How to Use Railroad Ties to Line a Pond

Draining the Pond

• 1

  Block any water access to the pond (stream, runoff channel, etc.). Do this by inserting several of your railroad ties into the channel.

• 2

  Use the water pump to drain the pond. Direct the hose downhill from the pond.

• 3

  Make sure the pump can extract more water than the blocked water channel or underground feed spring can add to the pond. The pond may not be dry but the lower water level is satisfactory for this project.

Lining the Pond

• 4

  Place a row of railroad ties around the circumference of the pond. Use the shovel to level any uneven locations. Save any excavated soil and place in the wheelbarrow.

• 5

  Use the sledgehammer if necessary to pound the railroad ties into the soft mud pond bottom. Do not pound the railroad ties directly. Place the 2x4 on the railroad tie and hammer the 2x4. This will protect the tie from any damage.

• 6

  Add more rows of railroad ties as needed to the top of the pond edge. When adding the second row, offset the first railroad tie a certain distance so the railroad ties are not stacked vertically one on top of the other. An example of the proper positioning is the way bricks are laid.

• 7

  Turn off and remove the water pump. Once the first row of railroad ties are laid you can extract the ties from the water feed channel and allow the pond to fill. You can complete this project with water in the pond.

• 8

  Place a rebar pole front of the railroad ties on what will be the water side of the railroad ties. Hammer the rebar pole into the pond bottom until the top of the rebar is flush with the top of the railroad ties. Make sure there is no play between the rebar and railroad ties and the ties are held fast between the pond edge and the rebar.

• 9

  Backfill any gaps between the railroad ties and the pond's edge. Soil excavated from the pond to level the railroad ties is good for this purpose.