Rock knocker
Veteran Member
It's really basic.
RR ties are not graded, nor are they chose as structural timbers.
RR ties are not graded, nor are they chose as structural timbers.
Attaching a beam to post question?
- Thread starter gdicks
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hosspuller
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2008
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- Piedmont Triad, NC
- Tractor
- Didn't intend to have a Deere fleet - it just happened 310C, F915,102, 5200 & 5065E
Also ... Used RR ties are on the market for a reason. They are unsuitable for RR use. Meaning they are structurally unsound. You still want to base your structure on them?
forgeblast
Elite Member
Every rr tie I have is rotted in the middle, the previous owner used them for landscaping. I ripped them up once the wife drove over them 3 times and we had AAA out there to pull her off of them.
roadhunter
Elite Member
People use them around here for fence posts all the time. They are strong and do not rot. They work great for corner posts from what I have seen.
I'm also curious as to why some folks say they are not suitable. They may not be the best choice but I think they could work just fine if done correctly. Is it strength they think is the problem? Durability?
People use creosote ties for retaining walls all the time where I have lived and never caused any resale issues that I am aware of. They still sell creosote posts at most farm and ranch supply houses so obviously putting them in the ground is not causing the people who use them any problems.
Rock knocker
Veteran Member
Big difference between a fence or retaining wall, and a structure.
Several reasons have been given, with no reason to repeat them.
Several reasons have been given, with no reason to repeat them.
ace10
Silver Member
This project isn't a landscaping project. It's a structure that will contain valuable property and, presumably, human beings. Do it once. Do it right.
Check with the building department and see what they have to say about the proposed post material.
Check with the building department and see what they have to say about the proposed post material.
Rock knocker
Veteran Member
I really don't know why people come to a DIY forum (or the similar), and then debate when they don't receive the answer they want
MH8675309
Platinum Member
Railroad ties are excellent for corner posts as they are strong - but there is a difference between the strength it takes to hold barbed wire and the strength it takes to support weight - the kind of weight used in structures. The majority of railroad ties available have been used and are old. Cut a few in half and look at the inside. There is no standard of soundness like as with graded lumber. And, it only takes one rotted post that looked ok on the outside to really make a mess outta things. Many of the Amish where I live will use old utility poles for sheds and lean to type buildings. I would consider them way before I'd ever use R&R ties. Just my 2 cents worth.
Rock knocker
Veteran Member
The problem with these is that you would have to lag into the posts parallel to the long direction of the grains. Structural connections should have their fasteners applied perpendicular to the long direction of the grains ( i.e.: tangential to radial )
In this case having been provided good reasons why my initial plan was ill advised, I will revise my plan and use a more suitable material so thanks to all who have posted for that.
In the mean time, I dont think debate is such a bad thing. I came to this DIY site to have answers, but I didnt come here to blindly accept the advice without understanding the logic of it simply because someone said so.
