I've been given some milled wood from my father-in-law for various projects, and I'm looking to replace my mailbox with a modern design. However, I'm concerned because the two posts will be in ground contact. What are my options for treating this wood at home to make it suitable for outdoor use? I've come across a couple of options like burning the wood or mixing kerosene and motor oil for a coating. Are there any other more effective alternatives? Can I just pick up something at my local hardware store instead? I live in the Northeast US, if that makes a difference.
3 Answers
When it comes to pressure treating wood, keep in mind that real pressure treatment requires specialized equipment – something that's hard to replicate at home. You might find some commercial coatings and sealants at your local hardware store, but they won’t perform nearly as well as the industrial stuff.
DIY pressure treating at home is pretty tough without dealing with expensive and risky equipment. Instead, check out methods for treating fence posts. For example, coating the ends with creosote or roofing tar is a popular choice, but remember that sealing off any moisture can backfire by trapping it inside and leading to rot. Honestly, I’d suggest either buying treated posts or using naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar, redwood, or teak, and just plan on replacing them every few years.
Have you considered using metal post anchors so the wood doesn’t sit directly in the ground? It’s a smart way to avoid wood rot altogether. You can find options like that at Home Depot.
That's why I mentioned "pressure treated" in quotes! Can you recommend any specific coatings or sealants I should look for?