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How to stop railway sleepers from rotting?

jojo76
Finding My Feet

How to stop railway sleepers from rotting?

I have some old railway sleepers I plans standing up for our letterbox and concreting them into the ground. My question is what can I put on them to preserve Them as they are now and not breaking down any further

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: railway sleepers

Hi @jojo76,

 

That sounds like a fantastic letterbox that I would love to see when it is done.

 

My suggestion is to paint the portion of the railway sleeper that is going into the ground with 2-3 coats of Bitumen Waterproofing Membrane. This will help to keep water out of the timber, which can lead to premature rot.

 

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Jacob

 

jojo76
Finding My Feet

Re: railway sleepers

thank you. Is there anything I can put on what will sit above ground?

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: railway sleepers

Hi @jojo76,

 

You could paint the sleeper with 2-3 coats of an external paint such as Dulux Weathershield.

 

You could also use a few coats of an exterior grade varnish such as this Bondall 1L Satin Monocel Gold Marine Clear Timber Varnish.

 

Even some decking oil will help protect and enhance the look of the above-ground portion. 

 

Really, any kind of finish or sealer that is suitable for external use will do a wealth of good; it just depends on the aesthetic you are looking to achieve.

 

Jacob

 

Re: railway sleepers

Thank you so much 

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