Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business.

How do you keep wood from rotting in the ground?

Prevent your wood from rotting in the ground by soaking the bottom of the post in a wood preservative. Before you burry the post in soil treat it. Be sure to go for a preservative containing copper naphthenate, plus the bottom region soaked must covers at least 1 feet under ground.
Jun 28, 2022

Can you put deck post in ground?






Quote from Youtube video: Remember to follow local code for deck posts. There are several methods for setting posts. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole. Set the post on the concrete.

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.

How do you make wood rot resistant?

There are three ways to get decay-resistant wood: You can buy wood that’s naturally resistant because of its resin content, wood that’s been treated with chemical preservatives, or a preservative to use on the wood of your choice. Cedar, redwood and to a lesser extent cypress are the most common decay-resistant woods.
Oct 27, 1978

How long will a treated 4×4 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.
Aug 14, 2021

Will painting wood stop rot?





Coatings that form a moisture-impervious film are effective in preventing decay if the seal where two pieces of wood are joined is kept intact. A well-maintained film of paint over the wood and good paint seals in the joints shed water, thus protecting wood by keeping it dry.
Jul 8, 2014

Should I bury my deck post?

The buried post method offers the advantage of reducing the amount of concrete work required for each footing and actually provides additional lateral (side-to-side) support to the post to resist wind loads.

How deep should a deck post be buried?

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.
Mar 19, 2018

What do you backfill deck posts with?

There are several methods for setting posts. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole, set the post on the concrete and backfill with gravel. To help prevent rotting, this deck will have wooden posts attached to concrete footers above ground.

How do you make wood last forever outside?



Consider these recommendations for making your wood last:

  1. Use linseed or tung oil, or a product based on one of these. …
  2. Oil as needed. …
  3. Don’t pile snow against wood. …
  4. Vertical boards resist rot. …
  5. Build on stone or cement foundations rather than burying support posts in the ground.

What is the best wood preservative for ground contact?

Best Overall: TENINO Copper Naphthenate Wood Preservative



It’s not just the ease of use of this product that makes it a great below ground wood preservative though, it’s really effective at preventing corrosion in wood caused by microbes, acids, insects, mold, and mildew.

How do you treat ground wood posts?

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.
Dec 16, 2020

How long will buried pressure treated wood last?



The life expectancy of pressure treated wood in the ground is about 40 years before it begins to rot.
Apr 5, 2022

Can pressure treated wood be buried?

If your wood will touch the ground or be buried, you should get the highest grade you can, up to . 60 if it’s available. It will be more expensive, but you’ll save money in the long run by not having to replace it as often.

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.
Apr 23, 2013

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.

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.

Can you bury 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.
Jul 7, 2020

How long will a wooden post last 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.
Feb 12, 2015