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how long will a cedar post last in the ground

by Audie Ryan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Mar 13, 2021

How long do cedar fence posts last?

May 09, 2020 · How long will a cedar post last in the ground? If you are using Red Cedar post they will last about 15 to 20 years (Western Red Cedar). A …

How long will a 4x4 post last in the ground?

How long will untreated cedar last in the ground? 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.

Can I use pressure treated posts on a 20-year-old cedar fence?

Dec 17, 2008 · 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...

Does Cedar last longer than pressure treated?

Jan 28, 2020 · If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color. However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural tone for good.

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How do you keep cedar posts from rotting?

Because water wicks up through the cut end grain of the post much more readily than it does through the sides of the post, either soak the end of the post in a preservative solution (copper naphthenate), or coat it with a waxy end sealer such as Anchorseal.May 16, 2016

Can cedar post be buried in the ground?

0:000:34FAQ : Can I Install Real Cedar Posts In The Ground? - Realcedar.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to install the post on base tones. With tamp gravel in the base. And you can top it offMoreIt's best to install the post on base tones. With tamp gravel in the base. And you can top it off either with tamp gravel or with concrete in the top half of the hole. It's. Best if you peak.

Does cedar rot in the ground?

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.Jul 26, 2019

Does a cedar post need to be treated?

Although cedar woods contain preservatives that are harmful to decay-causing fungi, they must be maintained. Special attention must be paid to outdoor posts, the weight-bearing portions of most decks and fences, to ensure they are properly weatherproofed.

Will cedar posts rot 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.Apr 22, 2003

How long will untreated cedar fence 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.Mar 13, 2021

Can cedar pickets touch ground?

In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.Jan 28, 2020

Will cedar post last longer than pressure treated wood?

Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape.Dec 10, 2021

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Cedar DisadvantageRequires Maintenance. Due to being softwood, cedar needs regular maintenance. ... Flammable. Cedar is a flammable wood. ... Fading Color. Changes color over time due to chemical reactions. ... Sensitive. Cedar is a sensitive wood. ... Weak. Cedar is a common material in construction.Mar 8, 2021

How do you protect wooden posts in the ground?

How You Can Protect Your Wooden Fence Posts From RottingWet Rot Vs. Dry Rot. ... Choose Rot Resistant Wood. ... Dry the Fence Posts Out. ... Consider Adding Posts to Concrete. ... Apply Preservative to the Wooden Post. ... Consider Staining Your Wood. ... Start Digging. ... Fill Up the Hole.More items...•Jul 26, 2019

Should I stain cedar posts?

Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration.Jul 4, 2016

Is cedar good for fence posts?

Some wood species are better than others for making sturdy fences and western red cedar is one of the best. Its heartwood contains oils that repel insects and resist rot and cedar fence posts can last 15 to 20 years or more.

How long does cedar fence last?

If it's treated, a cedar fence may last up to 40 years. Click to see full answer.

How long does a 2x4 last?

Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.

Can you stain cedar furniture?

Compared to many other types of outdoor furniture, it is more likely to retain its original attractive appearance. To retain the original look of your cedar furniture over the years, you can stain it, or apply paint.

How long does it take for cedar posts to fail?

Can you put cedar post in concrete? Cedar has a reputation for durability, but unless a few guidelines are followed, cedar posts can fail in as few as five years.

What is the best material to set fence posts in?

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. Similarly, does cedar make good fence post?

Can you use concrete to rot wood posts?

Tamp down the gravel. You can use concrete, if desired, but the moisture in the concrete can sometimes cause wooden posts to rot more quickly, while the gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the fence post and into the soil. Similar Asks.

How long do 4x4 posts last?

Also know, how long does a 4x4 post last? 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.

How long do treated wood stakes last?

The Forest Products Laboratory and other research groups have shown that treated wood stakes placed in the ground for more than 40 years remain rot-free. But young pressure-treated decks, many less than 10 years old, are being shoveled into landfills. Click to see full answer.

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Introduction

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

Pick the Right Posts

Don’t use posts that contain sapwood. Instead, use heartwood, because it’s denser and more insect-resistant.

Insert Aggregate

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.

Caulk Around the Fence Post Base

Apply high-quality exterior acrylic latex caulk, or silicone specifically designed to adhere to concrete, at the base of the post. Note: This will seal the gap between the concrete and post that's caused by freeze/thaw cycles.

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1.How Long Will Cedar Fence Posts Last? - Mother Earth …

Url:https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/how-long-will-cedar-fence-posts-last/

8 hours ago May 09, 2020 · How long will a cedar post last in the ground? If you are using Red Cedar post they will last about 15 to 20 years (Western Red Cedar). A …

2.How long does cedar wood last outside? - …

Url:https://findanyanswer.com/how-long-does-cedar-wood-last-outside

31 hours ago How long will untreated cedar last in the ground? 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.

3.Can you put cedar post in concrete? - FindAnyAnswer.com

Url:https://findanyanswer.com/can-you-put-cedar-post-in-concrete

28 hours ago Dec 17, 2008 · 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...

4.How long will a treated 4x4 post last in the ground?

Url:https://askinglot.com/how-long-will-a-treated-4x4-post-last-in-the-ground

17 hours ago Jan 28, 2020 · If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color. However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural tone for good.

5.Preventing Cedar-Post Rot - Fine Homebuilding

Url:https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2016/05/16/preventing-cedar-post-rot

36 hours ago Remove the wood fence post from the ground. Dig a hole with a shovel about 10 inches beneath the area where the fence post will rest. Paint with a paintbrush the entire wood fence post with a waterproofing sealant intended for exterior wood, such as decks and fences. How long will a cedar 4×4 last in the ground? Have to point out that those ...

6.How to Set Fence Posts That Won't Rot (DIY) - Family …

Url:https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-set-fence-posts-that-won-t-rot/

21 hours ago Jan 06, 2020 · Cedar has a reputation for durability, but unless a few guidelines are followed, cedar posts can fail in as few as five years. The bottom of the post should extend a few inches into the aggregate as shown. 3. Pour the concrete so that it's above the soil level. Click to see full answer Similarly, it is asked, should fence posts be set in concrete?

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