What wood is best for fence posts?
Summary
Selecting the best wood for fence posts involves considering durability and longevity. Our forum users have shared a variety of options, from naturally decay-resistant woods to treated lumber and even metal alternatives. The choice often depends on budget and desired lifespan of the fence. Let's explore what our forum users are saying about the best wood for fence posts.
Our forum users suggest the following options:
- Post Oak: One user recommends post oak due to its good decay resistance, noting, "Not the most durable choice, but I always wanted to use post oak posts. That's how post oak got it's name. One of the white oaks, so it has good decay resistance." -- hdavis, Contractortalk
- WR Cedar: Another user mentions that they have a good stock of WR Cedar -- kwikfishron, DIYchatroom
- Redwood Heartwood: One user considered redwood heartwood, asking if pressure treatment would be necessary -- EarlVorhees, Contractortalk
- Metal Posts: As an alternative to wood, one user suggests using metal posts for their durability: "Use good quality metal posts instead of wood. Use fast setting post concrete poured and mixed directly in the hole. Strong and will last a long time. You'll probably replace the fence boards a couple times over the years on the same posts." -- vsheetz, DIYchatroom
- Schedule 40 Square Tubing: To avoid rotting, one user recommends using "schedule 40 square tubing for the post...No wood in the ground here." -- Dirtywhiteboy, Contractortalk
Post Mentions
- Not the most durable choice, but I always wanted to use post oak posts. That's how post oak got it's name. One of the white oaks, so it has good decay resistance.
- Use good quality metal posts instead of wood. Use fast setting post concrete poured and mixed directly in the hole. Strong and will last a long time. You'll probably replace the fence boards a couple times over the years on the same posts.
- I imagine redwood heartwood but would you also want it pressure treated or is that overkill? Would you use the same wood also for the posts and kickers? I want to build the most long-lasting fence that I can with the best possible materials. Any help appreciated. My first fencing project.
- That could be a problem........You do have Menards in your area right? In my area they'er the only box store with a good stock of WR Cedar.
- No matter the cost?
- I'm replacing a 6x8x80 wooden fence in my backyard and I'm trying to figure out the best way to anchor the post. The current post are set in dirt only and have leaned a little bit, but considering the age of the fence the soil held up pretty good. I want something more stable this time round...
- To keep from rotting and rusting we use a schedule 40 square tubing for the post. In come with holes in it so the water drains out. 2x4s screws to the sides and fence builds off of that. No wood in the ground here.
- If I want to keep my posts white (panel are white) WITHOUT using a PVC sleeve, I will have to paint them... Which wood is recommended (something I will have to find at Home Depot or Lowes), and which paint?
- Try using a PGR around those posts instead of Round-up...better to regulate the growth than kill the grass.
- Try using a short piece of drain pipe. Split it to go around the post and then push it down to the ground. It may take a couple of trials to get the height right so that it does not readily show. I have done this at several properties and have not had any complaints.
Related Threads
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- I'm replacing a 6x8x80 wooden fence in my backyard and I'm trying to figure out the best way to anchor the post. The current post are set in dirt only and have leaned a little bit, but considering the age of the fence the soil held up pretty good. I want something more stable this time round...
- I imagine redwood heartwood but would you also want it pressure treated or is that overkill? Would you use the same wood also for the posts and kickers? I want to build the most long-lasting fence that I can with the best possible materials. Any help appreciated. My first fencing project.
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