[IdahoEv]

I'm building a fence (with PT posts and rails, and redwood dogears) and some raised planter beds (entirely with redwood). I know I should be treating my cut ends, particularly of the PT, but I really, truly can't abide copper green.

Both my wife and I find the smell of copper green extremely nauseating, and what's more, the smell lingers for over a year on treated wood. I can't even be near it for months after the wood is treated. When a neighbor built a new fence a couple years ago, we had to reroute our daily walks around the neighborhood so that we didn't pass by that fence anymore. I'm unwilling to treat a fence that's going to be only feet away from where we grow vegetables.

So should I treat my cut ends with something else, and if so, with what?

The fence has no soil contact: it's built directly on top of a low concrete retaining wall. The planters will have some soil contact, however.

Thanks!

 

[Canarywood1]

Coat the ends with paraffin.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

If the torch is objectionable to use, a heat lamp or an electric paint stripper will probably work to heat the wood, although the torch is all I've ever used. Soak the ends until you think it's plenty then give it another shot. You may be surprised how much paraffin a post end will take.

For post tops drainage is key so if the aesthetics is correct a slight pyramid or crowned top works well. The dog ears may like a little too and connections to other members that prohibit drying after rains etc..

 

[Canarywood1]

Or pick up a heat gun from Harbor freight for less than $10.00 and melt the paraffin in a 2 lb. coffee can, and stick your post in to draw the wax up.

 

[lenaitch]

I was going to suggest 'Pentox' or a similar preservative but the paraffin idea is intriguing. Does it have to be re-done every so many years? Is it stable once in the wood (i.e. would it soften and start to leach out on a stinkin' hot day). Does hold or trap dirt and debris? I have never heard of using it.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

The only reference I have is the 4 deck boards pictured I did as a test 9 years ago, torched on. The 2 farthest had paraffin treatment while the 2 nearer had none. The pic was taken shortly after a rain and as can be seen the non treated took on water like a sponge while the paraffin treated took on no water and shortly after dried. I need to take another look but I'm guessing they probably need a refresh application.