Oak Fence Post

hunterridgefarm · Mar 25, 2006

Has anyone used oak for fence post? If so how did they hold up?

I have never seen them used, around here it is Locust trees that are used and they seem to last forever or the treated pine post.

I am starting to clear property in the next couple of weeks and have several small oaks that would make some nice fence post...if they would last.

waynokakid · Mar 25, 2006

Post Oak, that's what has always been used around here. In fact there is a man where I grew up as a kid, that still splits them by hand.

MotorSeven · Mar 26, 2006

A long time ago, my dad and i built a riding ring out of oak 4x4 we got from a local sawmill real cheap. Soaked them in a Penta/diesel mix for a week before planting them. We used oak rails and it came out beautifull. About a year later, just leaning against one and "snap". Seems the S Louisisna termites loved the penta/diesel flavor and sawed them ALL off right at ground level /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. They should work ok if you don't have them dang pesky b$#@*&!s! And i guess that depends on how close to the coast you are.

RD

Dargo · Mar 26, 2006

Oak does rot relatively fast for a hard wood. Where I live the old posts are also made from locust. The odd thing is, I have a few dozen locust trees and I seem to lose one everytime we have a storm with high winds. They break off right at the ground. However, another seems to sprout up in it's place. Weird. Anyway, I think your oak would be really strong for about a season or so, then rot at the ground level.

gsganzer · Mar 26, 2006

Oak will rot very fast when it's in ground contact or exposed to weather. Mainly due to the course grain, compared to other varieties.

hunterridgefarm · Mar 26, 2006

To All:

I guess that explains why I have never seen them used as fence post.

They will make some nice firewood that won't have to be split.

I also thought I could use them as rails for a rustic looking fence in part of the landscaping, that way they would not be in contact with the ground and may last longer. But if they won't last 5-10 years I'll just use as firewood.

Thanks for the replys.

Glenn9643 · Mar 26, 2006

White oak will last pretty well as long as it isn't in direct contact with the ground. It's a favorite around here for trailer flooring and those who have access to it often use it for fence boards around the barn lot. Red oak rots very fast if unprotected.