Wood or metal gate post. How to stop rot.

[Bouba]

How to stop 6x6 inch wooden post from rotting after setting in concrete. Heavy wooden gates are being hung from it. Should I go metal or will gate posts give me at least 20 years trouble free.
Thanks.

 

[scbk]

If you get good quality timber posts they will easily last that (and more!)

IMO, don't set wooden posts in concrete, use rammed earth, unless your soil is no use, in which case use hardcore

 

[Bouba]

Thanks. I am hanging gates on the posts which weigh around 200kg so stuck with concreting them. Any wrap around the posts I could buyif I was to st in concrete.

 

[AronSearle]

Put a drainage hole in the concrete, If possible, preform the concrete with a hole.

If you go for treated timber, look up the WPA benchmark scheme.

durable tropical timbers would be better.

 

[Bouba]

Can you please elaborate. What is a concrete with holes. Are you saying stick a hollow copper tube in there,while the concrete is curing,for the water to drain away.

 

[AronSearle]

Can you please elaborate. What is a concrete with holes. Are you saying stick a hollow copper tube in there,while the concrete is curing,for the water to drain away.

Yes, could even be a bit of strong cardboard tube.