Measure the perimeter of where the ties will be with your measuring tape.
Visit a home improvement store and purchase the correct amount of ties based on size of the perimeter.
Dig a shallow footing with a regular shovel. The footing should be about three inches deep and seven inches across.
Starting at the beginning of the perimeter, place one railroad tie into the footing. Directly next to it, place another. Continue to place the ties into the footing until all of the railroad ties have been laid down. Because they are heavy, the ties do not have to be placed in cement or nailed into the ground.
