Lasting Non-toxic Fence Posts..Do They Exist?

[Haoleguy]

Hi All - I'm planning a 8ft high 6K ft deer fence for my vineyard. I'm looking to not use toxic pressure treated posts if possible. I have two buddies who independently mentioned a new charred post that withstands direct ground exposure...anyone know about this and can provide me a link to information on these posts? Thanx.

[Soundguy]

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fpltn/fpltn-108.pdf

this document seems to claim charring doesn't help.

If you don't like the old aresenic bearing posts.. nor the new ones.. how about dipping your own with copper napthenate.. or black asphalt fence paint.. that and cypress posts..

soundguy

[Danno1]

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Catalpa is supposed to be very resistant to rot in ground contact applications. Good luck finding it though!

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[MMagis]

Black locust works well if you have them in your area.

[20 20]

I'll 2nd the black locust, last longer then treated stuff also. It will get rock hard once dried so if your going to drive nails into it try and get that done as soon as posible. They don't call it the 70 year wood because it's pretty.

[RickB]

Originally Posted by 20 20

I'll 2nd the black locust, last longer then treated stuff also. It will get rock hard once dried so if your going to drive nails into it try and get that done as soon as posible. They don't call it the 70 year wood because it's pretty.

Absolutely the best fence post, if it is available in your area.

[patrick_g]

I have catalpa and locust and would gladly give anyone permission to come take them away.

Pat

[mrcaptainbob]

Is honey locust similar to black locust?

[jimmyj]

They used to sell plastic fence posts made from recycled shopping bags or something like that up here. Have not seen them for a while, so I do not know if they were any good. In theory they sound like a good way to go but I bet you'd still need heavy corner posts and braces.

Most of us use cedar (eastern white) posts up here because they are cheap and plentiful. I don't bother to treat them and just stick them in the ground. They last quite a while, most of mine are over 10 years old and still fine. I figure at about 20 years I'll have to replace them.

What about steel?

[datanull]

Osage Orange, Horse Apple, Hedge Apple

Maclura pomifera

Osage Orange is extremely durable and is considered to be one of the most decay resistant woods in North America.

Osage Orange - Lumber Identification (Hardwoods) | The Wood Database