What are railway sleepers?
A familiar sight on train tracks, but also popular in the home, railway sleepers come in a wide variety of guises – all suited to different types of DIY projects. What are railway sleepers made from? The majority of the million railway sleepers replaced per year are made of pine and covered in creosote (a protective varnish made from coal tar). An estimated one in 10 sleepers retired by Network Rail is made from hard wood such as mahogany or oak that doesn’t need treatment against the elements. Where can I use railway sleepers? Health concerns about the carcinogenic properties of creosote have led the EU to prohibit the use of creosote-covered railway sleepers indoors or anywhere they may potentially come into contact with foodstuffs. But you’ll be relieved to hear that it is perfectly safe (and legal) to use un-creosoted sleepers indoors. Creosote covered railway sleepers are a cost-effective way to improve the garden. Creosote-covered railway sleepers are still readily available at g
