Fence Post Saver
Carpentry, Exterior, Landscaping & Design, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
Once you build a fence it is inevitable that the weather is going to take its toll on it. Fence posts that were originally cut square allow rainwater to soak right into the wood resulting in expansion and splitting of the wood. We’ve found that by cutting the fence posts at a slight angle the water drains right off rather than sitting and soaking into the wood. To start take a 1×2 cleat and screw it to the back of the fence post about 3″ from the top. Set your circular saw at 15-degree bevel and make your cut on the fence post. Most likely it will only cut about 3/4 of the way through the post so simply finish it up with a handsaw. A reciprocating saw may work if the fence panels aren’t too close but you won’t get a straight cut. Seal the fence post tops for added water protection at least once a year.
