QA

How Long Do Wood Fence Posts Last

If properly treated and installed, pine fence posts can last for 20–35 years; untreated pine posts might only last 3–7 years. chemical in the posts. When large numbers of fence posts need to be installed it is probably most practical to pound them into the ground with a hydraulic post driver, small end first.

How do I keep my fence post from rotting?

How to Protect Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting Set the wooden fence posts in a cool, dry area with plenty of air circulation so the wood can dry. Brush the bottom third or bottom half of the fence post with waterborne copper naphthenate, a wood preservative that is free of arsenic and chromium.

How long will a wood post last in the ground?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

How long can fence post last?

How long do fence posts last? Fence posts, like your fence, should last for 15 to 20 years if properly installed and maintained.

How long will a wooden post last in concrete?

The post will only rot at ground level, it does not matter what you put in the bottom of the hole. A pressure treated post will last around 10 years.

How long does an untreated wood fence last?

In five to eight years, the fence may start to lean, but it should last 10 to 15 years overall. To keep the wood from rotting, apply a wood preservative to seal it.

Should you concrete a wood fence post?

Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can rot them more quickly. Setting them in dirt, with or without gravel or crushed rock depending on your soil type, can help the posts last longer before going rotten. You can also use metal fence post anchors to prolong their life.

Will fence posts rot in concrete?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the post to percolate through the gravel and away from the bottom of the post.

How long will a 4×4 post last in concrete?

Originally Answered: How long will 4×4 post last in the ground? A pressure treated 4×4 set in concrete should last about 20 years of more, depending on the soil conditions and drainage.

How long will a cedar 4×4 post last in the ground?

Cedar has a reputation for durability, but unless a few guidelines are followed, cedar posts can fail in as few as five years. Three factors contribute to this early failure: poor drainage, low-quality wood and poor protection against insect damage.

How long does it take for wood posts to rot?

Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If: The wooded area is sitting in water. Water and/or air space is hot & humid. The area is at or near the ground. Wood is exposed to dirt.

What type of wood fence lasts the longest?

Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don’t touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.

What is the longest lasting fence material?

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance required. Unlike wood that can warp, rot, or shrink over time, vinyl is rigid and resilient. It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.

How can I make my wooden fence last longer?

Use exterior oil-based stain or latex paint, which will seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, limit the amount of weathering and extend the life of the wood. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. Let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant.

Is it OK to leave wood in concrete?

Form wood left behind is nothing more than termite food and leaving it on the concrete is sloppy work and unacceptable. Make sure they take the wood with them and not leave it behind for you to deal with.

Can you cement wooden posts?

Setting Timber Posts in Concrete. Whether you are putting up a fence or building a raised deck, being able to securely set wooden posts into concrete foundations is a useful skill to have. All exterior wood should be pressure treated before sale to help prevent rot. Aug 11, 2014.

Should fence posts be set in concrete?

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place.

Does staining a fence make it last longer?

An exterior decking stain will bring out the natural color and grain of the wood and will seal and protect from moisture and sunlight. Stain will also make your fence last significantly longer. Plan on re-staining your fence every three to five years for optimal protection and beauty.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

2 feet is the minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for. To dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post’s aboveground height, is a general formula. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has.