Wooden fences are popular among property owners due to their attractive look and affordability. However, wooden fences tend to rot quicker than other types of fences. This happens due to the exposure to moisture in the soil. If the wooden fence rots, then its structure becomes weak and it may fall off. You will need to replace the fence. There are ways to prevent the wooden fence from rotting or at least slowing down the process of rotting. Some of the steps that you can take are mentioned here.

Choose rot-resistant wood

If you select rot-resistant wood for your fence then you won’t need to give much effort to protect it from rotting. There are some types of wood that are naturally resistant to rotting, like redwood and cedar. These woods can be a bit expensive but you will save money in the long run. Alternatively, you can consider buying pressure-treated wood which will prevent rotting and is affordable.

Keep the posts dry

Install the wooden fence posts in a dry and cool area. This will keep the moisture away and prevent the wooden fence from rotting. Even in a wet climate, the posts will remain dry this way.

Apply preservative

You should brush the bottom part of the fence post with waterborne copper naphthenate which is a wood preservative containing no harmful chemicals. You must brush it on the whole post. You should start applying the preservative from the bottom as this part rots faster. Apply a second coat of the preservative. You should let the post dry overnight before installing the fence.

Add gravel at the bottom

You should fill the hole where you have installed the post with small gravel pieces and dust. Pack them tight so that moisture cannot seep through. Then put soil around the fence post so that the gravel is no longer visible.

Stain the wood

You can add a seal or stain to the wooden fence for protecting it from rotting. Make sure you use a water-repellent sealant. You can add the sealant to a stain for protecting the wood and also maintaining the color.

Add fence post caps

Many people think that fence post caps are only for decoration. However, these can protect the wooden post from rotting. In wet weather, the post tops absorb more water and this can lead to the growth of mold and mildew which causes rotting. During hot weather, the fence post top is more exposed to sun and wind, so may crack. Installing fence post caps can help to prevent rotting and make your posts last longer. So, decorative fence post toppers not only make your fence look better but also protect it from rotting.

These are some ways you can protect your fence post from rotting. All these methods will keep the moisture away and prevent any growth of moss, mildew, or mold. The lifespan of your post will increase by many folds.