Tractor Supply Landscape Timbers (2024)

FAQs

How long will landscape timbers last in the ground? ›

Join neighboring timbers with pairs of galvanized mending plates and 2-inch deck screws. Drive the screws with a drill fitted with a screwdriver bit. If the screws are difficult to drive, drill pilot holes before installing the screws.

One of the best ways to make your landscape timbers last longer is to install them in a relatively moisture-free location and continually monitor weather and moisture conditions that can change. Wet rot occurs when the moisture of the given wood is 50% or higher, an amount that does not dry out at some point.

Technically, any type of wood can be used for landscape projects, so choose your wood wisely. Pecky Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are great for outdoor projects, as they are rot and insect resistant. Woods like Douglas Fir, however, will rot quickly once they are exposed to soil and water.

Brick Edging

Many popular landscape edging ideas use brick. Brick edging can provide a sophisticated dividing line between your lawn and flower beds. Clay edgers provide a wide range of colors and sizes that can be matched in dimension and color.

Using a shovel, dig a trench about an inch wider than the width of your landscape timbers along the marked line. You'll want to dig 3 to 4 inches down to stabilize the timbers once installed and give a professional, finished look.

How do you keep landscape timbers from warping? The key to preventing the warping of wood is to prevent water from being absorbed by the wood fibers. When properly applied, sealant or paint can provide a barrier to prevent liquid absorption.

We would always recommend that any New Oak Sleeper that is going to come in contact with the ground or retained soil be treated with a suitable good quality wood preserver, prior to installation, this will provide additional protection to the timber itself.

What are treated railroad ties? Treated railroad ties, crossties or wooden sleepers are made primarily from wood and then treated with a preservative so they can last 30 years or more.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that creosote, the chemical used to treat the ties, can be hazardous to your health and to the health of some plant life. Ties treated with creosote are not recommended for residential settings.

How to join two 2x6 together end to end? ›

Position a doweling jig over the marks, and drill holes ¹⁄₁₆ " deeper than half the dowel length. On one piece, spread glue within the holes, insert the dowels, and clamp it to a flat surface. On the other piece, glue the end grain and holes, force the pieces together, and clamp until dry.

Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. Has twice the level of chemical retention and protection compared to above-ground treated wood. Must be used when lumber is less than 6 inches from the ground or has poor ventilation.

Back in 1961, two wood scientists planted treated-lumber posts in the ground of southern Mississippi. Sixty years later, most of those posts are still there—no rot, no fungi, no termites. Their experiment set the official statistical lifespan of treated lumber that the industry refers to today: over 60 years.

Wood that has been pressure treated should last a good 15 years, or more if they are well cared for. Timber products that are pressure treated won't rot or decay anywhere near as fast as untreated timber would.

For one, it is not a good idea to burn such wood in open fires or residential boilers because toxic chemicals can be produced in the smoke and ash. With penta-treated wood, urethane, shellac, latex epoxy enamel and varnish are acceptable sealers.