The team and their passion for landscaping enables us to create unique spaces featuring bespoke and exciting . You dont have to put the wire under the deck. Dig a trench 3 to 4 inches deep, going from your hose to the desired destination. This technique has been used for decades by old time. You will see how easy it is once you get one light connected. Theres no perfect way to build landscaping features the perfect outcome depends largely on personal preference and the project itself. We offer wholesale lumber and timbers to dealers throughout southern California. Thats because Redwood and Cedar are structurally rated and can be used in building everything from patio covers to decking and beyond. As an alternative to the edging trench, you can cut one end of each timber to a sharp point with the miter saw, then pound them about 12 inches deep with a sledgehammer. Today, you can find several different types of railroad ties such as concrete, wooden, plastic, steel, and stone block ties. My wood beams (much longer than ties) are weathered but perfectly straight, not in deteriorated at all they also keep my landscaping rocks separated from my neighbors. It is possible to bury a direct burial rated cable. However, the low cost of natural gas and the ever-changing environmental rules on burning and reusing the chemically treated railroad ties have caused an increase in the number of railroad ties being landfilled. for pricing and availability. They are a natural product making them easy to work with and giving you the opportunity to make unique cuts for added effect. As they age, pressure-treated landscape timbers turn a natural wood color and blend in with the landscaping. Even though creosote is not used for treating wood typically used in a residential setting, it is common to find old railroad ties at homes used as landscaping materials. Yes, for sure, burning of pressure treated wood emits some very toxic compounds as we have indicated before. The ash from the burning treated wood that contains creosote will have several toxic properties and can be detrimental to your health. All rights reserved. Does low voltage wiring need to be buried? As mentioned earlier, railroad ties are mostly made of wood treated with creosote. The first step is to get an outdoor project estimate from us, and weve made that process as simple as possible. Timber garden soil erorion. When burying landscape lighting wire systems, you will need to dig a 6-inch deep trench into the soil or mulch. Can you help me or direct me to someone who can? Add or remove soil from the trench to create a smooth top edge to the edging. Combine landscape timber with some sturdy rope and other essentials to create a full outdoor play area for your young ones. On reddit, when you want to reply to a specific comment, use the Reply button under their comment instead of replying to the thread in general. Landscape timber isn't really made for in-ground use. Most landscape timbers are not structurally rated, so they are best suited for more decorative projects. The pressure is used to drive the preservative deeper into the center of the wood. Children's Playground Set. First, you're going to need to dig holes for each post along the marked fence line. Is it easier to work with over the typical landscape timber? Chemicals from railroad ties can also leak into childrens play areas, so if youre building a sandbox or other play area, its best to use natural wood instead. If you have existing landscaping done with pressure treated lumber, it shouldn't pose a problem for landscaping plants and flowers. Treated timber contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, your health or your children's health. If the wood is buried in concrete then you can expect 70 to 80 years of service period out of them. 6. Composting 3. I never thought about using railroad ties to make planter boxes. Ensure that you remove all nails, screws, adhesive linings, and materials from the railroad ties before transporting them to a landfill. Find My Store. Made with up to 98% recycled materials, these timbers are ideal for non-structural applications such as landscaping and garden edging, retaining walls, and agricultural uses. Below are two ways in which you can reuse railroad ties instead of disposing of them: Incineration plants located strategically throughout the country use railroad cross ties as biomass material. Here is a lesser-known fact for you: In U.S, every year, around 21 million railroad ties are driven out of their facility. Fill the rest of the trench to grade with the native soil. To do this, you can use a thin and sharp spade, which will allow you to create an angled trench more quickly and seal it more tightly. It is possible that low voltage landscape lighting is dangerous. Before you read any further, let us tell you that burning railroad ties in a residential area is only for untreated railroad ties made of wood only. Hey there! The easiest fence to put up. There is a soft light background. If you have a large number of railroad ties and dont know what to do with them, consider taking them over to a biomass fuel-producing plant. You can stain treated landscape timbers, and it is recommended you do so to reduce weathering of this type of timber further. I personally would not use them for firewood. I am looking for used railroad ties to use as a backstop for a shooting range at a Not For Profit camp for kids I am invloved with. If you dont know of any plant in your area, asking local waste collection and landfill authorities can help. Mark where you plan to install the front edge of the edging with a pair of stakes and a string. Common applications of Wood Chemical Treatments. Step 4 Joining the Timber Edging Together. Helping you plan your home improvement project, from start to finish nails. Hence, railroad ties can be burned in biomass power plants and turned into fuel. They last about as long as milled lumber, and they provide more flexibility in garden design. 2.625-in x 3.25-in x 8-ft Landscape Timber. Let them soak awhile. Use your string as a depth guide as you measure to make the trench the same depth all the way along it. Landscape timber edging is easy to install and creates an attractive, natural-looking frame for a flower border or perennial flower bed. Burning 2. It is necessary to list exposed or buried wiring for its application. Escondido, CA 92025, 11135 Sorrento Valley Rd. Even though pressure-treated wood is already coated in a protective sealant, the interior is not. While you can simply set the timbers on the ground to install them, they are less likely to move if you bury them slightly below grade. Fungi are microscopic organisms that move within the timber, eating it from the inside. Cut in a couple of handholds near the top for easier lifting. Wear gloves to protect your hands from wood splinters as you install the timbers. The authority recommends that homeowners: In this section, we will discuss how to and how not to dispose of railroad ties. Placing 12-inch spikes in the timbers helps to stabilize them as well.. You can create borders and soil-retaining walls with log rounds. Stand a 30-inch-long landscape timber piece upright at one end of the trench with the 4-inch-wide side running from the front to back of the trench and the shorter 3-inch side running side to side. Burning them may release toxic gases and chemicals through the smoke. The landscape lights are powered by a transformer. Cut equal numbers of each length and make separate piles for each size. However, before disposing of them off with your other solid waste, you should definitely check with your local county and study the municipal laws regarding the disposal of hazardous substances. Spikes for Smaller Landscape Timbers If you hate pressure treated wood then here is a way to treat wood yourself and preserve your own wood. Get the drill and drill some holes through both layers of the landscape timber edging. Shovel about 1 ft. of dirt against the form, then shovel 1 ft. of gravel into the form. While they can be used as landscape timber as well, they are overkill for the cost-conscious. How far can you run low voltage lighting? Pentachlorophenol is widely used for treating and bridge timbers, utility poles, freshwater pilings, and glue-laminated beams. Woods such as hemlock, hem-fir and Douglas fir are commonly used for pressure-treated landscape timber. It is recommended to bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the ground. Burying a garden hose is pretty easy. Reasons follow. While this method saves you time digging and packing crushed rock, skipping the crushed rock means you don't improve drainage away from the timbers. They are easy to cut with a circular saw or chainsaw to edge any size flowerbed or walkway. Then, the cleaned-up wood can be burned in a boiler for fuel. If you need something sturdy and long-lasting like a retaining wall or garden steps railroad ties may be right for you. Only put small amounts of treated timber offcuts in your regular rubbish bin. They are a great non-toxic alternative to railroad ties, so you dont have to worry about chemicals seeping into your vegetable garden or your kids playground. Adding landscaping lights to a house makes it look pretty at night. It is not only the fumes from treated lumber that are toxic, but even the ash of these woods are also harmful to life. Under your driveway, conduits need to be buried below 18 inches and under a public road or alleyway, they need to be buried below 24 inches. Spread a 2-inch layer of crushed rock in the trench and pack it tight with the flat end of a digging bar. Treated Landscape Timber Can Rot. If your soil has lots of clay lighten it up with mason sand and compost, 1/2way fill the hole, tamp and flood, let perk and when clear fill the hole. Its a good idea to bury the wires 6 to 12 inches below the surface to keep them out of harms way. Bio-oil can then be converted to diesel fuel, gasoline, and several other chemicals. Mark line around the post with speed square and pencil, and cut the lines with circular saw. Find out whether or not it accepts railroad ties. Lets take a look at each. Using a backhoe or tractor to manipulate the timbers will make building one easy as well. Thanks for writing this article. Timber, Decorative flower boxes (not vegetable gardens). It would be best if you never burned creosote-treated railroad ties. Lowest price in 30 days. You can burn untreated railroad ties as a fuel source as you would do with any other type of wood. In an ideal condition, buried in the dirt a pressure-treated wood will last almost 30 to 50 years. Similarly, if you are thinking of cutting treated railroad ties with a power saw, be wary that the released sawdust can go into your lungs and respiratory system. This can cause illnesses as well as other health hazards. Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation. While your porch swing may be designed for relaxation, there's nothing to stop you using the same basic design to create a play swing for your young ones. Ideally, treated wood needs a moisture content of somewhere between 12% to 17%, before it can take a penetrating stain. Check the trench to make sure the rock base is level and add or remove rock as needed to adjust for level. Butt the ends of each timber together. Landscapers in Bury. They can also be used to landscape timbers and retain walls. No, if you can bury properly and know a good place for your pet's grave. Please feel free to contact us for free lighting design & advice. Railroad ties are treated with creosote oil a strong preservative made from coal and wood tar that can make them poisonous to vegetables and a poor choice for projects where bare feet or hands might come into contact with them. Technically, any type of wood can be used for landscape projects, so choose your wood wisely. Make sure you remove all nails, screws, metal pieces, and other non-wood elements from the railroad ties before burning them, whether they are treated or untreated. The timbers don't necessarily have to be level, but their ends should be even to create a solid row of edging.. If your local landfill accepts railroad ties, please dispose of them separately. It may be a bit over built but the livestock can't push it around, there is a tough, rigid, top and bottom wire that you can attach netting to for the top and bury at the bottom to keep dogs out, and supports the flimsy chicken wire. Is there a positive and negative on low voltage wire? DON'T pile mulch against the tree trunk. A large solitary rock placed at the entrance to the decked outdoor dining space adds to the sense of privacy, creating a more intimate, welcoming setting. You can dip the ends of the landscape timbers in Copper Green to the depth they will be buried. They can be quite rough in terms of shape and texture. Direct burial is a way to prevent weather related problems over time. 120v wiring is treated the same as low voltages. Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber, typically southern yellow pine that has been chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and termites. Landscape wiring can be buried depending upon the rating it has. Stack the landscape timbers in their intended configuration and in the location where you plan to install them. Whether or not a landfill will accept railroad ties will depend on the decision made by your local solid waste management department or your states solid waste management authority. Measure the last post needed. You can also use it to line areas of grass. If you prefer not to use landscaping timbers, there are other alternatives for you to consider. Treehouse. While you can simply set the timbers on the ground to install them, they are less likely to move if you bury them slightly below grade. Your new composite decking will last for a lot longer. The remaining railroad ties that still have potential are converted to landscaping timbers and used in several landscaping projects. She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. The reason being is that even treated landscape timber can rot due to a fungal attack. How to cut plastic timbers, enough to install plastic materials cant be strips according to prevent cracking the right depth and canada generally timber posts are. The more stone or brick block that you can bury in the ground, the more likely it is to stay where you put it. Pinning the Timbers in Place If you plan to build a framework out of timbers, they must be anchored in place before you pour the gravel into your form. Pound each metal anchor into the ground with a small sledgehammer. Landscape timber come in a variety of thicknesses. It shouldnt hang down and get caught on things if it is fastened. The deeper your trench is, the stronger hose you will need to hold the weight of the soil. 1. If you are placing landscape fabric on the flowerbed behind the timbers, place some under the timbers as well to inhibit weed growth under them and along their back side. Woods like Douglas Fir, however, will rot quickly once they are exposed to soil and water. I like that you said that railroad ties are very difficult to work with. Youre best off using railroad ties as is as standard 6-foot and 8-foot timbers. Fine Gardening: Economical Edging for Beds, The Home Depot: Installing Landscape Timber Edging, University of Minnesota Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series: Constructing a Raised Bed Using Timbers, These peel and stick floor tiles will give your kitchen an affordable new look, How to Connect Landscape Timbers to T-Posts. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has claimed that creosote is most likely carcinogenic to human beings. There isnt any need for a conduit. Railroad ties are sturdy, nearly impervious to rot and insects, and rarely need to be replaced. Landscape Showdown: Railroad Ties Vs. 3. Both bricks and pavers are fairly inexpensive and unlike wood are not subject to the effects of time. They do, however, come with some drawbacks that preclude them from being the right choice for every project. 10. Once in groundwater, it may take years for creosote to break down. I have a question regarding railroad ties vs. wooden beams. Ready to start? 4. Step 2 Prepare the Timbers. Some places do not allow solid waste disposal of materials that contain toxic chemicals such as creosote. This type of edging works well for a tropical landscaping style or if you want to add visual interest to any space. Tip 1 - Make Sure Your Posts Are Secure. Some animals like dogs and cats have special areas they like to be buried in. If youre building something that requires uncommon angles and shapes landscape timbers are a great choice. If youre building something complex, railroad ties might not be for you. Placing 12-inch spikes in the timbers helps to stabilize them as well. If creosote gets into groundwater, it can take years to break down, but ordinary landscaping timbers should be okay. 6. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle and on other websites. Stone and brick provide an attractive, natural appearance that is very versatile for lots of terrain and garden bed shapes. There is a loss of power in the transmission wire so I wouldnt go over 90 percent of capacity. In the case of planter boxes, I would say that on average they would be more difficult to use for that specific purpose only because the overall condition of the ties themselves can vary as they are a reclaimed and re-purposed Lumber. Save time and hassle by having our lumber professionals build your order and deliver it to your home or job-site. If you are looking for a permanent structure that will last forever, treated wood is your best bet. Set the landscape timbers in the trench. Transcribe measurement onto a post. Creosote is a chemical that can be harmful to human health and the environment. Similarly, how long will landscape timbers last? Although you may not know exactly what type of wood you are getting in every tie, you can be sure it will hold up under pressure. That way they get a ping in their Inbox and they know you Replied. Theyre also great outdoor building materials because of their natural resilience and size. Does low voltage landscape wire need to be in conduit? Alternatives Using Landscape Timbers. Its not possible to install a light fixture without a junction box, but that doesnt mean you cant do it. Measure the width of the landscape timbers; standard rounded landscape timbers are generally 4 inches wide, but you should measure to make sure. Cut timbers on all their faces with a circular saw. On average, a landscape timber will only last two to three years when buried in the ground. San Marcos, CA 92069, 1179 W. Washington Ave Landscaping timbers can be thick, but it's hard to find them in large sizes meant for heavy fences. 33. Drill holes on all four corners and more holes every 4 feet. Timber seating will add a timeless look to any plot. Railroad ties are made from all different types of wood, including oak and various other hardwoods, to handle the pressure of 100-ton rail cars riding over them daily. Stone and Brick Landscape Edging. Often, disposing of materials is not the right solution at all. What Kind of Rock Should Be Used on a Sloped Driveway? HowToDispose.Info is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, How to Dispose of Railroad Ties (Dos and Donts), 1) You Can Burn Railroad Ties as a Biomass Fuel Source, 2) You Can Use Railroad Ties in Home or Business Landscaping Projects, strict guidelines put in place by the Federal Air Pollution Control, wood-preservative company called Nisus Corp. Do not burn creosote-treated wood in open fires, fireplaces, stoves, or residential boilers since the smoke and ashes might release toxic chemicals.
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