BUILD A HOME FROM RAILROAD TIES

(Page 2 of 2)

March/April 1971
By Sam Owen 
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Mortar [dry-l-part masonry cement, 1-part pea gravel, 2-parts sand and 1-part pumice (for insulation)] was then tamped into the joints. While the most tedious job, it was physically an easier one, suitable for a twelve-year old. The task can be made easier by nailing scrap filler blocks along the center of the top of each tie as it is laid. This will give something to tamp to.

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When all tamping possible between two timbers has been done, the spacer blocks are removed. As the tie above settles into its permanent bed a handsome convex mortar detail will form. Mortar may then be tamped into the voids left by the spacer blocks.

Finally, the mortar surface was steelbrushed while still fingerprint soft to expose the pea gravel texture. When complete, the walls were cleaned with masonry solvent.

All windows used were taken from a demolished building for $80.00 while the house was still in the planning stage. Appropriate openings were left in the railroad tie walls, the window frames were placed, blocked to form the surrounding construction, and trimmed with mortar. The same was done at doorways.

Used railroad ties suitable for our purpose become available only when track is relocated. Check with the roadmasters in the spring. Larger switch ties and bridge timbers may be used for effect (e.g. front door header) but will be more awkward to hand le and place.

Ties are now commonly pulled by machines which saw them into three sections of almost 3'-length each. In this size it may be easier to lay them directly into mortar without stacking them first. Experiment. Five-hundred whole ties are still available from Brown Building Materials. Check other suppliers too.

For more research on building materials and methods requiring less money and skilled labor, this writer recommends The Owner Built Home by Ken Kern, available for $10.00 from Ken Kern Drafting, Sierra Route, Oakhurst, California 93644.

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