what is the best wood to use for fence posts

What are the best wooden posts for fencing?

Treated Fence Posts & Rails

• Pressure Treated Wood Fencing. These wood posts and poles are all pressure treated with MCA (Micro Copper Azole) wood preservative for ground contact.
• Round Posts & Poles. Pressure treated squares 10′ and longer are number 2 & better incised Hem/Fir. ...
• Corral Poles. Pressure treated MCA. ...
• Western Post & Rail. ...

What are your tips for installing a wood fence post?

Wood Fence Tips: Installing Posts, Rails and Pickets

• Setting Fence Posts. Once you’ve marked the layout for your component-built fence with batter boards and string, you can dig post holes and set all your posts in concrete.
• Installing Fence Stringers. Once the post concrete has cured, install the horizontal rails, or stringers, between the posts. ...
• Installing Fence Pickets. ...
• Wood Fence Tips and Ideas. ...

How do I choose the best fence posts?

• This fence post amazingly blends with the green fields.
• Eight clips per post to hold wire or more work like insulators.
• Lightweight posts are durable to last long.
• This fence post works temporarily for livestock, pens, gardens, and sometimes works best for crowd control or boundary marking.

More items...

What do trees make the best fence posts?

What trees make the best fence post?

• Cedar. Cedar is one of the most ascetically pleasing materials for fence posts.
• Locust. Depending on price and availability, locust may be your best choice when selecting wood to build a farm or ranch fence.
• White Oak.
• Whitewoods.

What type of wood fence post lasts the longest?

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.

Can I use pressure treated wood for fence posts?

Pressure Treated Wood Posts. Which is best? If you can, stick with pressure treated pine or fir type wood that is rated for ground contact. While cedar's tight grain, resistance to rot, and lack of knots make for optimal fence material – it is less durable against soil than pressure treated pine (in posts).

What wood makes the best post?

Softwoods such as pressure-treated pine are solid options for fence posts. Pine is comparatively cheap and is resistant to termites and other pests. Additionally, the third of the post buried below the ground doesn't rot as quickly as other woods.

What is the best material to use for fence posts?

Pine is the most common and, when pressure treated, can last for up to 30 years. Other long-lasting types are Redwood and Sweetgum. Some tree species don't need to be treated and can last up to 25 years.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

Should wood fence posts be set in concrete?

It doesn't matter if it is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a professional installation, wood fence or vinyl fence, your fence posts should be set in concrete. Without a properly set concrete footer, your fence posts will begin to sag until they eventually fail.

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

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

Is cedar better than pressure treated?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

How do you rot proof fence posts?

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.

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!

How long will a treated 6x6 post last in the ground?

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 the ground?

Tips for Preventing Wood Rot Always use decay-resistant or pressure-treated lumber for decks. Wood that touches the ground should be pressure-treated lumber that's rated for ground contact. When building an exterior project with wood, stain or paint all sides of each lumber piece before assembly.

How long will a pressure treated fence post last?

If properly treated and installed, pine fence posts can last for 20–35 years; untreated pine posts might only last 3–7 years. chemical in the posts.

What is better for fence pressure treated or cedar?

Durability/Strength 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. However, cedar is more susceptible to cosmetic damages, such as dents and scratches.

Which lasts longer pressure treated or cedar?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

Using a post-hole digger instead of a shovel to create your anchor hole is more effective, as it makes the perfect size anchor point. From here, you should fill the hole with about 6 inches of gravel. This will prevent rotting by ensuring that the post is kept dry when water makes its way into the soil.

What kind of wood is used for a fence?

There are many fence material options available, but some of the most common wood species used for fencing are Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pressure-Treated Wood and Redwood. They’re not all created equal, but they all will give you a strong, sturdy fence (assuming it’s properly installed). Your choice is less about safety and more about ...

What is the most economical choice for wood that’s resistant to insects and rot?

Pressure-treated wood is the most economical choice for wood that’s resistant to insects and rot.

What color is pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood has a natural yellow to light mint-green hue with some knots which can vary based on grade and species of wood. There are also color-treated varieties that have been infused with a pigment to mimic the look of Redwood or Cedar. Like Western Red Cedar, pressure-treated wood accepts paint, stain and sealer so you can customize to meet your desired look. We recommend a semi-transparent stain for best results. This wood also weathers to a gray if it’s not maintained – follow a proper maintenance plan to keep your fence looking fresh.

What is the color of Western red cedar?

Western Red Cedar has warm, reddish tones with a unique grain pattern and well-spaced knots. It weathers to a silver-gray patina over time – this can be minimized by applying stain or sealer regularly. It readily accepts a variety of finishes, so you can customize to get the look you desire.

Which is stronger, redwood or heartwood?

Redwood is the hardest of the three materials, making it very strong and durable. It’s also very stable – it will not shrink or warp after installation. Like its color, Redwood ’s resistance to insects and rot varies based on the part of the tree. Heartwood will have the greatest resistance.

What is the most expensive building material?

Redwood is the most expensive building material on our list.

Which is more expensive, Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar?

Western Red Cedar is more expensive than pressure-treated wood and Douglas fir, but less expensive than Redwood.

What is the best wood for a fence?

It is affordable but typically less durable than other woods so it needs to be maintained regularly. It consists of mostly southern yellow pine and is often considered the least expensive wood to use for a fence (usually half the price of most other woods). Most pressure treated wood is treated with a chemical to preserve the wood and protect it from rot and insects. The most common chemicals used to treat pressure treated wood include: Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), Copper Azole (CA), and, the most recent, Micronized Copper Quaternary (MCQ).

What is the most common material used for fencing?

Wood has been used for creating fence for centuries throughout the United States and most of the world. It is the most used material for fence today. Although wood fencing has a limited life and requires maintenance, it is often chosen over other fence materials, like vinyl and aluminum, because it’s the cheapest option.

What happens if you leave a redwood fence unstained?

If the redwood is left unstained, the fence may turn a grayish color. Redwood is a softwood that often considered the most expensive of any wood used in fencing and decks. In most regions of the country, redwood and cedar each cost at least three times more than pressure-treated lumber.

Why is quality of fence posts important?

The quality of the fence posts are very important because they are often the first part of your fence to fail. So now let’s talk about the quality of wood and how it’s graded. Lumber is graded based on how it will be used. The fewer knots and defects, the higher the grade and the more expensive it is.

What is red cedar fencing?

Western Red Cedar is a naturally durable fencing material that provides exceptional character and can be used for both residential and commercial projects. It is a truly sustainable fence material with an extremely low environmental impact (compared to vinyl and other wood species).

How long does a wood fence last?

According to the International Association of Certified Home Builders, a wood fence has an approximate lifespan of about 20 years with regular maintenance. A fence’s life expectancy can be increased significantly if you pay up for a high-quality wood.

What is the grade of redwood?

Redwood grades rank from construction common, a mix of heartwood and sapwood, to clear all heart, an all heart grade with no imperfections. Redwood can be used for all parts of a wood fence but different grades can be used for different parts. Lower grade construction common redwood is OK for fence panels.

How does wood fencing benefit property?

Wooden fences can benefit any property by establishing boundaries, adding security and privacy, keeping pets and livestock safe and increasing property value. When deciding which wood fencing materials are right for your project, consider your budget, the qualities of the wood, the type of fence you’re building and its purpose. On This Page:

What is the longest lasting wood?

Each type of wood has a different lifespan. Cedar is the longest-lasting softwood, with a lifespan of 30+ years, if properly maintained. Ipe is the longest-lasting hardwood, with a life expectancy of up to 75 years in the right conditions.

Is cedar good for privacy fences?

Cedar is a smart choicefor privacy fences. It’s long-lasting, has a tight, uniform grain with few knots, and doesn’t warp or shrink. It’s reasonably lightweight and DIY friendly, helping you save on the cost of fence repairor installation. This affordable, budget-friendly softwood can last up to 30 years.