PSA: I just found out how much a single cedar fence post can shrink in a dry summer

Honestly, I was reading an old forestry report from Oregon State University and it said a 4x4 cedar post can lose over half an inch in width in just one season if it's really dry. I always knew wood moved, but that number blew my mind. I've been setting posts for eight years and never measured that change. Has anyone else checked their post sizes after a hot, dry stretch and been surprised?

3 comments

3 Comments

charles_young4228d ago

You sure that wasn't green wood?

hayden_ramirez27d ago

Totally green wood, you can tell by how much it smokes. Had the same problem with some oak last season that wouldn't catch right. Makes a huge difference when it's properly seasoned.

angelarivera27d ago

My neighbor built a whole planter box out of fresh cedar last spring. By August you could fit a pencil through some of the gaps between the boards. It looked like a different box. He was so mad he tore the whole thing apart and started over.