Prevent fence posts from rotting with this advice!
Fence posts can come in all kinds of materials, from steel to pine. If you have a wood fence or want to install one, you have made a great choice. The question is how to prevent fence posts from rotting, especially if you have already seen one or two of your current ones go downhill. Here’s Freedom’s guide to helping you keep your fence posts in great condition for a long time.
Treating the Wood Fence Post
The first step is to make sure the fence post you use is treated for preservation, no matter what kind of lumber it is. It is a lot easier to use pre-treated lumber. The wood undergoes a preservative chemical infusion that penetrates the wood completely. Then, it will be safe against moisture and insect damage for generally over a decade.
If you prefer to install a fence yourself and want to treat untreated lumber, you can follow the instructions for a preservative paint treatment or char the fence post’s base before setting it in the ground. If you choose the charring method, be sure to have a bucket of water on hand.
Installing the Fence Post Correctly
Installing the fence post correctly is the second part of preventing it from rotting. If you are installing a fence post yourself, be sure to dig a hole that is as deep as the frost line and twice the diameter of your fence post. Next, fill up the hole with a few inches of gravel, which will prevent the bottom of the wood fence post from contacting soggy soil and encourage healthy drainage. Finally, while holding the fence post securely upright, fill the hole up with concrete and allow it to set. You can slope the top of the concrete so that water drains away from the fence post when it rains. Cover the concrete with dirt, and you are good to go.
Maintaining the Fence Post
The exposed wood above the foundation point needs routine care to prevent rotting, even with the preservative treatment. It helps to wash the fence down, sand it as necessary, and stain it so that it remains sealed from the elements.
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area, and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right backyard feature for your home, explore our website. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.