Can Wood Fence Posts Be Protected From Rotting?

Wood fences have many advantages over other fence types, but one of their more cumbersome downsides is that wood rots over time in humid environments. Most of the rotting process happens to the underground parts of the fence subjected to the moisture in the dirt. If the fence posts rot, they won’t handle the weight, and the fence might collapse under pressure.

Here are some tips on preventing, or at least postponing, wood fence post rot for the perfect backyard.

Choosing the correct wood types

Choosing the right type of wood for fence posts will help prevent rot. Big stores tend to stock up on cheaper wood types that might not last as long in the humid weather. It might be better to stick to expert lumber companies or research the wood’s moisture and suitability in these situations.

Some wood has evolved to be more rot-resistant than others. These include cedar, redwood, and mulberry strains. All of these will serve as formidable fence posts and are all-natural materials. However, untreated wood can be more challenging to maintain. For more convenience, pressure-treated pine or fir are excellent solutions. These wood types are ideal for fences, and the pressure treatment helps to prevent rotting.

Installing fence posts to prevent rotting

The best way to prevent underground rotting is to seal the wood against the surrounding dirt and allow the excess moisture to drain away. We recommend using concrete as a sealant and stabilizer. While it can draw in moisture from the ground, it will retain that moisture for a long time and draw it away from the post as well.

Dig a hole about one-quarter the post’s length deep and twice as wide as the post itself. The hole needs to be wider at the bottom, which can be done with professional equipment (post-hole diggers). Fill the hole with about 6-inches of gravel to help drain excess moisture away from the post into the ground. After the gravel is in, set the post in place and fill the hole in with concrete.

Protecting the wood from rot

Once the posts are in place, you can apply a preservative to the wood to keep it from rotting. Copper naphthenate is the best option as it doesn’t contain harmful chromium or arsenic, making it a safe option for the garden. The preservative can be applied liberally to the post, but we recommend covering at least the bottom one-third of the post (above ground), where most of the water splash happens.

Service posts and fences

If the fence is looking worn out or the posts are starting to rot, contact your local fencing contractor to assess the damage and deliver a solution to save or replace them.

Clover Valley Home Service offers reliable service in plumbing, electrical, Trim Carpentry & Built-Ins, hardie board siding, stucco repair, and interior and exterior door. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!