Railway Sleeper Tables

Oak sleepers from Elephant Timber make fantastic rustic table tops. Our reclaimed sleepers have been cut horizontally, making them thinner than average railway sleepers. They do not contain creosote and all nails have been removed. Creosote was originally used to prevent the sleepers from rotting. However, as creosote is carcinogenic, it is important that reclaimed sleepers are free from creosote

These wonderful railway sleepers are decades old and possess plenty of character and patina that cannot be fabricated. This includes the boltholes with dark dye around them created from years of chemical reaction from the metal bolts with the oak wood.

Due to their versatility, making a railway sleeper table is a great woodworking project, which will have rustic appeal. We can provide you with the oak sleepers needed, so visit our shop.

Timber Shop

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to build a table using reclaimed sleepers:

1. Select your reclaimed sleepers from our extensive stock of oak sleepers. 
2. Flatten your wood using a planer or belt sander and then smooth it using progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
3. Join multiple planks together using dowels or biscuit joiners. Apply wood glue to the edges before joining and then clamp the pieces together until the glue dries.
4. Attach the table legs by positioning the metal or wooden legs on the underside of the sleepers and mark their locations. Drill pilot holes for screws before attaching the legs securely.
5. Finish your table by applying a wood finish of your choice to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Use a wood stain, varnish, oil or wax. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the finish to dry thoroughly. You may wish to lightly sand your table top between each coat of finish.
6. Use a level to ensure that your railway sleeper table is even and stable. If needed, adjust the legs to achieve a level surface.

Using our extensive table construction experience and knowledge, we can help you to select the right reclaimed sleepers and provide advice on how to best prepare your wood before use.

Please visit our online shop to order your treated railway sleepers.

Timber Shop

If you are looking to buy railway sleepers or reclaimed wagon planks, please visit our online shop or visit us in person at our workshop on the Sussex coast. 

Our normal opening hours are Monday-Friday 07:30 – 17:00. Please contact us on 07941 034 822 to make an appointment, as we are not always based in the workshop. Out-of-hours or weekend appointments can be arranged.

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