Cedar has a reputation for durability, but unless a few guidelines are followed, cedar posts can fail in as few as five years.

How long will a cedar 4×4 last in the ground?

In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it’s used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.

Are cedar posts good for ground contact?

Don’t put cedar where it’s in direct contact with the ground or set it in concrete. It may last for a while, but eventually it will rot and deteriorate.

How long will untreated cedar posts last?

People have been using Red Cedar as untreated fenceposts for a long time, and Mother Earth News notes that they will last for 15 to 20 years. Since our supports are significantly thicker than typical fenceposts and will be protected on the top from water, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lasted for several decades.

Should cedar posts be set in concrete?

Set wood “on” concrete, never “in” concrete no matter what kind of wood. Setting wood in concrete makes for a continuously moist environment in which not even the best treated wood will survive long.

Will cedar last as long as pressure-treated?

Longevity. Cedar decks last 15 to 20 years, compared to 10 to 15 years for pressure-treated wood.

Does outdoor cedar need to be sealed?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.

Should wood fence 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.

Will cedar rot outside?

One of the main strengths of cedar is its natural resistance to rot and decay. As a result, it can survive outdoors with zero treatment and resist fungi and other microorganisms responsible for rot and decay.

How do you keep cedar posts from rotting?

Protect cedar posts with a sealant that repels water, prevents fading, and resists mildew. Simply paint the sealant on the posts with a brush. Use long, overlapping strokes in order to assure thorough coverage.

How long does it take cedar to rot?

However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural tone for good.

Does cedar fence last longer than pressure treated wood?

If you’re looking to make a lengthy investment, consider the fact that cedar fences will stand, with no maintenance, for up to 25 years. Meanwhile, pressure treated pine last up to 15 years, provided you are regularly maintaining it.

What do you seal cedar post with?

The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear. You can find other clear water-based stains, but will not last nearly as long as a Linseed oil based stain will.

What is the best wood for fence post?

Redwood is one of the most widely used wood types for wooden fencing. It is expensive, but it more than compensates for its price with durability, quality, and beauty. It is naturally resistant to rot and insects. It is therefore considered the best wood for fencing.

How do I stop my fence post from rotting?

Place your fence post on top of the gravel drainage layer and fill the rest of the hole in with soil, ensuring it stands firm and steady. As an alternative, Postsaver sleeves are a cost-effective, simple way to keep wood rot at bay.

Should cedar posts be sealed?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you’re using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

How far apart should fence posts be?

Most fence posts can be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. While this is a general criteria, it doesn’t cover all scenarios. For instance, high tensile fence can have larger spacing, requiring line posts every 15 to 20 feet for field fence styles, and as much as 20-30 feet for high tensile barbed and smooth wire.