fence posts. 2x2 vs 4x4 vs landscape timbers

[mah46036]

I'm looking to learn from your ideas, not my own mistakes.

I am building a chicken moat and would like to use 4x4 treated for the posts just because I like the look better than steel posts but don't really have the money so I was wondering if 2x2 is strong enough? The biggest predator we have are coyotes and the occasional collisions from a child or two... We are also going to put an electric fence around the bottom as well.

Thanks!

 

[Judy]

Treated 2x2's? Are you planning on ripping them or something?

We used treated 2x4's on the fence line with braced 4x4's at the corners only. I would not go smaller. Landscape timbers would be fine if they are more economical.

 

[Tala]

Definitely go 4x4s, no smaller.

I also considered "landscape timbers" when building my fence, but treated 4x4's were a better deal. Either would work, depending on the prices in your area, but just letting you know that here 4x4's were the most economical route.

 

[mah46036]

I only thought of 2x2 while searching craigslist for 4x4. I found a guy that has 100 2x2 for a buck each but I would have to pull them out of the ground. not really looking forward to that effort. lol

 

[Matt A NC]

The problem with 2x2s is that they can warp. Treated are not as bad, but with a good amount of humidity they are going to bend.

Matt

 

[Judy]

Any untreated wood in the ground will be sawdust in a year.

 

[EMAW]

I use treated 4x4s as my first choice when building fencing. Landscaping timbers are usually a more economical second choice, most fencing companies/builders seem to use them unless you upgrade to 4x4s for the 6' wood fences. Skip the 2x2s, they just won't hold up, IMHO.

My 2 cents, whatever you decide to use as a post, let it set out for a couple weeks and dry out. I have bought what looked like perfectly straight treated 4x4s and landscape timbers only to end up with twisted and warped boards a week or two later once they dried in the sun. I always order about 25% (Lowes/Home Depot) more than I need when starting a project, and use the lumber that did not deform. I have always been able to return the unused/unusable lumber.

No matter what you decide to use, Good Luck with the chicken moat.

 

[Ahab]

Quote:
Cedar won't. Locust won't. The remnants of fence posts sunk a century ago still run down my property line. Thirty-eight years ago, when we moved here, most of them were still semi-intact, and clinging to drooping strands of rusting barbed wire.

At least in the Maine climate, untreated cedar posts will last a good 30 years.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Cedar won't. Locust won't. The remnants of fence posts sunk a century ago still run down my property line. Thirty-eight years ago, when we moved here, most of them were still semi-intact, and clinging to drooping strands of rusting barbed wire.

At least in the Maine climate, untreated cedar posts will last a good 30 years.

You're right, I misspoke. Wouldn't it be something if someone had such wood on Craigslist?

I think there are some other woods like this, too -- redwood and cypress come to mind, maybe?

I was thinking of the usual woods at HD and Lowes like pine and fir, of course.

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

we used 4x4s and timbers. Timbers WILL rot alot sooner than the 4x4s will (trust me we know lol)

So if you can afford to spend the $3 more per post, use the 4x4s. We ran out of money and wanted it done so we used the timbers for some posts, and will have to replace those soon I am sure!