I'm curious about the best way to prevent wooden posts from rotting when setting them in concrete, especially for a non-structural build like a chicken coop. I know that concrete can cause wood to rot over time. Would it be possible to place a plastic or wax barrier, like a bread bag, around the end of a 4x4 post before putting it in concrete? Specifically, if I set this up in a 2-gallon bucket and poured concrete around the bag, do you think this would protect the wood from moisture and rot?
4 Answers
Your results can vary based on your soil and climate. I've had issues with rotting posts at ground level even when using pressure-treated wood in concrete. The design has to allow for drainage; otherwise, the posts can go bad over time. It’s tricky but doable with the right setup!
I don't think the bread bag idea is foolproof. Even if the wood is dry, moisture can still get in from the wood itself. It might end up trapped in the sealed area, leading to rot. Just something to consider!
Consider using metal posts instead! You can set metal posts into the ground, then build your wooden structure around them. It's a common method for fencing, and it helps avoid the rot issues associated with wooden posts in ground contact.
I've had some success with this in the past! When I couldn't pour concrete footings, I used to coat the bottom of a 6x6 post in tar, going about a foot up. It held up for over 20 years, so it definitely seems to work! Just make sure the coating is done well to avoid moisture issues.
That's a good point! I definitely want to avoid trapping moisture.