Standard Landscape Timber Sizes

Standard Lengths

• The standard construction length for timbers is 8 feet. If you're repurposing railroad ties, note that these typically measure 9 1/2 feet. New, untreated railroad ties are also available in 8-foot lengths at building supply shops. Untreated timbers are a better choice for gardens than treated wood, as the chemicals can leach into the ground for plants to absorb.

Width Variations

• The width of landscape timbers varies more than the length. Standard timbers measure 3 inches thick by 4 inches wide. Timbers pressed from lengths of plywood can vary by an inch or two. Other dimensions often available include 6-by-6 inches, 6-by-8 inches and 8-by-8 inches.

Timber Shapes

• Landscape timbers are typically cut into squares or rectangles. Uniform shapes make them easy to stack or line up end-to-end. Timbers with rounded-edges are also available. These add visual interest and depth to a retaining wall, and a softer look to edging and fence posts. The corners are cut at the same curve to create a seamless look for a patio or border.

Special Lengths

• If your project requires longer lengths of timbers, some building supply businesses offer timbers that measure up to 20 feet long. You may need to special order these longer lengths a few weeks in advance. Some suppliers can also customize the width and depth. Customizing timber sizes will cost more than purchasing standard lengths, but it will also save you the time and labor of cutting them yourself, and ensures the cuts will be uniform.