How long do wood fence posts last?

15 to 20 years
How long do fence posts last? Fence posts, like your fence, should last for 15 to 20 years if properly installed and maintained.

How do I keep my fence post from rotting?

How to Protect Wooden Fence Posts From Rotting

1. Set the wooden fence posts in a cool, dry area with plenty of air circulation so the wood can dry.
2. Brush the bottom third or bottom half of the fence post with waterborne copper naphthenate, a wood preservative that is free of arsenic and chromium.

How long will a wood post last in the ground?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable.

How long will untreated cedar posts last?

Cedar has a reputation for durability, but unless a few guidelines are followed, cedar posts can fail in as few as five years. Three factors contribute to this early failure: poor drainage, low-quality wood and poor protection against insect damage.

Should you concrete a wood fence post?

Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can rot them more quickly. Setting them in dirt, with or without gravel or crushed rock depending on your soil type, can help the posts last longer before going rotten. You can also use metal fence post anchors to prolong their life.

Do fence posts rot in concrete?

Unlike wooden fence posts concrete is not a degradable material and cannot be penetrated by rot or insect attack which is why people choose to opt for concrete over timber.

How long will untreated 4X4 last?

How long a PT 4X4 lasts in the ground is dependent on where you live, your environment. Basically, It won’t last more than half a decade. I’ve seen treated posts that were under a roof last 40 years. Untreated wood lasts one year, max.

Should fence post be set in concrete?

Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don’t need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.

Can you seal untreated wood?

Untreated lumber, exposed to the elements and moisture, is at risk of weathering and rotting over time. However, if you already have an item made of untreated lumber that is left outdoors, you can treat it yourself to seal out any moisture and ensure that it holds up well for years to come.