Longest Lasting Wood Fence Posts

Here s how to install new cedar fence posts and avoid the problems that made your old posts rot.

Longest lasting wood fence posts.

Start with pressure treated lumber for the posts and framing. Cedar may last for 15 30 years spruce may last for 4 7 years and pine may last for 5 12 years. Wood picket fencing has problems with the contact of the wood with the earth and usually needs to be replaced after a short time. Behr solid color waterproofing wood stain delivers smooth application and long lasting color that will keep your deck looking great and impervious to water for several seasons.

Inspect your posts at least once a year ideally in spring or fall and reapply paint or stain as necessary to protect the wood and keep your fence looking its best. A little bit of gravel makes a big difference. Four steps to a strong and long lasting wood fence a strong frame makes a strong fence. Life of treated wood most treatment companies claim that when treated most lumber will last more than 20 years.

Poor drainage low quality wood and poor protection against insect damage. When setting posts in concrete put two or three inches of gravel in the. Depends on the material of. Cedar the king of backyard privacy fencing is known for its long lasting good looks tight grain fewer knots and a desirable red hue and its promise never to warp or shrink.

Vinyl means long lasting low maintenance and money saving. Depending on the species cedar may last for about 15 30 years spruce may last for about 4 7 years and pine may last for about 5 12 years. A solid fence stain gives an opaque look rich color and is an excellent option if you want a waterproof fence stain. A naturally rot resistant wood such as western red cedar thuja plicata a species of arborvitae can last for decades if treated with wood preservative and installed to improve drainage.

Three factors contribute to this early failure. To ensure the longevity of a wood fence be sure to. Set fence posts properly use quality wood with few natural defects clean the wood and reapply protective coatings as needed. Between 11 14 per linear foot.

Cedar has a reputation for durability but unless a few guidelines are followed cedar posts can fail in as few as five years.