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I am intending to build an architectural fence. I would like the fence to last as long as possible with fence posts buried 4’below grade (Fence is 12′ tall). I have considered several wood species readily available in the St. Louis, MO area. Cypress, Cedar, or White Oak top my list. I want to avoid water rot and insect damage. Any suggestions? If not one of these, what species is recommended?
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Jeff, I took down an old cypress barn 20 years ago around Perryville. That stuff was so tough you could barely stick a nail in it. It also has a reputation for water-resistance due to its growing conditions (in the swamp). There was no bug damage, and the barn was at least 75 years old.
If it's available, that's the way I'd go.
*Jeff, I'm assuming you checked your local building codes for a fence that tall. Around here (Seattle) 6' is is high as you can go. So you say you want 16' material that will withstand a 50mph+ wind storm without crashing into the neighbors yard.I think the minimum post would have to be 6x6 material. An incised pressure treated hem/fir 6x6x16'(Guaranteed 50 years) costs $58.37 each, here in Seattle. How many would you like??
*Black Walnut is probably the way to go.Strong, good looking, and decay resistant.
*Black Walnut fence posts???C'mon, pal ... wouldn't teak be more in the budget? babinga? paua loa? Sheesh!You really gotta set your standards a little higher ...Geo.
*4' down's not very deep for a 12' high fence. I'd agree with the suggestions to go the 6x6 0.6 psf treated posts. Very strong and will last forever. Untreated wood, even cedar, redwood, etc. in ground contact won't last unless it's old growth, and there are better uses for THAT stuff.Box-in the posts above ground with some nice cedar or something similar.
*Jeff, Black Locust should be available in your area - a trunk used as a post will last 30+ years - I've used them for fenced back yards, dog runs, arbor posts, and 4400' of 8' deer fence. The bark will stay tight for 10-15 years or they can be peeled for a smooth look - might be too rustic for your application, but by carefully (artistically) selecting and matching posts, they make a beautiful, natural looking fence.
*how bout some small telephone poles?could be very architectural, in a stockade kind of wayi agree, 6x6 minimumwrapping with nice cedar is gonna cost were you suggesting white oak poles?, or white oak in the field?ipe' was once available for pilings, and I think they were going to use some on Gates' mansion marina house. Now those would be a very architecturally structural set of posts.
*Jeff, tell me more about black locust. can't cost too much, 3/4 of a mile is a lot of fence. Nathan
*Whenever you see a farm fence using unmilled wood for posts on a wire fence, it's locust. The stuff just won't rot and the bugs hate it.Mike
*Nathan, since you asked. Black Locust = Robinia Pseudo-Acacia. Its wood is somewhat lighter than White Oak, but is 34% stiffer and 45% stronger.(Deam) Used principally for posts and ties. Usually grows 8-12". Has white flowers in loose racemes(cascading plumes) in May that is the source of a prized light colored honey in favorable years.(smells wonderful) Spreads mainly through root suckers - a grove can be cut repeatedly without diminishing the stand. On poor sites it is often crooked and branched (often observed along the Interstate), on favorable sites or with timely management (prune away everything from the trunk that doesn't look like a pole - crooked specimens can be cut off at the ground and will send up a vigorous, straight trunk) trees will grow an 8" by 12' pole in 10-15 years. A handy thing to have around the farmstead that can be used in many pleasing ways. I planted 100 seedlings 22 years ago and have harvested 200+ poles and have more available any time. Our state nursery provides seedlings through the soil conservation office at a nominal fee.
*Wow. thanks for that stunning reply.nathan
*Jeff, As to using cypress. The old barn Joel had mentioned was made of ANTIQUE cypress. As a dealer in antique cypress, I would mention that modern cypress is not the same. Old growth means tight rings, and the new stuff soaks up water like a sponge. If you can salvage and mill it yourself, antique cypress is a way to go, but still expensive. Treated lumber, especially 6x6, will warp and check badly. Cedar, though, can be had in southern Mo. for less than in other parts of the country. I'm also a big believer in creosote, though I reccomend keeping it off your body and out of your lungs...
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I am intending to build an architectural fence. I would like the fence to last as long as possible with fence posts buried 4'below grade (Fence is 12' tall). I have considered several wood species readily available in the St. Louis, MO area. Cypress, Cedar, or White Oak top my list. I want to avoid water rot and insect damage. Any suggestions? If not one of these, what species is recommended?
Heretical answer...
Galv irrigation pipe with brackets and box around it with the picket wood. Compared to wood posts, galvanized pipe is forever.
We had some old cattle fences that ran through some of the swamps at our old hunting camp. The wire was long gone but the lighter or pitch pine posts were still there, many standing in water, 100 years later.