Should pressure treated posts be set in concrete?

With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. We have three ways to solve the rotten post problem. First, the posts should be set on top of a bed of coarse gravel 3 to 6 inches deep, so the base of the post is in contact with the gravel. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.

Is it OK to bury treated wood posts in concrete?

Generally, if your pressure-treated 4×4 wooden posts are set in concrete or have a stone base, you can have them in good shape for up to 25 years. However, if the post underground is in constant contact with water and moist ground, it might not last more than seven years.

Can you set pressure treated wood in concrete?

Pressure-treated wood is required whenever you attach framing lumber or furring strips directly to concrete or other exterior masonry walls below grade. Note that this requirement is only for exterior walls, as these may wick moisture onto the lumber.

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.

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.

How To Set Pressure Treated 4x4 Wood Posts In Concrete (VERY STRONG!)

How long will a treated 4x4 post 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.

Should I put gravel in post hole?

To help slow such deterioration, add pea gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the posthole. Once you have added gravel to a depth of three inches or so, use a piece of scrap lumber to tamp down the layer. Next, pour an additional three inches of gravel into the hole, tamping down a second time.

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.

How long will a 6x6 treated post last in concrete?

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.

What should I put between wood and concrete?

Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.

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 long will pressure treated wood last on the ground?

The life expectancy of pressure treated wood in the ground is about 40 years before it begins to rot.

What happens to wood encased in concrete?

With concrete holding the moisture against the wood, wood has no chance and will eventually lose the battle. Now you don't have to lose all hope because it's for certain that the concrete around the post will crack, therefore making it easy to pull out when it starts to rot. Even worse, the concrete cracks early.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from rotting?

To prevent pressure-treated wood from decaying, use a high-quality wood preservative or sealer. You can protect your treated wood against elements such as water and UV rays that cause decay by applying stains, paints and sealants. Just make sure the wood is dry enough before using any treatment.

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.

What do you backfill a post hole with?

Because it becomes permanently attached to the bottoms of the posts, concrete is probably the strongest backfill material, says Hoover Fence Co. Crushed gravel can be almost as strong, however, if you bury the post deep enough. The trick is to use medium-size drainage gravel instead of pea gravel.

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.

Can you put pressure treated wood directly on the ground?

Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber, typically southern yellow pine, that's been chemically treated to resist rot, decay and termites. 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.

Should I seal pressure treated wood?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

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.

Is quikrete good for fence posts?

The best concrete mix for fence posts I've found is Quikrete Fast Setting Concrete Mix in a 50 lb bag. It's 4000 psi, easy to work with, sets up fast, and doesn't need to be mixed. Just pour it in the hole and soak with water.

How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?

You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.