Concrete Pavers Guide

There are many uses for landscape timbers in homes and gardens. Landscape timbers, also known as railroad ties, are long pieces of wood, plastic, or composite that serve primarily a functional purpose. They are different from ties in that they are a bit heavy duty, and there are usually nasty chemicals used with railroad ties, though as a result timbers may not be as durable. (For the rest of this article, we use ties and timbers interchangeably, though we are talking about ties.)

Landscaping timbers are most often used to build retaining walls and provide support for other raised or enclosed structures or gardens. These products come in a variety of sizes, but usually 4″ by 6″ to 6″ by 8″ are the most popular. They can be cut to the length necessary for the project, and they can be stacked one on top of another according to how high the structure must go.

Types of Landscape Timbers

These products can be made of many different materials, each of which has different advantages and disadvantages. The standard wood railroad ties are very popular, as they give a particular look for a project and are cheap, though they may rot over time if not properly maintained.

Another kind of timber is the plastic landscape timbers. These are made artificially out of plastic.

The final kind of timber is a cross between the previous two. Composite landscape timbers are made of both wood and plastic combined together. These do better in wet environments, as they will resist rotting and warping over time. They are also light and therefore easy to work with.

Uses for Landscape Timbers

One of the most basic uses for railroad ties are as edging for gardens and other areas. This edging usually consists of one or two timbers laid on top of one another – if the structure consists of three or more ties, it becomes more of a retaining wall. This edging or bedding can raise your garden above the ground, adding to the beauty and elegance of your landscaping by putting your fine gardening work on display.

Other potential projects for landscaping timbers include planters, garden bench, and more! Use your imagination and design sense to determine other options that will fit best within your landscape.

Another popular project is a landscape timbers retaining wall. Building a retaining wall with landscape timbers is not easy, as there are certain regulations and requirements to account for in order to make sure the wall is built safely and securely.

Installing Landscape Timbers

The first step for making any structures out of ties is digging a trench about 3 to 4 inches deep. The trench must be level and able to fit the tie securely. You may want to add gravel or aggregate base to have the structure more secure, especially if it’s going to be high. Then, the first layer of ties can be laid. Use a level to make sure that there are no dips or inconsistencies. Cut the ties if you need to with a circular saw or chain saw. Lay the second layer on top of the first, making sure that the joints don’t overlap. After confirming that everything is level, drive in 12 inch spikes every four feet down the line.

If this structure will be a raised garden or regular garden, add in the soil and materials in the middle of the structure as needed.

If you want to build a retaining wall out of these timbers, the process will be much more complex as you’ll have to add backfill and proper drainage to the construction equation. Before attempting to install a wall yourself, it’s best to get an estimate or consultation with a professional contractor. You may find that to do the job right may go beyond your abilities. At the very least, you’ll find out what regulations and requirements exist for building your wall, as they will vary from place to place. Some places will even limit the height of a wall built by a non-professional, so keep this in mind before beginning.

The price of the timbers you buy will depend on the materials you select. If you buy reused or recycled landscape timbers, you may be able to save money, though there may be some question as to the quality of the timbers you’ve selected.