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is redwood good for fence posts

by Tanya Bayer DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Redwood is good for fence posts because it has natural properties that withstand weathering, rot, and infestations. Due to these natural properties, redwood requires little maintenance and typically lasts longer than other materials, making it a popular choice for fencing.

Why choose Redwood for your deck or fence?

In the latter two applications, redwood's rot- and insect-resistant qualities are especially important. The posts of a deck or fence are partially embedded in the ground, where moisture and insects are a much more serious threat.

What causes Redwood fence posts to rot?

The posts of a deck or fence are partially embedded in the ground, where moisture and insects are a much more serious threat. The major cause of rot in redwood is persistent moisture.

What are the advantages of Redwood?

Also, the wood's natural color and grain are not only pleasing to the eye but sometimes darken with age, whereas most types of wood tend to bleach with weathering. Redwood also has desirable insulating characteristics.

What is redwood wood used for outside?

Because of its resistance to moisture, rot and insects, redwood is often used as a construction material for outdoor furniture, sidings, shingles, fences and decks. In the latter two applications, redwood's rot- and insect-resistant qualities are especially important.

How long do redwood fence posts last?

about 20 yearsClimatic conditions and installation are major factors in longevity. Cedar posts may be expected to last eight to 27 years (white cedar lasting longer than red cedar), redwood posts last about 20 years, and pressure-treated pine posts should last at least 15 to 20 years, with most lasting more than 30 years.

Is redwood better than pressure treated wood?

Durable- It's naturally resistant to bugs and rot – unlike pressure treated yellow pine that needs some funky stuff (copper chromium arsenate) to keep the bugs at bay. Easy to Maintain- Whether it's finished with a sealant or left as is, redwood is fairly easy to clean.

What is the best wood to use for fence posts?

Here Are Some Of The Best Wood For Fencing and Their Key Features And Benefits.Cedar. Cedar offers excellent resistance to rot and has natural oils that deter insects. ... Redwood. Redwood is one of the most widely used wood types for wooden fencing. ... Doughlas Fir. ... Cypress. ... Pressure Treated Woods.

Is cedar or redwood better for a fence?

Redwood Fencing is measurably stronger than cedar – by about 23%. Redwood is therefore more durable than cedar.

What are the disadvantages of redwood?

With time, redwood loses its vibrant contrast and becomes more of a medium brown color. Yearly maintenance is required to keep the color rich. During the deck maintenance process, you need to be especially careful with the soft redwood decking so as not to damage the wood under high pressure.

How long will redwood last outside?

It is recommended that you use a protective finish with a water repellant, mildewcide and ultraviolet inhibitor. Redwood can last up to about 30 years on a well-maintained deck under good circumstances. Redwood is the most fire-resistant decking material on the market.

What fence post lasts the longest?

It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.

What is the strongest fence post?

DuraPost is stronger than both concrete and timber fence posts and is guaranteed to last up to 25 years. Made from galvanised steel, DuraPost doesn't rot, split, warp, crack or chip and can even withstand winds of up to 110mph!

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.

Does redwood last longer than cedar?

Longevity and Value Redwood is a harder wood than cedar. It was found to be 23% harder than cedar when the Janka hardness test was used. Because it is a harder wood it will last longer and is more durable. Redwood has more natural occurring chemicals than cedar.

Is redwood good for outdoor use?

Redwood. Redwood is most commonly used in outdoor furniture due to its natural insect and moisture resistant qualities. Redwood's structure has little pitch and resin, so it holds finishes extremely well.

Do I need to seal redwood?

The application of sealants, paints or other finishes is not required to complete a redwood structure.

Why is cedarwood used on fences?

Cedarwood requires less maintenance; the wood requires repainting with protective coating after a year. This wood is also known for its long-lasting characteristic; its fence can last up to 30 years when well maintained.

Why is redwood used on fences?

The most inner portion, called heartwood, is the most recommended redwood for fencing because it’s the strongest. The wood is stable after being manufactured; it does not bend or shrink when installing the fence, thus making a straight and strong fence.

Cedar vs. Redwood Fence (Comparison)

It can be a challenging task to choose the best type of wood for your fence when it comes to these two. Both of these woods are strong, durable and they have natural chemicals like tannins that enable them to resist moisture, rot, and pests.

Pros and Cons of Cedar Fences

Despite their similarities and differences, cedar fence has the following advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and Cons of Redwood Fences

Redwood fences are durable and more costly than cedar woods. The most inner part, called heartwood, is the strongest redwood than the sapwood for fencing. Therefore, these fences have various advantages and disadvantages.

Which one is better?

If you are a homeowner looking for low maintenance, strong, and durable fence, get a redwood fence. Redwood fence also has natural oils that enable it to resist the weather.

buffalobill

buffalo ny: this may save you some money. this may depend on your climate, soil moisture, and drainage travel. easiest answer sometimes comes from the permit office or local fence company. careful of the type of pressure treating it may be limited in your area regarding kids and pets.

ransley

In my area the CCA green treated wihich I dont think is made anymore is fine after 30 years, redwood would have lasted 10, I never saw brown treated

Eric9822

The green treated 4x4's don't last anywhere near as long as they used too because the treatment has changed for environmental protection (at least it has in California). Redwood is OK as long as you get construction heartwood grade, no sapwood. Heartwood is decay and insect resistant, sapwood is not.

Norgeiron

Correct! I have a 30 year old redwood fence that is doing fine. The key to wood longevity is to avoid moisture, so I did NOT sink the redwood 4X4's into the ground. I dug post holes, filled them with concrete, and sunk Simpson heavy duty galvanized post bases into the wet concrete.

Treegal

We’re using redwood tree trunks that we will sink in post holes with concrete for fence posts. My question is, should we scrap the bark off or does the bark protect the wood from rot?

Why is redwood used for outdoor furniture?

Because of its resistance to moisture, rot and insects, redwood is often used as a construction material for outdoor furniture, sidings, shingles, fences and decks. In the latter two applications, redwood's rot- and insect-resistant qualities are especially important.

Why is my redwood rot resistant?

The major cause of rot in redwood is persistent moisture. Even redwood's resistance to cracking and rot will eventually diminish if the wood becomes wet and stays that way, so the first step to making redwood virtually rot-proof is to ensure that doesn't happen.

Why is my redwood deck rotting?

The major cause of rot in redwood is persistent moisture. Even redwood's resistance to cracking and rot will eventually diminish if the wood becomes wet and stays that way, so the first step to making redwood virtually rot-proof is to ensure that doesn't happen. Decks need to be designed in such a way as to ensure that moisture cannot pool on the surface, which ought to prevent the planks from rotting. Any deck or fence post that is placed in an area where water naturally pools needs to be set so as to better protect that part of the post that is underground. For minor problems, set the post in concrete and then sculpt the top of that concrete plug so it slopes downhill and away from the fence post. For severe problems, dig a drainage ditch or install an underground drainage canal.

What is the most resistant wood to rot?

Redwood Characteristics. The heartwood, or interior core, of a redwood tree is one of the most resistant of all softwood types to both insect attack and rot. Adding to these qualities is redwood's stability. The wood is less prone to cracking and warping due to moisture than most other softwoods, making it not only more stable in any outdoor ...

Is redwood good for outdoor use?

By Edwin Thomas. The characteristics of redwood make it a popular choice for outdoor applications. Redwood's color and grain are attractive even in an unfinished state, but more important is the wood's pronounced resistance to decay and insects. Yet even though redwood is more resistant to decay, it will eventually succumb to rot.

Does redwood rot?

Yet even though redwood is more resistant to decay, it will eventually succumb to rot. By taking a few precautions, however, redwood will last for a lifetime or even longer, becoming rot-free for any practical purpose.

Does redwood wood bleach?

Also, the wood's natural color and grain are not only pleasing to the eye but sometimes darken with age, whereas most types of wood tend to bleach with weathering. Redwood also has desirable insulating characteristics.

How to keep redwoods looking good?

Using stains with features such as water repellency and UV blockers would be great in keeping your redwood in top condition.

What are the pros and cons of redwood?

Some of the advantages of the redwood are as highlighted below: The redwood has an elegant appears which brings so much style and a lustrous feel to your external structures. Redwood is durable and can serve you for as long as 3 decades provided that you look after it properly.

What is the best stain for redwood?

Using the right stain and observing all the necessary maintenance practices, you can help protect your redwood against cracking and rotting, especially when the wood is continuously exposed to water. Semi transparent deck stains are the best for redwood.

What is pressure treated wood?

Usually, pressure treated wood is created using yellow pine with an infusion of chemicals such as Alkaline Copper Quaternary, chromate copper arsenate ( Abolished in the US), etc. The chemical treatment allows the wood to resist insects, bacteria as well as fungi. Usually, it would cost about 30% or 40% less Redwood would cost.

How long does pressure treated wood last?

Pressure treated wood is excellent, especially on your outdoor wooden structures. This product is not as expensive as the redwood and can last more than 40 years if you can accord it proper and constant maintenance. Using the best stains for pressure treated wood is one such way of maintaining you treated wood.

Where does redwood come from?

Redwood is mostly from California’s red wood forests and loved by many, especially for its aesthetic red appearance and elegance. A top-quality type of redwood has the capability to resist destruction by insects or and rot. The only thing that prevents people from using redwood is the high cost.

Is redwood treated wood?

Redwood is dense and has the ability to withstand weather and crack over an extended duration. It is an individual choice whether to use treated wood or redwood for different exterior wooden structures. Some factors that plays a role on deciding between the two include prices as well as required maintenance practices.

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