Softwood posts in the ground that are not treated may only last up to 6 months! Using treated posts will ensure longevity. Some fence builders will wrap the base of the post in sheet copper or galvanized steel to prolong the wood's life even further, but the consensus is that treated posts will do the trick.
I recommend at the very least coating your lumber in linseed oil or beeswax to preserve them for the long haul. Some gardeners use lining between the interior of their raised bed and soil to protect the wood.
To prevent buried lumber or wood from rotting, ensure it's properly treated with a wood preservative. Additionally, use pressure-treated wood or apply a waterproof sealant. For more tips on wood preservation, feel free to explore my Quora Profile section!
Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business.
Use a quality sealer to coat the bottom of the post that you are putting in the ground and this will help protect it from moisture. Another tip is check the mistinted paints at Lowes or Home Depot for wood sealer you can usually pick it up for $5 to $10 a gallon instead of $40. This is how we do it and you can too.
Softwood posts in the ground that are not treated may only last up to 6 months! Using treated posts will ensure longevity. Some fence builders will wrap the base of the post in sheet copper or galvanized steel to prolong the wood's life even further, but the consensus is that treated posts will do the trick.
Copper Naphthenate-Based Wood Preservatives
Per the EPA, copper naphthenates also protect above-ground and ground-contact wood against insect damage, with low toxicity for humans. Copper-Green Brown Wood Preservative is a great example.
A pressure treated fence post can generally last 10 to 25 years.
What is the best treatment for wood outside? Roxil Coloured Wood Preserver and Roxil Wood Protection Cream is a comprehensive 2-part wood treatment that protects against wood rot, woodworm, rain and weather damage.
Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. Has twice the level of chemical retention and protection compared to above-ground treated wood. Must be used when lumber is less than 6 inches from the ground or has poor ventilation.
Pour waterproofing sealant into a bucket, immersing the end of the post (which will be buried below ground) into the sealant. Allow the post to sit in the bucket of sealant overnight, then leave to air dry.
Selecting a wood species that is resistant to rot can really increase the longevity of a post in the ground. Wood species such as Osage orange, black locust, white oak, and various others are rot-resistant on their own.
If you are looking for an invisible protective treatment for exterior wood that won't change the appearance of the wood but will help protect it from rotting, a wood oil or wood waterproofer is your best option.
Wet rot is often less damaging than dry rot. Typically, when you eliminate the source of moisture, the rot stops spreading. Once the moisture is eliminated, applying a fungicide like borax will help ward off fute wet or dry rot.
UC4B is used in areas facing extensive moisture and potential exposure to termites, such as wood used in contact with the ground or exposed to saltwater splash. Given the tropical conditions in the Caribbean, the Southern Forest Products Association recommends using UC3B and above.
Place the end of a rebar stake into the hole that you pre-drilled. Then, drive it through the wood and into the ground with a hammer. Use a hammer to push the rebar stakes through the timber, ideally using rods or rebar stakes long enough to be driven 2 feet (0.6 meters) into the ground.
For a highly effective solution, consider Barrettine Premier Wood Preserver, which offers comprehensive protection against wood-destroying fungi, discolouring fungi, and wood-boring insects, and is ideal for outdoor use.
If you're building outdoor chairs, cabinets, planters or other woodwork consider adding a metal or plastic foot to the underside of any wood that comes in contact with the ground. This will greatly reduce moisture wicking up the end grain and encouraging the rotting process.
Olive oil and fungus protect wood from wood rot.
Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). 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).
The outdoor elements can take a toll on wood and make it look less than pristine. Pressure treatment helps protect wood from rot and insects with the help of high pressure and preservatives, helping to extend its life. Generally, pressure-treated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years, depending on a few factors.
Fill with Gravel or Concrete
Gravel helps keep moisture from the fence posts, slowing the rot. Concrete can more sturdily set the posts, but the moisture in the concrete may collect and absorb at the bottom of the post, accelerating the very process you're trying to mitigate.
Pressure-treating can make wood water-resistant, but it's not 100 percent rot-resistant. Any time the wood moves, bends, or cracks, water can enter. While this may seem worrisome, the key is to keep the water away. On the Ask the Builder website, Carter endorses Trex Protect, as the product he prefers.
It's using homemade wood preservative — for those who are cost-conservative. You'll need a fair amount of boiled linseed oil, an equal amount of mineral spirits and enough mildicide (a pesticide that kills mildew and is found at paint and hardware stores) to treat both.