How long do cedar posts last?
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.
Do Cedars make good fence posts?
True cedars are members of the pine family. Junipers are tough, resilient trees that make excellent fence posts, either whole or split. You do not need to treat or debark the posts. As to how long they will last, that depends on how moist the soil conditions are and the amount of freezing and thawing the posts will endure over their lifetime.
How much concrete do I need for a fence post?
Place about 6 inches of aggregate in the bottom of the posthole to allow for drainage. Pro Tip: The bottom of the post should extend a few inches into the aggregate as shown. Concrete should be 2-3 inches above the soil level.
How do you preserve fence posts in the ground?
Soak the bottom of the posts in a wood preservative containing copper napthanate, such as Cuprinol. Note: Available at some paint stores and home centers, this wood treatment is specifically designed for in-ground applications. Place about 6 inches of aggregate in the bottom of the posthole to allow for drainage.
Can you put cedar post in concrete?
And yes, it would be suitable. Although it does compact very well, it still drains. It does not take on the completely solid characteristics of concrete. Water will drain through it, leaving it dry but still tight.
Will a wood post 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.
How long will untreated cedar posts last?
People have been using Red Cedar as untreated fenceposts for a long time, and Mother Earth News notes that they will last for 15 to 20 years. Since our supports are significantly thicker than typical fenceposts and will be protected on the top from water, I wouldn't be surprised if they lasted for several decades.
How long will cedar last underground?
In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it's used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.
How long will a wood post in concrete last?
A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don't let the PT post come in contact with the ground.
How do you keep wood from rotting in concrete?
Purchase a wood preservative that contains copper naphthenate at a lumberyard or hardware store. Pour about 1⁄2 litre (0.53 qt) of it into a large bucket. Set the end of your post that you'll bury in the ground into the bucket and let it soak for 15–20 minutes.
Will cedar rot if buried?
Don't put cedar where it's in direct contact with the ground or set it in concrete. It may last for a while, but eventually it will rot and deteriorate.
How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?
Fill the first three inches up with gravel so the end of the post doesn't come into contact with the dirt. Gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the post and into the soil. Be sure to place the post in the center of the hole. Finally, fill the entire hole up with cement to the top.
Does cedar last longer than pressure treated wood?
Longevity. Cedar decks last 15 to 20 years, compared to 10 to 15 years for pressure-treated wood.
Does cedar make good fence post?
Cedar posts have been used as fence posts for centuries. Cedar is resistant to rot and therefore makes it a good material for anything built outside. If you are cutting down your own cedar trees for use as posts, keep in mind that you will need to let them cure, or dry, for at least a year before use.
Should I seal cedar post?
Protect cedar posts with a sealant that repels water, prevents fading, and resists mildew. Simply paint the sealant on the posts with a brush. Use long, overlapping strokes in order to assure thorough coverage.
Can a cedar 4x4 be buried?
A: Editorial adviser Mike Guertin replies: You can't stop the cedar from rotting, but you can delay the decay. Start by overdigging the depth of the hole by at least 6 in., and backfill with crushed stone. After you position the post, backfill with more stone rather than the soil you dug out.
What is the best cedar tree for a fence?
There are a number of kinds of cedar. Eastern red cedar, found from east of Colorado and into much of New England is actually a juniper, a member of the cypress family. True cedars are members of the pine family. Junipers are tough, resilient trees that make excellent fence posts, either whole or split. You do not need to treat or debark the posts.
Do you need to treat juniper fence posts?
Junipers are tough, resilient trees that make excellent fence posts, either whole or split. You do not need to treat or debark the posts. As to how long they will last, that depends on how moist the soil conditions are and the amount of freezing and thawing the posts will endure over their lifetime.
How long do treated posts last?
The length of time that you can keep a treated post in the ground depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, in the optimal conditions, it can last as long as 40 years.
What wood should I use for a post?
When a wood isn’t resistant to rot, it will need to be replaced relatively soon. That is why using a post made of cedar or redwood can be the smart way to go.
Why do wood posts wear down?
This is because the wood will not be subjected to the moisture of the soil, allowing it to wear down at a decelerated rate over time. That could give you many more years on your post than it would get by being installed into the ground.
What does it mean when you choose the wrong wood for a post?
Choosing the wrong kind of wood can mean that you need to replace the post sooner rather than later.
Is treated wood good for trees?
Treated wood can also be highly beneficial when it comes to tree preservation. If the wood being used to create these posts lasts far longer, it means that fewer trees need to be harvested. Treating the wood can have a highly beneficial impact on tree harvest locally.
Can untreated wood be rotten?
Untreated wood can face exposure to termites or other organisms that can begin to weaken the structural integrity of the post. Treated wood can also be highly beneficial when it comes to tree preservation.
Can concrete be used to extend the life of a post?
This is the easiest way to install the post, so it only makes sense that this is the most common application. That said, there is another way to extend the life of your wood post.
