Behind a Better Wood Fence
From the road, two newly installed wood fences may look nearly identical. What you can't see, however, can make all the difference in how those fences perform over time. The growth characteristics of the tree, drying process, pressure treatment and quality-control measures all play important roles in the longevity of a wood fence. Paying attention to these details can separate an average fence from one built to last.
At the foundation of any fence are the posts. If the fence posts are not strong, the fence won't be either. At Old South Wood Preserving, LLC, we source Southern Yellow Pine logs from mature trees with the growth characteristics needed to produce strong fence posts. How can you tell? Salesman, Randall Dodd said, “The growth rings at the end of our fence posts are one of the best indicators of their strength.” Tighter, denser growth rings can be an indication of mature wood and are among the characteristics considered when evaluating material for fence posts. Dodd said, “Not only does a strong post add years to the lifespan of a fence, but it also helps prevent splitting as the posts are driven into the ground during installation.”
While a strong log is the first step in producing a long-lasting fence post, what happens next is just as important. Wood naturally contains a significant amount of moisture, which must be reduced before the treatment process can begin. Post Mill Operator Brent Johns said, “Our fence posts spend approximately 46 hours in the kiln, and we test their moisture content before transferring them to the treating plant.” If the posts have not reached the proper moisture level after the initial kiln cycle, they are sent back through the kiln. This added step helps ensure the wood is properly conditioned to absorb the preservative during pressure treatment. Untreated or improperly treated fence posts are more susceptible to termites, rot and decay, making proper pressure treatment essential to the longevity of a wood fence.
During the treatment process, preservative is forced into the wood under pressure, providing protection in conditions where untreated wood is more likely to deteriorate. However, completing the treatment cycle is only part of the process. Verifying that the preservative has properly penetrated the wood and that the required amount has been retained is equally important.
At Old South Wood Preserving, 20 core samples are taken from every charge and tested for both penetration and retention. These quality-control measures help ensure each charge meets treatment standards before the material leaves the facility. General Manager Mark Jent said, “The same procedures we take to ensure our fence posts are sturdy, dry and treated properly also apply to our fence boards.”
A quality wood fence begins long before the first post is set. It starts with the trees the products come from and continues through every step of the manufacturing process. From selecting strong timber and properly drying the wood to pressure treatment and quality-control testing, the details behind the finished product can make all the difference. Behind a better wood fence are better materials, careful processes and a commitment to quality from the ground up.
