Rail Road Ties for shed "foundation"

[BoilerMan]

I'm going to build a shed and thought I'd seek the wisdom here about the longevity of RR ties on a washed shale base. I have a spot grubbed out and will have the final grade about 4" above existing grade with 100% 1"- crushed ledge (known as blue shale here).

Thoughts?

Should I used P.T. lumber as a base instead?

TS

 

[firefighterjake]

Thinking treated RR ties would work as well as PT wood.

 

[Charlie2]

If it was ground contact RR ties would last you forever. The new EPA PT lumber sucks. However, as well as your setting up the final grade, which ever was the cheapest.

 

[Vikestand]

I have some RR ties here that have been sitting on the ground my whole life(28 years), no rot.

 

[mustash29]

I had 3 RR ties in my stacking area, which is sort of a low spot, in direct contact with the ground, for the best part of 15 yrs. They were crappy when I put them down. They have degraded a bit. I pulled them up to level the area out. Using plastic pallets instead.

I'd use whatever is cheaper, because it sounds like your base is just dandy.

 

[Michael Golden]

I'm surprised by these responses, my FIL built a small retaining wall with RR ties. After about 8 years they are all but rotted, could be that it laid damp? If you are putting them on a stone base maybe you will be fine.

 

[BoilerMan]

Thanks guys, I wanted to pour a slab on build on that, but then taxes are double on the 12 x 16 shed. So I opted for this approach. Most of the ties I can find are already 20+ years old and appear to be in good shape, which is why they are being sold I'd guess.

I guess my real question should be: If you were to build a shed for storage of equipment, tires etc, how would you build it? $100/year extra taxes if I' on a slab so thats out.

TS

 

[smokedragon]

Gravel base is not a bad idea for storing equipment. If you are gonna have a roof and sides, that would keep grass from growing. That is the route I would go if a slab is out of the question.

RR ties on gravel last a LONG time.

 

[Charlie2]

Lay down 6 mil plastic first, then a raised gravel base is about as good as it gets, next to concrete anyway. It'll be dry as a bone from ground moisture and ground moisture is what does the damage in an enclosed area.

 

[jaoneill]

RR ties on gravel will last near a lifetime if they are solid when you put them down. PT wood, unless it is grade stamped .60 (foundation grade) will rot within 10-15 years.