Can I bury pressure treated posts?

Yes. Pressure-treated wood can be buried in the dirt when used as a fence post or any exterior structure that requires underground support. However, it needs the most protection because continuous exposure to moisture in the dirt might cause the wood to rot and waste away prematurely.

Will treated wood rot underground?

Pressure-Treated Wood Makes the Grade

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 you're planning a DIY project, make sure to tell your lumber dealer the end use, so you'll get the right grade.

Can you put treated lumber directly on the ground?

Lumber treated to “Ground Contact” has a high chemical retention level and can be placed directly on or in the ground with better protection against rot or decay.

Is it OK to bury treated wood posts in concrete?

Most isn't. You'd need lumber that is. You won't keep it from getting wet underground, but you can keep it from being constantly saturated by giving the concrete sleeve a drain at the bottom. One strategy is to set the post on gravel and just pour the concrete around the post, not under it.

How long will a treated 4x6 post last in the ground?

A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone. I suggest you embed the post in concrete, trowel a peak around the post so water runs off, and don't let the PT post come in contact with the ground.

Treating Wood Fence Posts - The old Timers Way

How do you protect pressure treated wood underground?

The easiest way to protect your treated wood underground is to seal pressure-treated wood with an all-weather wood sealer. This, of which, you can apply one coat of the sealer with a pump garden sprayer. Allow about two hours for the first layer to dry and soak into the wood grain.

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

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

How long will pressure treated wood last in cement?

How Long Will Pressure Treated Wood Last in Concrete? The lifespan of pressure-treated wood in concrete can go up to 70 years or even an entire century. In addition, concrete provides water and moisture-free environment: ideal for pressure-treated poles.

Will treated post rot in concrete?

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.

How long does pressure treated wood 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 lumber touch the ground?

Ground-contact pressure-treated wood: 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.

What wood is best for ground contact?

UC4B lumber is suitable for ground contact and contact with freshwater. It is also durable enough to be used for “critical construction” projects, such as utility poles.

Why is pressure-treated lumber Green?

The green color you see on treated wood is caused by chemical reactions that take place between the preservative components and the wood. Copper is still the most widely used element in wood preservatives and creates a green color on the wood.

Can I bury treated timber?

Treated timber contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, your health or your children's health. It should be safely disposed of, and never burnt or buried.

How deep do you bury deck posts?

Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from rotting?

The best way to protect from pressure-treated wood rot is to apply a deck preservative. Like we mentioned earlier, stains, paints and sealants are the best choice to use. You can find these items easily at the local hardware store.

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

5 Answers. A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone.

Why deck posts should not be set in concrete?

Deck Posts Will Rot When Set in Concrete

The concrete around the post is acting as a bowl holding water. Just like a concrete swimming pool holds water, so does concrete around a deck post. The rain falls and collects on top of the concrete with no place to go except into the post.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The minimum depth that you should dig your fence post holes for panel sections is 2 feet. A general formula is to dig the holes one-third to one-half of the post's aboveground height. The deeper you dig the holes, the more stability your fence has, but you must also purchase longer posts.

How do you keep fence posts from rotting in concrete?

Fill the first three inches up with gravel so the end of the post doesn't come into contact with the dirt. 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.

Should I set my fence posts in concrete?

Concrete provides a strong foundation for wooden fence posts, but can rot them more quickly. Setting them in dirt, with or without gravel or crushed rock depending on your soil type, can help the posts last longer before going rotten. You can also use metal fence post anchors to prolong their life.

Will treated timber rot in concrete?

The post will only rot at ground level, it does not matter what you put in the bottom of the hole. A pressure treated post will last around 10 years.

How deep should a 12 foot post be in the ground?

The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.

How do I keep my deck post from rotting?

To help prevent rotting of deck or balcony posts, I recommend that they be installed on concrete footings that extend from the frost line to about 6 inches above the soil line. (Some people might then call them piers instead of footings.

What lasts longer cedar or pressure treated wood?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.