New Railroad ties used for structural support.

[Handloader109]

I had been given about a dozen old power poles when the local coop replaced lots when the added fiber cable about 5 years ago. Poles were 20 to 30 years old and you could still smell it when you got within a few feet of them. Get real beams made with zero preservatives for indoor use.

 

[RjCorazza]

I would imagine the smoke would be horrendous in the event of a fire also.

 

[gstrom99]

Crickets from the OP... Besides NO, to the RR tie issue, I'll add that most all exterior walls are 2x6's.

 

[BlueKnife]

Crickets from the OP... Besides NO, to the RR tie issue, I'll add that most all exterior walls are 2x6's.

Yeah, he hasn't been back to this site since making that first post. I don't know what the percentages are, but in some parts of the country, 2x4 exterior walls are quite common. It's fine structurally. Only reason to go 2x6 is insulation value.

 

[MH8675309]

Yeah, he hasn't been back to this site since making that first post. I don't know what the percentages are, but in some parts of the country, 2x4 exterior walls are quite common. It's fine structurally. Only reason to go 2x6 is insulation value.

If he is doing stud walls instead of post construction and those walls will be supporting free span trusses 2 foot on center - 2x6 walls on 12' center is not out of line especially since he mentioned 10' walls. Thats a bit of weight

 

[BlueKnife]

If he is doing stud walls instead of post construction and those walls will be supporting free span trusses 2 foot on center - 2x6 walls on 12' center is not out of line especially since he mentioned 10' walls. Thats a bit of weight

It's very unusual to see a building with studs 12" OC, with any stud size. 10' 2x4 walls with studs spaced 16" OC are sufficient to support 33' trusses. Been there, done that (I do this for a living). Personally, I would do a post frame for such a building but that's not for structural reasons as much as it is for insulation and air sealing.

 

[Gator6x4]

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.

Most railroad ties are 7"x9'. If me I would use 10 foot 6"x8". I don't think you would be able to paint over or stain the treated railroad ties. I also don't know what you plan on lifting in the living room with a lift but most lifts require a 6-8 " cement base for the lift. If you are preparing for the future when someone might need a lift to get them out of bed you will need to put beams in the ceiling to attach the lifting mechanism to.

 

[MH8675309]

It's very unusual to see a building with studs 12" OC, with any stud size. 10' 2x4 walls with studs spaced 16" OC are sufficient to support 33' trusses. Been there, done that (I do this for a living). Personally, I would do a post frame for such a building but that's not for structural reasons as much as it is for insulation and air sealing.

I've done 12" on center and had the inspector require it on a 12 foot tall wall. You might get away with less. I went the extra mile on mine and know its solid

 

[BlueKnife]

I've done 12" on center and had the inspector require it on a 12 foot tall wall. You might get away with less. I went the extra mile on mine and know its solid

Depends where you are and the inspector you're dealing with I suppose. 2x4, 16" OC exterior walls meet code here, and that's with snow loads in excess of 70 lbs/sf. I've framed buildings in Ohio, Virginia, Missouri and Idaho and I can't recall ever seeing studs placed 12" OC.

 

[Renze]

For any sort of resale, putting in RR ties interior, especially structural, would be a deal killer for me.

We replaced my mates 1971 plank floor last week, for double OSB with insulation.

As soon as you take the planks off, you could smell the tar they painted the beams with, 50 years ago.