04/30/2026
Pressure-treated ground contact lumber still has a life expectancy, and it is greatly reduced when the timber stays wet. This is why deck posts and fence posts rot right where the post comes out of the ground. The top portion dries, and the bottom portion can stay saturated. We add gravel to our post holes to prevent water from sitting on the wood and give the post the best chance possible to dry, prolonging its life. If you are noticing signs of decay, don't wait. The real damage is usually buried!