Protecting fence posts from rot

Press, 15 June 1978, Page 4

Protecting fence posts from rot

What is the best method of making wooden fence posts secure? How can they be protected from rot? Tamping the soil is the usual method of securing wooden fence posts, and provided the soil around that part of the post in the ground is tamped or rammed well it will remain firm. It is quite all right to set posts in concrete for the full depth of hole but this is not necessary, and the collar method is just as strong and cheaper. The post is tamped with earth up to about half depth of hole, after which it is aligned and plumbed. Concrete is then poured to ground level or slightly above. When a fence is to be secured to the top of a retains

ing wall or other permanent fixture, the methods shown are very effective. Wooden veranda posts are best fixed in this way, the advantage being that the post bottoms, whilst being held securely, are clear of the ground or concrete floor. This practically eliminates the danger. A mild steel stirrup and pin is bolted to the bottom of the post. The stirrup or angle bracket can be set in the concrete first and the post bolted into place later. For preference, the mild steel stirrup or angle strip should be galvanised to prevent rusting. Also paint those sections of the posts covered by the metal sections before bolting them into position