Rustic Modern Round Up: Reclaimed Railroad Tie Furniture

Along with salvaged barn wood, reclaimed railroad ties are a popular material choice for those looking to incorporate a little rustic, recycled style into their homes. Most often, the railroad ties are solid teak hailing from old Indian and Indonesian railways. While we love teak in most any form, these timeworn pieces have a particularly cool appeal...

FIRST ROW:
• 1. CB2's sturdy, beloved Darjeeling dining table seats up to 8. Nothing but praise and awe in the customer reviews.
• 2. VivaTerra has a lovely collection of railroad tie pieces, but this beautiful console table is my favorite.
• 3. I love the slim silhouette of this sturdy railroad tie bench from 1cabinfurnutire.
• 4. Bambeco's substantial recycled railroad tie bench would also make a wonderful coffee table in a small, narrow living room.
• 5. Garnet Hill's nesting tables are perfect for a small space that needs flexible table options. I love their simple, understated forms.
SECOND ROW:
• 6. These railroad tie table/stools from Lamps Plus would make great, humble display pedestals.
• 7. I love the simplicity and functionality of Rehab Vintage's railroad tie desk.

What fabulous railroad tie wares are we missing?

Comments (11)

I love the look of tables made out of these, but you should definitely read the discussion here regarding railroad ties and creosote:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/green-ideas/railroad-tie-dining-table-and-chairs-from-vivaterra-031664

posted by robinette on October 13th 2009 at 9:45pm
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I ALMOST bought that Darjeeling table, but instead, I ended up with a solid oak table from ikea that was only $300 and seats up to 10 or 12. Made the right choice (was still in school, so the budget find was such a win & I love the table I have), but I still have a soft spot for the Darjeeling!

that creosote info is interesting robinette- thanks for the info. I'd assume (and hope) that furniture has been treated somehow? could get icky otherwise!

posted by CozyLittleCave on October 13th 2009 at 10:27pm
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Nice piece, but I have to second CozyLittleCave opinion on this.

posted by Kirantarun on October 13th 2009 at 10:40pm
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Urban Outfitters has some great options! I've only seen them online, so I can't comment on their quality.

posted by jeffnyc on October 14th 2009 at 8:12am
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I spent a few years living in a small town with a creosote facility. Not something I want in my home!

posted by sciteach on October 14th 2009 at 11:36am
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Creosote! That was my first thought when I saw the word railroad ties.
I know that american railroad ties are coated in creosote, but I wonder if these old Indian ones have any special treatment...

posted by etrine on October 14th 2009 at 12:51pm
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that's why they use antique teak ties from SE asia.... they're not treated with creosote

posted by staticfritz on October 14th 2009 at 12:53pm
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I wonder where this stuff is made? China?

posted by etrine on October 14th 2009 at 12:54pm
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I check this site from time to time, they are really salvaged locally.
http://www.heritagesalvage.com/photogallery_showroom.html

posted by LoriSF on October 14th 2009 at 2:13pm
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A word of warning on the VivaTerra items: I ordered the railroad tie dinner table and the quality was terrible. The frame wasn't square, certain supposed-to-be-predrilled holes were missing, the tabletop didn't fit the frame properly, and the top started splitting when we attempted to attach it to the frame. VivaTerra was accomodating in allowing us to return the piece, but it was a tremendous pain in the ass.

posted by hbl on October 14th 2009 at 4:09pm
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I want to recommend American Furnishings, they have amazing looking furniture and is made in the U.S.

Some use reclaimed pieces (if not most) and are rustic, industrial or just downright awesome!

Check them out at AmericanFurnishings.com

posted by dianefaye on October 15th 2009 at 9:54am
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