Fence Post Rot: 5 Prevention Methods Every DIYer Should Know

Comments · 32

• DB

  @Dbossmon · 1 month ago

  Pine tar works nice.

  3

• PO

  @PowerChorrd · 1 month ago

  I put my posts in the ground 15 years ago and they are still solid, Just filled the hole bottom with a few inches of stone, drop the ground contact pressure treated post in and back fill with more stone. This is for my garden which gets soaked on a regular basis.

  2

• FL

  @FlexSeal · 1 month ago

  Great tips! We love option 2!💪 With your permission, we’d love to share your video on our social media pages!

• SA

  @SalvationActs412 · 12 days ago

  Typar, Window tape is good.

• CA

  @captain54526 · 1 month ago

  Sounds like a Flex-Seal Commercial. That roof coating couldn't reach the ground water in 10,000 years/not ever. Another method is to burn the top layer of the post that is cemented into the ground. This can be achieved by use of a propane torch.

  1

• GH

  @ghgockley · 1 month ago

  Great stuff. The first 4 methods will work great until . . . you weed wack around the post. And you know you will eventually do it.<br><br>I worked in the electric utility industry for 35 years and never heard of a copper borate rod treatment. I&apos;m not saying it isn&apos;t used just saying we never used it in the northeast US. We used a chemical called MIT-C. It&apos;s crystals in an aluminum tube like a cigar tube. A hole is drilled diagonally at the base of the pole, the tube is inserted and a plug hammered in which causes the tube to puncture. The crystals slowly dissolve and off gas the treatment into the pole. They last several years. <br><br>BTW, when utility budgets get tight the first thing they cut is pole inspections.

• BI

  @BigVine-m5i · 1 month ago

  ​ @ReluctantDIYers &nbsp;Here is the info from a website I found, as I do not have a bag of post mix. Maybe the instructions on bags have changed, but I would still use this method over others: <br> <br>Steps to Set Fence Posts with Dry Concrete <br>Setting fence posts with dry concrete is simple and can save you from a mess. Follow these steps and you’ll have a secure fence in no time. <br> <br>Preparation of the Hole <br>First, dig a hole about one-third the length of your post. Aim for at least 6 to 12 inches wide, giving your post enough room for stability. If your posts are 8 feet tall, the hole should be about 2 to 2.5 feet deep. Check local building codes; they want to keep things straight, much like your future fence. <br> <br>Placing the Post <br>Next, place the post in the center of the hole. Ensure it’s straight by using a level or a trusty ol’ plumb line. Adjust the post as needed so it stands tall like a champion ready for its moment of glory. You might consider buddying up with a friend or a sturdy rock to hold it steady while you pour. <br> <br>Weather Conditions <br>Check the weather forecast before mixing things up. Rainy days can ruin your dry concrete setup. Moisture seeps in, causing your mix to activate prematurely. Ideally, aim for a dry, sunny day. This helps ensure your project sets up nicely and avoids unexpected puddles. Plus, nobody likes a mud bath while working! <br> <br>Weight Distribution and Stability <br>Weight matters. Ensure that your post and concrete mix work together. A tall post requires a solid base—at least one-third of the post’s length buried. For an 8-foot post, dig a solid 2 to 2.5 feet deep. If you skimp on the hole size, you risk a wonky fence that leans like it’s had a few too many at the local tavern. Balance is key, so lean those poles carefully and check your level multiple times. It’s not just for fun! <br> <br>Conclusion <br>So there you have it you can totally set fence posts with dry concrete and avoid the mess of wet stuff. Just imagine no more splashing around like a toddler in a puddle while trying to keep your posts straight. <br> <br>With a little prep and the right conditions you’ll be well on your way to a fence that stands tall and proud. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather and make sure your hole isn’t a glorified thimble. <br> <br>Now go forth and conquer your fencing project with the confidence of a DIY superstar. Your fence will thank you and so will your back!

• LO

  @lorenwilson8128 · 3 weeks ago

  The chemicals in the post to preserve it are far worse for you than roofing compound.

• BI

  @BigVine-m5i · 1 month ago

  Use the method on the post mix bag. Put your<br>post in with a bit of gravel, and then put the dry post mix in and tamp<br>it down around the post, while keeping the post plumb. Do NOT<br>use water at any stage of this method. Over time,<br>the moisture from the environment saturates the<br>post mix and it hardens over time. The post mix<br>keeps the post upright and stays holey, so water<br>never sits against the post. I&apos;ve used this method<br>on many posts over 30 years in many different<br>cities from Portland, OR to Anaheim, CA. The posts<br>are fine after those 30 years. This doesn&apos;t have to<br>be rocket science. The instructions are on the bags.

• SA

  @savethezombies · 1 month ago

  Dude sounds a lot like Fozzie Bear.

• PH

  @philliangbeihai5388 · 2 weeks ago

  Just use galvanized steel problem solved.

  1

• CA

  @cafemolido5459 · 1 month ago

  Oh WOW, no AI