New Railroad ties used for structural support.

[Big Ship 259]

Something like this was brought up before. I'm aware of the toxic chemicals used to preserve the wood. Im 52 divorced and my children are grown. The small amount of money I made when we sold are family home I bought a few acres and I'm going to build a small bardominiom for myself. 33' x 55'. About a 1/3 will be a garage the rest living space. Going the traditional 16 on center 2x4 wall but I want to go with 10 footer and have an open ceiling for a lift that will be about 3/4 of the living space. Do you think I could incorporate The railroad ties into the interior of
the structure to add strength and mainly for looks. I a fairly decent artist and I'm confident I can either paint, stain, even do some airbrushing to make them look like old barn beams.
any thoughts.

 

[4570Man]

The ties are usually structurally inadequate when they’re removed. And creosote is no joke. I wouldn’t use them in a house. Get some fresh beams from a sawmill if you want the appearance.

 

[grsthegreat]

The smell alone would keep you out of the house. Even fencing with them is obnoxious. Creosote itself, if it gets onto your skin causes sunburn…..not sure how exactly. All i know, is wherever it touched my skin…i was sunburnt later that day.

 

[grsthegreat]

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/KerrMcGee/docs/Creosote%20Health%20Effects%20(Tronox).pdf

 

[ning]

I've always like the smell of creosote... but it would get overwhelming in an enclosed space and definitely be toxic. For that reason alone I'd have to say no, but the fact that they're insufficient even as RR sleepers any more...

 

[BlueKnife]

any thoughts.

The smell alone would drive people out, even if, for some reason, they were ok with the toxicity and associated health damage. Where are you located? In some areas of the country, it's very easy to find small sawmills that will cut beams and columns for such projects, and they won't be treated with toxic chemicals.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I'm in the "no way" camp also. You should be able to easily get trusses that will span the 33' width. I don't know why you would need the strength of such a large beam.

You should be able to find a saw mill to make you some beams, or a lumber yard should have something to fit the bill. Also, lots of times larger "beams" inside a house are faux and are just hollow boxes made to look like beams.

 

[oosik]

I have used real RR ties but only on my fence line and for gates. They are a real bear to handle being so very heavy. Mine have been in use for 44 years now and show no signs of aging. Meaning - in the heat of the summer - they still ooze sticky creosote.

NO - I would definitely not use them in the construction of any living space.

 

[MH8675309]

I live in a barndominium and the previous poster is right about getting free span trusses. They cost a bit more (heavier build) and will probably have to be run on 2 foot centers. You mentioned 2 x 4 walls - those trusses will be a load to carry - 6x6 posts every 8 feet with double 2 x 12 Douglas fir carriers is a solid and proven design. Or do a 2x6 wall on 12" centers - you'd mentioned 10' walls. Your local inspector may have some thoughts on this. Try and get on good terms with the guy
Good luck with it

 

[BlueKnife]

Something like this was brought up before. I'm aware of the toxic chemicals used to preserve the wood. Im 52 divorced and my children are grown. The small amount of money I made when we sold are family home I bought a few acres and I'm going to build a small bardominiom for myself. 33' x 55'. About a 1/3 will be a garage the rest living space. Going the traditional 16 on center 2x4 wall but I want to go with 10 footer and have an open ceiling for a lift that will be about 3/4 of the living space. Do you think I could incorporate The railroad ties into the interior of
the structure to add strength and mainly for looks. I a fairly decent artist and I'm confident I can either paint, stain, even do some airbrushing to make them look like old barn beams.
any thoughts.

I'm not 100% sure what you're describing as far as the type of structure here. Could you elaborate on "an open ceiling for a lift"? Did you mean "loft"? Something to keep in mind though, besides the toxicity hazards, RR ties are less than 9 ft. long.