This is the best post! Thanks to all for sharing.
I'm in the planning process to put up a fence for my driveway, basically a 600 ft run. I too don't want to have to worry with it (at least for many, many years) after spending the $ and working my arse off putting it in. So, I plan on using railroad ties as the fence posts (no concrete at base on the running posts, but just the corners), rough cut cypress for the 3 running boards. My choice of stain is one that goes back a long way here in the south...burnt oil and diesel fuel mix through a pump sprayer with a modified nozzle. I love black stained fences and it goes well with the motiff of my place.
I can get the railroad ties from a local distributor who get's them from a local train depot for 11.00 a piece used (but in really great shape) and I have been told that he can get new ones If I buy minimum 100. Not sure of the cost, but like I said, I really don't care. It's sometimes beneficial to pony up in the beginning, do it right, and not have to fool with it for 30 years or so! In 30 years, I won't be able to manhandle a railroad tie

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The same company has access to tons of cypress and as you all know, it rivals red cedar in bug resistance and water rot resistance because of the natural ingredient cypressene. Cypressene is a naturally occurring oily substance that is found in Red Cedar and Southern Bald Cypress. Around here, cypress is much more readily available than Red Cedar, it's the obvious choice in my case because of this.
This fence will happen hopefully this year.
Good day to you all,
Podunk.
Ps, thanks for all the pics. It really gives great meaning to the stories!