Railway Sleepers & Wagon Planks

Railway sleepers and wagon planks from Elephant Timber are perfect if you are looking for wood that is in as natural a state as possible. Due to the wood’s rustic charm and durability, sleepers and planks are very versatile and can be repurposed to build a wide range of items. These include table tops, furniture, shelving, flooring, feature walls, garden planters and much more. 

These wonderful wooden planks and sleepers are decades old and bear the scars to prove it. They possess plenty of character, including the boltholes with dark dye around them. This has been created in the robust oak from years of chemical reaction from the metal bolts.

Reclaimed railway sleepers from Elephant Timber have been sliced horizontally, making them thinner than your average railway sleeper. These sleepers used to support the train tracks on which the trains run. 

Railway sleepers do not contain nails or creosote. When using reclaimed railway sleepers, it is important to ensure that they are free from hazardous chemicals such as creosote, which is a toxic solution commonly used to stop the timber from rotting.

Elephant Timber’s wagon planks are sourced from the outer walls of railway wagons, and were originally part of the train that transported freight. The result is that they have wonderful patina created over decades of use, giving them character that cannot be fabricated.

We are proud and happy to offer these reclamation products. They give our customers the chance to create new wooden items giving the reclaimed timber another life.

The railway sleepers and wagon planks need to be sanded and treated to enhance durability, protect against moisture and to bring out the patina of the reclaimed timber. Your finished products include wood stain, varnish, oil or paint, depending on their function and the look you are trying to create.

Using our extensive timber knowledge, we can help you with product selection and provide advice. Please get in touch or visit our online shop to order your railway sleepers and wagon planks from us.

Timber Shop

You can visit us at our workshop on the Sussex coast to view our range of reclaimed sleepers and wagon planks for sale. 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 made by arrangement.

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