What logs for outdoor projects?

[SparkyMaine]

I've got 11 acres and would like to use some of my trees for various building projects, especially fence posts. What kind of logs will last the longest? Are there any relatively environmentally friendly finishes (doesn't need to be the greenest of the green, but not used motor oil either) that can be used on bare logs to help them last longer?

I have lots of red oak and red maple that are the perfect size for what I want. I also have some beech and a few hemlock and spruce. I'd really like to be able to use some of the oak and maple, but don't want to bother if they're going to be rotten in a few years.

[TnAndy]

You can't buy any decent treating chemicals anymore, and without them, none of the species you list will last more than a few years in the ground as fence posts. Save your efforts and buy pressure treated posts. Use your timber for rails you can keep treated with oil based stains/paint.

[Yvonne's hubby]

Originally Posted by SparkyMaine

I've got 11 acres and would like to use some of my trees for various building projects, especially fence posts. What kind of logs will last the longest? Are there any relatively environmentally friendly finishes (doesn't need to be the greenest of the green, but not used motor oil either) that can be used on bare logs to help them last longer?

I have lots of red oak and red maple that are the perfect size for what I want. I also have some beech and a few hemlock and spruce. I'd really like to be able to use some of the oak and maple, but don't want to bother if they're going to be rotten in a few years.

Taking a guess, with the species you named here, the first few posts you set will be rotted before you get the last post in the ground if untreated. I would either buy treated posts, or shop around and find some black locust or red cedar. Both of those will last many years without being treated.

[nc_mtn]

I saw last week where a Virginia museum was using tar to treat fence post. Don't get me wrong I'm all for it, I just thought the "state" wouldn't be allowed to use stuff like that that actually worked. I've know of it (and oil) being used since before I was born. Nobody has been harmed yet that I know of from it seeping into the ground. My Grandpa used it on fences that went above is spring (where they got water for the house). I've drunk it and his 5 kids did all of there lives, we're still here...

[mekasmom]

Most people use hedge for fence posts. It is cheap wood- trash wood to many, and lasts for decades as a fence post.

[mekasmom]

I just wanted to add that it would be a shame to waste the oak for posts. Let them grow, then use them for boards or sell them.

[SparkyMaine]

Thanks for the responses. Kinda what I thought, but figured it wouldn't hurt to check.

@mekasmom - If they were adequate for posts, then it wouldn't be wasting them! I heat with wood, so I have plenty of use for good hardwood already. I was just wondering if I might be able to save a few $$ and be a little more self-sufficient by using some of what I already have for other projects I'm working on.

[countryboy84]

you can oil treat split white oak post and then will last a long time. Just soak the end going in the ground in used motor oil. Got some on me place that Pap done this way in the 60s tried to get them out with a 60 HP tractor and no luck. can't get the stables out to get the wire off or I would just use them again.

[tinknal]

Originally Posted by mekasmom

Most people use hedge for fence posts. It is cheap wood- trash wood to many, and lasts for decades as a fence post.

I doubt it grows in Maine. Never seen it in Minnesota.