Reclaimed railway planks

An old oak railway plank is a board sawn from a used oak railway sleeper. These old sleepers were used for many years by European railways, giving them a beautifully aged appearance. The characteristic bolt holes from the rail fastenings are still visible in the wood, adding a unique, industrial character to each plank.

At Historisch Hout, we exclusively select clean oak railway sleepers that are free from creosote, carbolineum, or any other harmful substances. Many of these sleepers come from protected nature reserves, where chemical treatments were not permitted. This ensures a healthy and environmentally friendly end product.

Why Choose a Sleeper Plank from Historisch Hout?

No creosote or tar

Sourced from European railways

Unique and full of character

Circular and sustainable

As soon as the railway sleepers arrive at our workshop, they are thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure water. Afterwards, they are sawn into sleeper planks in two fixed thicknesses. This is true craftsmanship! Many sleepers contain sand residues or even stones, which means that sawing requires specialist care and attention.

Each oak railway plank can then be custom-finished to your specifications:

Planed – the blue-black discolorations around the mounting holes are beautifully accentuated. These occur due to a chemical reaction between the iron and the tannins in the oak wood.

Brushed – for a more rugged look, enhancing the carved grain and making the deep grooves stand out even more.

Our oak sleeper planks are a perfect alternative to oak wagon boards and an excellent product for various applications, such as:

Furniture with an industrial character

Wall cladding or ceiling finishing

Tabletops and kitchen elements

Decorative elements with a historical story