How to Install a Wooden Pole to Prevent Rotting Part 2

Wood is a durable, environmentally friendly and versatile material. In the past, everything was built from wood: buildings, roads, bridges and hydraulic structures such as dams and water mills. One of the problems with this material is rotting, especially when buried in the ground and in contact with water. There are many ways to protect a tree from natural decomposition, consider the most budgetary ones.

Extending the life of wooden posts

Weaknesses of a wooden post:

• the lower part, buried in the ground;
  
• 20-30 cm above the ground.
  

These areas are most susceptible to rotting. The described methods of processing will be more effective if you use dry wood, since it is preserved and conducts less moisture.

Method 1: impregnation with used engine oil

The method is proven and working. To do this, you need to first remove the bark and the subcircular layer from the bottom of the post. If you plan to bury the post by 50 cm, you need to remove the bark and soak 80 cm of the bottom of the post.

Before processing, the oil must be warmed up - this way it is better absorbed into the material. You need to process it twice. The interval between impregnation is 2-3 hours. The method is inexpensive, since finding a job is not a problem.

Method 2: firing

For this, the lower part of the pillar is fired to char. The distance to be processed is selected the same as in the first method, namely: 20-30 cm above the soil boundary. For firing, you can use a blowtorch or a fire, the main thing is not to overdo it.

But this method is not as simple as it seems. Some Soviet textbooks on woodworking consider firing poles ineffective. For enhanced resistance to decay, it is recommended to soak the burnt pillars before installation with clay milk and bury it with clay.

Method 3: put the post with the butt up

Such an installation was used for the construction of supports in mines. This is due to the fact that the capillaries of the tree work to raise moisture up. If you set the pole upside down, it will be difficult for moisture to rise - and the less water, the less rotting.

The installation of the posts with the butt upwards can be combined with the above methods: impregnation or firing. This will greatly enhance the effect.

What methods of processing wooden posts do you find more effective: old or modern? Write in the comments!

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