Rustic Modern Round Up: Reclaimed Railroad Tie Furniture

Along with salvaged barn wood, reclaimed railroad ties are a popular material choice for those looking to incorporate a little rustic, recycled style into their homes. Most often, the railroad ties are solid teak hailing from old Indian and Indonesian railways. While we love teak in most any form, these timeworn pieces have a particularly cool appeal...

FIRST ROW:
• 1. CB2's sturdy, beloved Darjeeling dining table seats up to 8. Nothing but praise and awe in the customer reviews.
• 2. VivaTerra has a lovely collection of railroad tie pieces, but this beautiful console table is my favorite.
• 3. I love the slim silhouette of this sturdy railroad tie bench from 1cabinfurnutire.
• 4. Bambeco's substantial recycled railroad tie bench would also make a wonderful coffee table in a small, narrow living room.
• 5. Garnet Hill's nesting tables are perfect for a small space that needs flexible table options. I love their simple, understated forms.
SECOND ROW:
• 6. These railroad tie table/stools from Lamps Plus would make great, humble display pedestals.
• 7. I love the simplicity and functionality of Rehab Vintage's railroad tie desk.

What fabulous railroad tie wares are we missing?

Comments (3)

Has anyone heard of railroad ties from the Midwest being treated with chemicals before use? I remember hearing that once, but didn't know much about it or even care about it at the time. Now I'm wondering if I can use these old ties for building my own furniture, or if I'd be putting myself and others at risk by doing so. Sure would make some beautiful handmade pieces. Any input?

posted by NDprairiegirl on October 14th 2009 at 12:48pm
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I grew up in a rural area in the southern part of the country. Old farmers would use railroad ties for barn repairs because they are treated with heavy metals and toxic chemicals that make them virtually impervious to decomposition. That's great if you want your barn to stand forever, maybe not so great if you want to eat dinner there. Every railroad tie I've ever seen has been dripping with tar, chemicals and heavy metals. I would never put one in my house!!!

posted by jess thrift on October 14th 2009 at 1:12pm
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After years of weathering and leeching of rain water many of the the nasties that can get out of the ties are, in fact, out of the wood. That said there may always be that faint air of creosote (not all bad just look at cures for egsima and other skin nasties) unless, like the custom and regular case manufactures, the piece is coated in epoxy, which after setting is also, get this, NON-toxic! yea!! enjoy pretty furniture who hoo!
have a nice day!!

posted by theskip on October 15th 2009 at 7:28pm
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