What Are Pressure Treated Fence Posts?

Pressure treated fence posts are wooden posts that have undergone a special treatment process to increase their durability, longevity, and resistance to various environmental factors such as rot, decay, and insect infestations. This process involves infusing the wood with chemical preservatives, typically under high pressure, which penetrate deep into the wood fibers, providing a robust barrier against harmful elements. As a result, pressure treated fence posts offer a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and long-lasting solution for fencing applications, ensuring that your fence remains strong and structurally sound for years to come.

Can I Buy Round Treated Fence Posts?

Yes, round treated fence posts are readily available for purchase from various home improvement stores, lumber yards, and online retailers. These posts are created by pressure treating cylindrical wooden logs, which enhances their durability and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, rot, and insects. Round treated fence posts are commonly used for agricultural and residential fencing applications due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance, strength, and long-lasting nature. Before purchasing, make sure to choose the appropriate size, diameter, and length to suit your specific fencing needs, and always follow proper installation guidelines for optimal performance and longevity.

What Are Creosote Fence Posts?

Creosote fence posts are wooden posts that have been treated with creosote, a dark, oily, and tar-like substance derived from coal tar or wood tar. This treatment process involves soaking or pressure-impregnating the wood with creosote to protect it against decay, rot, and insect infestation. Known for its long-lasting and water-resistant properties, creosote has been widely used as a wood preservative for over a century, particularly for utility poles, railroad ties, and fencing applications. However, due to its strong odor, potential environmental concerns, and possible health risks, the use of creosote-treated wood has been regulated in some regions, so it's essential to check local regulations and guidelines before using creosote fence posts for your project.

Treated 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 Wood Fence Posts

Treated fence posts are an integral part of constructing robust and durable fences that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. They provide support and stability to the fencing structure, ensuring it remains in place and serves its intended purpose. These posts are typically made from wood, a renewable resource, which is treated with chemicals to enhance its performance and longevity.

Various wood materials can be used to create treated fence posts, with the most common tree species being pine and cedar. Pine is often chosen for its affordability, while cedar is valued for its natural resistance to decay and insect infestations. To further strengthen these wood types, they are treated with chemicals such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA), alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) – turning fence posts a brown color, or copper azole (CA), that turns fence posts green. These treatments help protect the wood from fungal decay, rot, and termite damage, significantly increasing its strength, durability, and overall lifespan. Treated post are available in sizes 4x4x8, 6x6x8, and 8x8x8 in 8, 10 and 12 foot lengths. Use the fence post calculator to calculate spacing between each treated post along the length of the fence.

chemicaly treated brown fence post bundle

Strength And Durability For Over 40 Years

The strength and durability of treated fence posts are notable, as they can last between 20 to 40 years, depending on the specific treatment, environmental conditions, and maintenance efforts. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners and contractors looking for a cost-effective, long-lasting fencing solution. Treated fence posts come in various sizes to suit different needs, with common dimensions including 4x4, 6x6, and 8-foot lengths. Some suppliers may also offer custom sizes upon request.

In terms of colors, treated fence posts are typically available in chemically treated shades of brown, green or clear. However, they can be easily painted or stained to match any desired aesthetic, allowing for seamless integration into various landscaping designs. The price of treated fence posts varies depending on factors such as size, treatment type, and quantity, but they generally range from $10 to $30 per post. This price range makes them an accessible option for many budgets.

Treated Fence Posts And The Environment

Despite their many benefits, there are some environmental concerns associated with treated fence posts. The chemicals used in the treatment process can potentially leach into the surrounding soil, harming plants, insects, and aquatic life. This issue is particularly concerning in areas prone to flooding or with high groundwater levels. Furthermore, the production and disposal of chemically treated wood can contribute to pollution and deforestation. To minimize the environmental impact, it is essential to source wood from sustainable forestry practices and follow proper disposal guidelines for treated wood.

Treated fence posts can also pose health risks to humans and animals if not handled and disposed of correctly. Cutting or sanding chemically treated wood can release toxic dust and debris, which can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to wear protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and safety goggles, when handling treated wood. Ingesting or inhaling these chemicals can be particularly harmful to animals, so it is vital to ensure that treated fence posts are not used in areas where they may come into direct contact with animals or their food sources.