Sealing old railway sleepers primarily involves cleaning the wood and applying a heavy-duty exterior penetrating oil or sealant. Because these timbers are often dense hardwoods saturated with tar or creosote, they are highly resistant to rot but can leak in hot weather.
You might wish to use old railway sleepers in your garden. Worried about the toxicity of the creosote, to animals and plants, and the famous smell it gives. Sealing creosote treated timber effectively allows you to use those old timbers without worry or smell.
A stiff brush gets into the wood's grooves, clearing out dust and small particles. Pressure washer - Ideal for blasting away years of grime, algae, and fungus. A jet wash can rejuvenate old timber sleepers quickly. Sandpaper or an electric sander - Perfect for smoothing rough spots and edges.
The ends of railway sleepers are particularly prone to rot, as they soak up water easily. Applying a good quality wood preservative or sealant to the ends can slow down the absorption of moisture and help prevent rot from setting in.
Wood Preserver
Wood preservative treatments provide garden sleepers with protective properties that help prevent rot, mould and fungal growth, as well as help to form a defence against the elements. It is best to apply a wood preservative before installation of your sleeper, so that you can paint all sides.
The cheapest way to waterproof wood is by using repurposed natural oils (like mineral oil) or repurposed used motor oil. For a natural, food-safe option, a mix of beeswax and mineral oil is highly affordable. These methods cost just pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought sealers.
For tips on how to stop railway sleepers from leaking tar, consider sealing the surface with a high-quality sealant specifically designed for this purpose.
To preserve the sleepers further, we would recommend treating them with an exterior wood oil or decking oil, ideally twice a year in Spring and Autumn. This will help to repel water and prevent water ingress, the main cause of wood rot.
For the first 100 years railway sleepers were normally made from Wood. Most countries tended to use whatever timber they had lots of. So the UK used Pine, France used Oak, Germany often used Beech, Australia used Jarrah, Africa used Azobe & other tropical hardwoods, and Russia used Pine.
Apply Preservatives: Use modern wood treatments, creosote substitutes, or bitumen-based paints to coat your sleepers. These create a barrier that repels water and deters insects and fungi.
Our range of wood varnishes are perfect for finishing wooden railway sleepers. They provide a strong, durable, protective finish that will keep your wooden garden sleepers looking their best, all year round.
As a rule, hardwood oak sleepers tend to last the longest naturally with an expected lifespan of around 100 years. An untreated softwood will last for between three and five years if it sits on the ground, whilst treated softwoods can last between 20 and 30 years if they are maintained correctly.
Quick Tips for Refinishing Wood Furniture Without Stripping or Sanding
Letting fresh air circulate through your home can help to dissipate the odor. If you have a fan or air purifier, turn it on to help move the air around. If the smell is coming from your clothes, try hanging them outside to air out. The sunshine and fresh air can work wonders.
A stiff brush gets into the wood's grooves, clearing out dust and small particles. Pressure washer - Ideal for blasting away years of grime, algae, and fungus. A jet wash can rejuvenate old timber sleepers quickly. Sandpaper or an electric sander - Perfect for smoothing rough spots and edges.
A range of high quality paints for wooden railway sleepers. These railway sleeper paints provide a strong, durable finish with protection against the elements and come in a selection of bold colours and sheens. Whether new or old railway sleepers, we have a wood paint to suit your needs.
Reclaimed railway sleepers offer a durable and cost-effective material for creative garden projects. They have a long lifespan, making them ideal for garden steps, retaining walls, and rustic planters.
Steel sleepers maintain excellent scrap value at end-of-life due to complete recyclability. Unlike timber requiring disposal or concrete becoming low-grade fill, steel returns to production as raw material.
Wooden railway sleepers can usually be found in one of three conditions: untreated, pressure treated (“tanalised”) or coated with Creosote.
If your sleepers have already started to rot, it can be challenging to stop the process. However, you can slow it down by following these steps: Remove Rotted Wood: Remove as much of the rotted wood as possible. Apply Wood Hardener: Use a product like Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener on the affected areas.
Yes, you can waterproof wood. The best approach depends on whether the item is for indoor or outdoor use. The most effective methods include applying penetrating sealers (like oils or siloxanes), film-forming finishes (like polyurethane or spar urethane), or heavy-duty coatings (like epoxy resin).
Apply Wood Preservative
Even if you're using treated sleepers, applying an additional coat of wood preservative can add an extra layer of protection. This will help seal the wood and prevent moisture absorption. You should reapply the preservative every few years.
Yes, WD-40 is excellent at removing tar. Its oil-based formula penetrates and dissolves sticky asphalt.
Using A Dedicated Bug And Tar Remover
Your primary solution should always be a purpose-built bug and tar remover. These formulas are engineered to safely dissolve petroleum-based deposits from automotive finishes. Spray directly onto affected areas, allow proper dwell time, and wipe away using a clean microfiber towel.
Answer: Creosote is a most effective wood preservative, which is why timber railway sleepers were impregnated with it. Second-hand railway sleepers are useful for garden work, such as raised beds and terracing, but they do tend to seep creosote, and are therefore not suitable as benches or steps.