Used fence posts - how long do they last approximately?

[anjae]

I am going to buy used impregnated fence posts. They have been in the ground for 10 years already. They seem to be in good condition, and I think that you can impregnate them yourself for longer durability. How long can you expect them to last?

 

[InsidersUnited]

Depends, if they have been in clay, their lifespan is probably over. But you can feel at the tip of the wood how much longer they have left.

 

[anjae]

Depends, if they have been in clay, then their lifespan is probably over. But you can feel the wood at the tip to see how much time they have left.

Thank you for your reply. I have only seen pictures so far, but the tips look good from what I can see. I expect them to last a while longer. Do you have any tips on what to use as an impregnation to strengthen the wood further?

 

[jonaserik]

Place them in a larger container with a mixture of tar and turpentine for at least a week, so the liquid reaches high enough that they are black at least 10 cm above the ground; they should be clean and dry at the end. When setting them down, make holes that fit them...

 

[anjae]

Place them in a larger container with a mixture of tar and turpentine for at least a week, so the liquid comes up to at least 10 cm above ground, and ensure they are cleaned and dry at the end. When setting them down, make holes that they fit into.

Thanks for the tip! I've heard that wood tar is something wild boars love, and we have a lot of them here. Is there any other mixture that might be equally effective? Regards

 

[wildeside]

Old engine oil was used for that! Not recommended nowadays with all the environmentalists, but it definitely works.

 

[BengtH]

Thanks for the tip! I’ve heard that wood tar is something wild boars love, and we have a lot of it here. Is there any other mixture that can be just as effective? Best regards

In the past, one used to burn the ends of the posts that were going into the ground to prevent rot. But perhaps questionable since the posts are impregnated?