Corral lumber weather protection

[GDR]

Just rebuilding some corrals, mostly wind fence and wondering if anyone has any good ideas for lengthening the lifespan. Not convinced the spruce rough lumber will hold up like the fir corrals I'm replacing. Have heard about spraying a mix of diesel and used oil as a preservative. Anyone try that with any success or other thoughts?

[farmaholic]

GASP!!!!

[grassfarmer]

I never have any problems with that kind of lumber as long as its not in contact with the ground. It's a dry enough climate. We used creosote a lot in Scotland and you can still get it there although it's obviously been banned here.

[Braveheart]

Just rebuilding some corrals, mostly wind fence and wondering if anyone has any good ideas for lengthening the lifespan. Not convinced the spruce rough lumber will hold up like the fir corrals I'm replacing. Have heard about spraying a mix of diesel and used oil as a preservative. Anyone try that with any success or other thoughts?

I've seen it done. My friend did his windbreak and corrals but I think with just used oil. He has sold his farm but at his sale last year the boards still looked good.

[GDR]

GASP!!!!

I meant to say dark oil based stain made from recycled materials, is that better?

[farmaholic]

I meant to say dark oil based stain made from recycled materials, is that better?

It's all in how you say it.

[WiltonRanch]

Interesting about using oil for a preservative. Windboards seem to last it’s the plank you nail onto that doesn’t. Fir definitely lasts longer than spruce which lasts longer than poplar. Have some wood fence I put up in 2003 and wind fence put up in 2008. The wood fence with spruce plank and a couple sawed poplar are about done. Windbreak boards are good but planks rotten. The 24’ freestanding panels built the same time are still good as the day I drug them out there. I hate wood fence.

[SCS]

I use oil field material, weld bolts on to attach 2 by 6 boards and then nail slabs on, has worked well!

[WiltonRanch]

I use oil field material, weld bolts on to attach 2 by 6 boards and then nail slabs on, has worked well!

That is about as good as it gets. Dad bought some freestanding windbreak frames. I bought 1/1/4” channel iron which I welded onto said frames. Used self tapping screws to affix windboards to channel iron. Has stood up well but when windboards break off it’s enough bother to replace boards. I wonder if a guy splurged for treated 2x6 and treated deck screws. I’m sure the CCA would eventually rust out non treated screws or nails. That said what are everyone’s opinions about screws or nails? I’ve done enough nails both air and hand. Too long of nails and boards work out. Screws stay put more so but wonder if they would rust out faster.

[15444]

Freestanding windbreak panels are so cheap to buy and are long-lasting, I don't know anyone who would put up wood. Not to mention resale value. Every single auction I go to locally has the panels going at new price, or better.