Preventing Fence Post Rot: Concrete Footings, Wood Selection & Treatment

Pressure-treated posts rated .40 still rot if buried in soil. The fix: isolate wood from dirt entirely.

Installation Methods

• Post in concrete: Set post in hole, pour concrete around it, keep post bottom 4″ above hole bottom. Slope concrete top to shed water.
• Post on concrete: Pour footing with anchor bracket. Post sits on bracket, never touches soil.

Better Wood Choices

• Naturally durable (untreated): white oak, cedar, black locust, osage orange, redwood heartwood.
• Higher-retention treated: Look for .60 or .80 retention (ground-contact rated). Creosote-treated lasts longest but isn't residential-friendly.
• Plastic/composite posts: Won't rot; may fade.

Finish & Maintenance

Stain all sides before installation. Use penetrating oil-based stain + clear water-repellent sealer. Recoat every 2–3 years.

With concrete footings, quality wood, and finish, a fence lasts 20+ years.