build something decorative with distinct shapes and angles, timber is a good choice. It is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it perfect for use in yard projects.

Also, it’s free of chemicals. When you use timber, you don’t need to worry about chemicals making their way into your vegetable garden or the children’s play area.

Cons of Timber

Not all timbers are the same. Some may be suitable for outdoor projects, while others may not. So, you’ll need to make an informed choice. They can be costly. If you’re under a strict budget, affordability may become an issue.

While many timbers are naturally rot-resistant, they may not be as effective as pressure-treated railroad ties. If you’re looking for lasting results, you may want to give treated wood a serious thought. Your landscape materials supplier can shed more light on this.

Ties Pros and Cons

Using timber and ties for landscape involves knowing about the pros and cons of using them. Here’s more on ties.

Pros of Landscaping Ties

They have that much sought-after ruggedness if you want to add a rustic element to your landscape. They also have a good amount of natural resilience to stand up against tough weather.

Railroad ties are available in various sizes, sturdy, and resistant to rot and insects. In fact, they rarely need to be replaced.

These ties can be made from different kinds of wood, such as oak and other types of hardwood, so they can endure high amounts of pressure.

Thanks to their sturdiness, ties last long a long time and are great when utilized for a retaining wall or on the garden steps.

Cons of Landscaping Ties

Despite their many pros, railroad ties also have certain drawbacks.

Landscaping ties have a reputation for being difficult to work with. So, if you’re planning to build something complex in your yard, you might not want to use them.

They may be treated with creosote oil – a preservative made from coal and wood tar. This may make them toxic for use anywhere near an edible garden.

Chemicals from landscaping ties can also seep into children’s play areas or sandboxes, which is why they may not be a good choice. Natural wood can be a better option in such areas.

Timber and Ties Ideas

Mentioned ahead are some interesting ways of using landscaping timber and ties. 

Timber in Landscaping

  • Use it in your garden beds to improve their look. Edging with timber will also help prevent soil erosion and keep weeds away.
  • Build a rustic outdoor stairway that leads to your backyard or add sleek steps to let your guests enter your home in style.
  • Use landscape timber as modern fence posts and railings for your backyard.
  • Create an outdoor deck made of timber to extend your living space. Or use it to build an island deck right in the middle of your garden for an oasis-type feel.
  • Construct a tree house using landscaping timber to enable your kids to be outdoors in a safe manner.

 Railroad Ties in Landscaping

  • Railroad ties can be used in a variety of ways in your yard. They can be for building stairs into a hill and framing a tree, bordering a driveway, creating terracing, and more.
  • Use railroad ties with brick, sand, concrete, rocks, or gravel to create contemporary landscaping designs.
  • Cut them in a length of your choice and use them as in-ground steps, garden bed borders, or mailbox posts.
  • Bid adieu to traditional brick steps outside your home and use ties. Place them lengthwise over bricks and they’ll serve as the best treads.
  • Add an old-world charm to your front patio by creating your very own mini-piazza with ties placed under squares filled with sand.
  • Create a terraced yard with multiple two-tie retaining walls.

Timber and Ties Maintenance

Timber Maintenance Tips

Yard items made from hardwood timber, especially deck flooring, need to be protected and maintained so they can look good and last long. How can you do this? We’ll tell you.

  • Add a wood finish to protect the wood quality and give it a shiny look. Make sure you use a finish that suits the timber type.
  • Avoid using water when cleaning timber surfaces. Remove dirt and loose particles with the help of a vacuum cleaner instead.
  •  If you must use water, use only a small amount of lukewarm water to clean the surface. In case of spills, clean immediately. Clear out any water that may have collected on the timber.
  • In the case of a hardwood timber deck, consider adding rugs to high-traffic areas as shoes can damage the surface over time.

Maintenance of Railroad Ties

If not maintained well, railroad ties can splinter over time. Some steps for proper maintenance include the following:

  • Periodically examine each railroad tie and check for damage. If you do find a small amount of damage, you can get it repaired. However, if the damage is large, the tie will probably have to be replaced.
  • If there are rotting segments or splints in the railroad tie, sand them away or grind them off. If the extent of damage is significant, you may have to remove the tie and get a new one.
  • Holes, if any, can be filled with a spike-hole filler compound.
  • Apply a clear, protective compound over the railroad ties to protect them from corrosion and rotting. Talk to your landscape material supplier and get eco-friendly coating paints that are designed for outdoor use.

Visit Pioneer for All Your Timer and Tie Needs

If you’re looking to revamp your outdoor living space, and need timber and ties for landscape, feel free to reach out to Pioneer. Our team is familiar with all types of timber and ties, and can offer some amazing ideas that work for your specific yard. We’ll also help you with timber and ties maintenance.  

Since 1968, we've been the go-to for landscape and hardscape supplies in  Arizona and Colorado. With 34 retail locations, 20 quarry and production facilities, and our own fleet of over 200 trucks, Pioneer will get you the products you want, delivered where and when you need, with the most seamless customer experience. That's the Pioneer Difference. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

Carli Holas