Old railway sleepers, can they be sealed?

Question

I have some old railway sleepers in the garden being used as steps and one of them is starting to seep tar. Can they be sealed in any way to prevent it getting worse?

Answer 1

No, the tarry creosote used to soak and preserve railroad ties/sleepers will penetrate right through any sealer... we've tried.  

The best thing we found is to sprinkle baby sand on the seeping places to absorb it.  After a while the ties will stop seeping in the hot sun.

Answer 2

Hi there

I have loads of sleepers around my garden

this is a problem in the summer

sawdust helps,

spread it on the sleepers to soak up the tar in time it will go.

Answer 3

use wood sealant