Sealer for fence posts

[Rockbadchild]

I made all my fence post myself (harvested and debark) I used tamarack and cedar I was told Tamarack would last 30 years and cedar would last 50 years condition would greatly affect it but by doing so I saves thousands (around 3 to $4000) to me it was worth the effort.

 

[LHF2019]

These posts are yellow pines I would choose Cedar over yellow pine

Over the years I have seen cedar mentioned. Not something available here or if it is, it is not widely known. The southern yellow pine is what is stocked here. That's what I assume was used for the fence program. I need to try my hand at felling trees and start making my own locusts posts. Not sure what current pricing is on those but wouldn't be surprised if pushing $7/post. Under $5 was considered a good price at auction couple decades ago.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Over the years I have seen cedar mentioned. Not something available here or if it is, it is not widely known. The southern yellow pine is what is stocked here. That's what I assume was used for the fence program. I need to try my hand at felling trees and start making my own locusts posts. Not sure what current pricing is on those but wouldn't be surprised if pushing $7/post. Under $5 was considered a good price at auction couple decades ago.

At least their pine is treated but it's cheap (widely available). Cedar is the next best thing after Locust (first time I hear about Locust) as per my research locus is very heavy and hard, cedar is very light and soft, but they have similar longevity (but Locust would outlast cedar). I would expect they are more expensive than that, cedar post goes for $15 Canadian each ($10.8 USD).

 

[KennyG]

Regardless of type of wood, it is really important to keep it dry at the ground surface. When I bought my place, the existing cedar posts were all rotting off at the ground level. The portion of the post below ground was pretty solid. They had been installed directly in soil and the fill had settled, resulting in standing water around the post. As noted above, I installed the new ones with gravel packed around them and mounded a little above the surface with very good results.

 

[LHF2019]

I could not imagine taking the time to prep posts for a fence or put gravel around or…….. guess it comes down to how much fence there is. I want to reiterate if you use quality posts the first time it will be decades and decades before they need replaced. Is it really worth the time and money.

 

[Snobdds]

My grandfather used to dip them for 24h is used motor oil.

That's what we do on the ranch....

My grandfather made a tank that all the old motor oil was drained into. Then the post would sit in it for a few days. Then they would be put in the ground. I have fence post that are over 80 years old and are still in great shape.

 

[RayIN]

How does gravel allow drainage? Wouldn't gravel allow more water to fill up the hole around the post?

I had an Amish company build my 60'x40'x15' pole barn in 2010. They used the same #7 crushed stone that made the base for the concrete floor to set the 6'"X8" poles.