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How long does pressure treated wood fence post last?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on March 15, 2026

How long does pressure treated wood fence post last?

How long do pressure treated fence posts last? A properly pressure treated pine fence posts, for example, can exist for a range of 20–35 years if well installed while the untreated one only lasts between 3–7 years.

Moreover, how long do pressure treated fence posts last?

twenty to thirty years

Additionally, how long will a treated wood post last? The length of time that you can keep a treated post in the ground depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, in the optimal conditions, it can last as long as 40 years. More commonly, though, it will last around 20 years.

Herein, how do you make pressure treated fence posts last longer?

  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 do I keep my pressure treated wood fence looking new?

Always use the best of pressure-treated wood on a fencing project, as it is designed to last many, many years.

On the list of top tips for keeping the wood fence looking like new are:

  1. Clean the fence regularly.
  2. Keep on top of the repairs.
  3. Stain, seal, and paint.
  4. Invest right from the start.
  5. Garden design can help.

Will pressure treated wood rot if buried?

Pressure-treated wood in contact with the ground needs the most protection, and will rot in just a few years if you use the wrong grade. If your wood will touch the ground or be buried, you should get the highest grade you can, up to .

How long will a pressure treated 4x4 post last in the ground?

about 20 years

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

Set in Gravel and Concrete

Gravel allows water to drain quickly away from the post and into the soil. Be sure to place the post in the center of the hole. Finally, fill the entire hole up with cement to the top. Concrete will hold the fence firmly in place and prevent any lateral movement.

How long will pressure treated lumber last in the ground?

How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.

Can pressure treated wood touch the ground?

Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. Has twice the level of chemical retention and protection compared to above-ground treated wood.

Will concrete rot fence posts?

Simply setting the posts in concrete does create a condition that will accelerate rot in the bottom of the posts. With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.

Does pressure treated wood need to be sealed?

However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so.

How long will a pressure treated 6x6 last in the ground?

40 years

What is the best concrete for fence posts?

Fast-setting concrete is ideal for installing fence posts since it doesn't need to be mixed in a bucket or a wheelbarrow. Once you've finished digging your post holes, add about three to four inches of gravel into the bottom and compact it using a post or a 2x4.

Should you tar fence posts?

Roofing tar is a traditional way of protecting fence posts. The tar adheres to the fence posts so that nothing can penetrate, prolonging the life of the wood by keeping insects and rot away. Treat your fence posts as soon as you get them, and they will last for the lifetime of the wood.

Why do fence posts rot at ground level?

Fence posts rot where the post exits the soil. of soil contains millions of microbes. The soil builds up around the base of the post and acts like a sponge to retain moisture. The moisture and soil is fuel for fungi and the oxygen fuels the rot.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4x4 fence post?

1 - 4 bags

Does painting a fence make it last longer?

Painting or staining a wood fence can help your fence last longer and look better. Either one will extend the lifespan of your fence by giving it some protection against rot, insects, wear, and tear. Paint doesn't allow the cedar to breathe, which means you'll actually reduce the lifespan of the fence.

Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?

A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. Concrete tends to absorb moisture and wood expands when it gets wet, so these two factors combined will result in the wood breaking the concrete.

Can pressure treated wood get rained on?

Can I leave treated wood in the rain? Because rain adds moisture to wood, it can interfere with absorption. You shouldn't stain any type of wet wood. However, if you've allowed the treated lumber to adequately dehydrate prior to being rained upon, you can begin the staining process 24 hours after the rain has ceased..

Is Redwood better than pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated lumber is rot and insect resistant, but it's cheaper than redwood or cedar and is widely available across the U.S. Deck builders use it to build the support systems for decks because it holds up well and is often masked by the deck flooring.

How long does it take pressure treated wood to dry?

72 hours

Can you put pressure treated wood directly on concrete?

YES. Any exterior concrete that is in contact with earth may wick moisture. Thus, it is required to place pressure treated wood directly against the concrete if one wishes next to build off that concrete with untreated wood.

Can you burn old pressure treated wood?

Homeowners should never burn any type of pressure- treated wood or preservative-treated wood under any circumstances. The chemicals that are in the most common pressure-treated wood are heavy metals: chromium, copper, and arsenic. Those 3 chemicals may become airborne.

How long will a 6x6 post last in concrete?

An area for milking. This will be the main purposes of this building. The post in my other 2 buildings are either on a slab or on a concrete peir. The treated post that are rated for ground contact are guaranteed for 40 years.

Should wood posts be set in concrete?

First rule, gang: Do not set wooden posts in concrete. Look, no matter what preventative steps you take (and I'll get to those), eventually wooden posts rot, and eventually you'll have to set new ones. Not only does burying them in concrete make for more work down the line, it actually can speed up the rotting.

What is the best sealant for pressure treated wood?

Choose the right sealant.

For pressure treated decks, we recommend Spa N Deck from Flood or Wood RX. The 100% acrylic finish formula can be applied in just one day, and the end result enhances the wood's natural beauty while providing extra durability.

What do you seal cut pressure treated wood with?

Cut-N-Seal® is a water-based brush-on sealer and moisture repellent for cuts and holes in pressure treated wood that exposes untreated wood above ground, on deck boards, railing, post tops, and fence boards.

What happens if you stain pressure treated wood too soon?

The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again. This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes. Protection from UV rays is also necessary for insurance against fading, discoloration, and warping.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from turning gray?

Any wood—even pressure-treated wood—will eventually dry out, crack, and turn gray if left exposed to the elements. To protect your investment and keep your deck looking its best, finish it with a clear water-repellant sealer, a stain, or paint.

How do you make pressure treated wood look good?

Allow the wood to dry completely and otherwise prepare the same ways you would when staining. To help the paint adhere, use a bristle brush to coat the surface with a primer designed for exterior use on pressure treated wood. Using a brush, apply at least two coats of latex paint to see best results.

How do you clean pressure treated wood?

For mild stains and dirt use a mild dish detergent diluted in a bucket of water. Mop a small area of the deck surface with the detergent and then use a stiff bristle brush to work the dirt free from the surface. Rinse the solution with a garden hose and re-clean areas as needed.

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