The type of wood treatment required to preserve and protect railway sleepers depends on the type of sleeper and the desired effect.
Treating hardwood sleepers.
Whilst softwoods remain the most popular option for sleepers oak sleepers are also an option if you are looking for something more durable.
Railway sleepers have become a popular addition in gardens.
This is possible if you make sure the landscape timber is.
Left untreated they are likely to just turn silver or grey over time as the tanning in the surface fibres of the timber are bleached out by the sun and removed by water.
Chris auld march 27 2011 at 6 47pm.
The 3 most common treatments for railway sleepers 1 creosote treatment used for over 150 years to lengthen life of timber but now facing some restrictions.
The sleepers in the photo appear new.
2 green pressure treatment the latest environmentally friendly pressure treatment.
Creasote has been banned except for professional use.
It costs 15 for a 5 litre container and can be sprayed on very easily using a small pump sprayer.
Real railway sleepers were dipped in creosote or tar but this is now been replaced with better products.
3 untreated some tropical hardwood railway sleepers are naturally long lasting hence need no treatment.
Used railway sleepers are normally either.
Did you not stain them with something.
2 green pressure treatment the latest environmentally friendly pressure treatment.
What you need is wood presrver no stain.
3 untreated some tropical.
These wood treatments will help to prevent rot mould fungi whilst enhancing water resistance and appearance to keep them looking good for longer.
Your hardwood sleeper retaining wall will get wet outside and you can still prevent rot by providing a way for the wet wood to dry out.
1 creosote treatment used for over 150 years to lengthen life of timber.
They are all nasty chemicals so be careful not to absorb them.