Savvy DIYers will know just how useful railroad ties can be in gardening and landscaping projects.
Most people know railroad ties, or crossties as they’re also called, as the rectangular, horizontal blocks that support a railway track. Despite this being their original use, railroad ties are now popular for use in gardening and landscaping projects.
From retaining walls to steps to raised-bed gardens, railroad ties have multiple uses around the exterior of the home.
Buying railroad ties will set you back anywhere from $25 to more than $100. Used ones are cheaper. You can pick these up for $25 to $30.
Since home improvement projects can get expensive though, you’ll want to get as many of your materials for free.
This leaves many DIYers wanting to know where to get free railroad ties.
There are a few options you can use to get railroad ties for free and save yourself some money on your outdoor projects.
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Where to Get Free Railroad Ties Near Me
However, if you are looking to upgrade your garden or outdoor area, railroad ties can be used in multiple ways. They have this rustic look that can really elevate the look of your property.
They’re sturdy and robust too, meaning they hold up well in a variety of weather conditions. This makes them perfect to use in outdoor areas.
Here are five ways to get free railroad ties.
1. Contact local railway companies
Contact local railway companies to ask if they have any railroad ties that they no longer want.
The company may have recently laid new ties, and they may have old ones that they’re willing to give away for free or at least at a low price. All you have to do is ask.
A quick note – never just take old railroad ties, even if they look like they’ve just been abandoned.
These ties are typically legally owned by either the railway company or the government until they hire someone to remove them. Taking these ties without permission could get you into legal trouble.
That’s why you should always ask the railway company if they have any ties that you can have.
There’s no guarantee that you can have the ties for free. It doesn’t hurt to ask though.
For a list of all the local, regional and national railway companies check out this Wikipedia page where you can also find each company’s contact info.
2. Browse Craigslist
One of my go-to’s for getting free stuff is Craigslist. For landscaping supplies in particular the site is awesome.
Head on over to the “Free” section of your local Craigslist. This can be found under the “For Sale,” section.
In the “Free” section, you can find people giving away a bunch of different things. Filter the results by searching for “railroad ties.” This will show you if there’s anyone giving away free railroad ties near you.
There may not be. It’s worth a look though. You can get all sorts of gardening supplies from wooden pallets to compost for free on Craigslist. Check it out for free railroad ties.
3. Place an ad in the classifieds
Putting an ad out there in the classifieds section of your local newspaper or online on sites like Craigslist is an effective avenue for sourcing free railroad ties and anything else you may need for outdoor projects.
This can net you some free ties. Posting an ad online is a cost-effective option as many sites will let you post an ad for free. Local papers are a good resource too though.
This method isn’t guaranteed to get you free ties. It’s worth doing though.
4. Search on OfferUp
OfferUp has a lot of free stuff. Just like Craigslist. Search for “railroad ties” on OfferUp. Filter the results by “Price: Low to High.”
This will show you if there’s anyone giving away ties for free. Even if you can’t find any free railroad ties, you’ll be able to view the cheapest ones available on the site. This means you can still get some good deals.
5. Browse Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove of free stuff. Search for “free railroad ties” on there. This will show you if anyone is giving away ties on Facebook Marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace is also a good platform for getting used stuff for cheap, meaning you could at least get some cheap railroad ties on there, even if you can’t find any free ones.
What Can I Use Instead of Railroad Ties?
Railroad ties are a material that many people consider using in their gardening and landscaping projects. However, they can be difficult to source and there are concerns over their safety.
Wooden railroad ties are soaked in creosote, which can be harmful to humans and plants.
This is why you may want to consider using alternatives in your DIY projects.
Here are some alternatives to railroad ties:
- Pressure-treated lumber.
- Woods that are naturally rot-resistant, such as knotty red cedar, juniper, heartwood-grade redwood, catalpa, Osage orange, and cypress.
- Pavers
- Rocks
Wrapping Up: Best Tips for Finding Free Railroad Ties!
Railroad ties have multiple uses in landscaping and gardening projects. If you’re working on your garden and other outdoor areas, it’s good to know that there are a variety of places to get them for free.
Consider using alternatives to railroad ties too, such as wood that’s naturally rot-resistant and rocks, as you avoid exposing yourself to the creosote that railroad ties are soaked in.
Use our tips on where to get free railroad ties and spruce up your home!
