Treat Wood Yourself - How to Treat Wood Against Rot

If you hate pressure treated wood then here is a way to treat wood yourself and preserve your own wood. This technique has been used for decades by old timers around the world, works, and is cheap and easy. Join the journey and subscribe!
Another video with a more extensive charring technique
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[@staticGenerator4You]

The treating of posts starts here: 5:35

[@stefcoburn2345]

staticGenerator THANK YOU!

[@JensHeijkoop]

Thanks:)

[@dougsfan9984]

Thank you

[@Thefrogsaint]

Thanks

[@EstanciaTimesDocumentary]

Thanks

[@SilverBack.]

Great video Tim.Being frugal and using what you have is the name of the game.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you Doug!

[@coydogvt]

You can also add creosote from cleaning a woodstove to the mix for extra protection.

[@charlesloftis2920]

What an honor to know you, Tim. I'm smarter after every video.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Lol. Thank you Chuck

[@louhunt8403]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@philmorrison6898]

Improvise, adapt and overcome! Love it my friend!

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Hello Phil!

[@wulfclaw4921]

Well, my grandad was right. Hey, thanks for the tips, sir . Much appreciated ! Wulfy

[@toonybrain]

Great information. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@JamesKelly89]

I never thought I'd have Sam Elliot teach me how to treat wood.

[@dholley51492]

Think again mijo

[@billobrien4761]

Sounds pretty gay

[@davidshaw7549]

No offense to this gentleman, but none of us are even fit to carry Sam Elliot’s mustache’s jockstrap...

[@stephenprice3668]

@@dholley51492 w

[@tylerbeard3587]

He does look like Sam Elliot. Lol

[@mauriciomurillo9168]

Thanks so much, that's very helpful.

[@hawk270leadflinger9]

Thank you so much. I have my own saw mill now and I plan on using the post and other boards for projects. Need to treat for ground contact, etc.

[@gloriabush9499]

Sam, I am so glad you did this. I am going to have a retaining wall put up. This will save me so money.

[@meandnature6452]

best a most beautiful way to treat wood.

[@MrMoss786]

Thanks, just what I needed.

[@zombiez8mybrainz]

I remember my grandfather building tobacco barns here in NC out of creosote posts. I'm not sure you can even buy that stuff anymore. Hard to work with, but lasts 30+ years in the ground.

[@CandiceWA]

Such good looking guy! I learned something useful today, Thank you!

[@retiringrenegade9874]

Great informational content Tim! Keep up the great work!

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@retiringrenegade9874]

@@GreatPlainsCraftsman You are truly welcome Brother!

[@smittys19daytona]

Dad use to have a 50 gallon drum around and let the post soak in the oil

[@optimoprimo132]

Interesting how various soil can be. Here in Ontario, Canada when I dig into ground the soil is black.

[@jasonbuzzard3127]

I found that very useful..

[@antlou123]

Watching your video feels like I'm watching "no country for old men". 😄

[@glenngoodale1709]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you for watching Glenn!

[@mikemcgrath7280]

Great video bad thanks for bringing that up the Vikings used to burn the ends of logs in building their huts

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you Mike

[@paulbriggs3072]

Rot is caused by one of two general types of fungus, white and brown. Pretty technical terms, I know. They both require acidic environments to grow and usually temperatures above 50 degrees F. If you place very fine crushed limestone (often called stone dust or paver sand) in the bottom of the hole, and after placing the post, fill the hole with the same stuff, it cannot be made acidic as there is just too much alkalinity for an acid to exist without being neutralized. Water that enters the post through that limestone is made calcium rich. However the interior of posts can usually still rot no matter what you do except true pressure treating. But if the post becomes saturated with the calcium rich water, then its going to be rot resistant.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Very interesting. I do this practice also. I know old timers that treat posts this way and have had them last for decades.

[@shawnbriscoe1769]

Paul, thank you for that scientific explanation. I personally like to know why things do what they do. Again, thank u for taking the time to explain it.

[@caryreed1563]

Great video thank you. Both charring and used motor oil are very acidic so that’s the thing that keeps bugs and fungus away.

[@1031103899]

Hello Ron from Eagleton... ;) great video! thank you very much

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Hello Ron!

[@butternuthillfarm1599]

Great tip, thanks.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you for tuning in

[@breakdance4cash228]

You have a beautiful ranch sir

[@garrenator0375]

I’ve been thinking about how to pressure treat wood for months just worried about having to buy it instead. I’m very happy to have to come across this video, the information you gave in this video will be used. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@edwardbenton8323]

Old Timers been using this 50/50 mix for over a 100 years. Some of the post they set inground have lasted over 100 years. 4 inches of course sand below the post also keeps moisture off the bottom and prevents rot.

[@countryfella94]

would gravel or sand be a better base for fence posts?

[@James-bv4nu]

@@countryfella94 might not have enough structural strength

[@Gabriel-qy2di]

We put a out of ballist mix below post instead of sand before we cement in

[@aspetm3846]

Well done mate.

[@skeeburton3360]

Thank you very nice

[@williamlewis8741]

hello Tim, great music, great video and as always a positive approach to life. thanks for continuing to tease us about the 'shelter.' cheers buddy

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Hello William! Good to hear from you

[@longfellowsgirl6251]

Wow! How I love your opening music!!! Wish I knew what it is.

[@ccswede]

This is close to boat soup. Every sailor had their own formula. It is generally a combination of pine tar, Turpentine and linseed oil. It was used on all the lines and rigging and inside planks and structure of wooden boats.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Yes Lars I have heard of it

[@tomkelly8827]

I took apart a 50 year old building here in Ontario and I found those posts that were charred and possibly treated like yours were still sound, very hard to get out of the ground. Some were buried in concrete and they were rotten and no good anymore. All the poles were our eastern white cedar. I never heard of your mix, it sounds pretty simple, will certainly try that out here in the future

[@BuiltByJalal]

mot the best way to treat your lumber when you can easily buy a pressure sprayer and polyurethane wood preservative in bulk and it will save you money in the future

[@tomas5650]

Were the posts that were still decent quality buried with something other than concrete?

[@clem95627]

​@@BuiltByJalalthis method costs about $10 to treat all the posts since you already have the used motor oil and $8 in Diesel plus $2 for a cheap chip bush. No purchased wood preservative will ever beat that.

[@ncironhorse8367]

Watching this man's videos is very soothing. He like a cross between Sam Elliot and Bob Ross

[@Jake-tt6mk]

Bingo

[@danaskubic2145]

Great idea and a good way to get rid of used motor oil. Thanks for sharing this tip Tim. Let's not forget the barn siding and roofing. LOL Have a good evening.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

I know Dana, it's coming. Need to get this done first. Thank you!

[@danaskubic2145]

@@GreatPlainsCraftsman just pulling your chain Tim. Your fencing is coming along nicely. I'm getting curious about the shelter now, if not a bullpen.

[@crazytreefarm9430]

Awesome video. I am milling and building 1400ft of cattle fencing. This info will help with the posts. Thanks!

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NOK2014_Corfu_Activities]

Great green place!

[@aaronstroud5278]

This past week, our weather turned as well. I like the cooler, darker weather so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll last.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Me too Aaron. The heat can stay away

[@gallopingg1]

GREAT VID.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you Michael

[@bosse641]

Looking forward to the shelter build :-)

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Hello John!

[@gasgiant7122]

Great video tutorial, you are so lucky living in such a nice place, I made a mix of old engine oil and white spirits to treat my shed roof because roofing felt in uk sucks, it doesn’t last 5 minutes (I’m going to use some reclaimed metal cladding) very cunning of you to think of burying the twisted section.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you.

[@danryan3146]

Thank you for the detailed explanation...I've been trying to find information on treating posts for a pole barn I'm preparing to build...I'll be using Eastern White Cedar cut and milled from my bush. I'll be burning the entire length to be buried just to be sure.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Good plan Dan!

[@retiringrenegade9874]

Dan I am with You on than, great info that I have been looking for. Mine will be from huge southern yellow pine on our property harvested and processed with my chainsaw sawmill!

[@clem95627]

​@@retiringrenegade9874I run a Granberg. Best investment ever.

[@drb141719]

I've been using old oil for coating wood and inside vehicle chassis for god knows how long. Also cover the post ends that will be in the soil with bitumen pitch too. Take care Great Plains Craftsman enjoying following buddy.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you Daryl! Many people out here is this method.

[@believeitlandscapemaintena7636]

How long will it last in the ground with the bitumen pitch?

[@Chriswoodworker]

You live in a beautiful place.

[@ronaldmunoz3207]

Doing it “The Cowboy Way”! Thanks a bunch for info 👍

[@Angelnder-Typ]

very oldschool. here in germany we also did and probably still doing it like that.

[@MrRackinroll]

Love it. I have been preserving my deck with this treatment for a number of years, It works well. I use a airless sprayer and spray the deck wait a day or too and its ready to use. The smell will leave just as soon. I love it and it looks great RC

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you Ronald!

[@alexwonner7469]

Fantastic... and I like your jacket!

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@Anythingwilldo296]

Ty from Scotland

[@deankay4434]

Something's never go out of style because they work. I bought my first vehicle, 65 C10 Apache for $150 from a construction company had had Cats, back Hoes, Scrapers and they were fueled at the job site and oil & filter changed. They carried the drums in the back of this wood floor truck. Overtime, the floor was soaked with diesel, motor oil both new and old, but never rotted and looked like new other than a nice dark stain. The speedo was broke at 264k miles and ran great. The family farm never paid me any allowance so all money earned from working for neighbors. From hay into their barn, plowing, mowing yards or moving cattle 8-10 miles to a new pasture. It had a 283 cu in w/2 spd auto and good tires, red with Fawn dash. No A/C just heat. I grew 6" at age 11 and already the tallest, I would get hired easy in our county. By 3AM I was up and headed to a field off the road a 1/4 mile near trees and a dry rock bottom creek. My last year of school, class didn't start until 9:30 or 10AM. I was one to operate a new John Deere 4X4 center articulating. I started morns with headlights on the tractor to clean the air filter, ck oil, grease the center pivot and start it. Alway check oil pressure and fuel first. Raise the disc & hit 18 grease fittings. Check wheels for loose, whack them with an axe handle for air and give everything a good once over with a harry eyeball. Side mounted tool box was factory or we put it on. Alway a large chain hung in a agreed fashion & a little notch cut in the handle and box, for the axe handle. Hair-pin cotter held the lid tight. Only tractor I ran w/full cab, A/C and more than a Motorola AM & whip antenna. He opted for a 2.2 cu ft cooler, no fridge. Want it cold, get ice. Simple. One day, seat turned sideways as always to watch the disc, direction & gauges, radio guy said time and I was a half hour late. Nobody drove it and I was on the far end making a $1.50 hr. I said a few words and parked it without letting the twin turbos spool done. Locked it, hid the key I an agreed spot. I tore out of that field going 40 MPH and hitting my head. Second creek over, I hit bottom hard. No county road dust, so never slowed down and floored it. 3/4 mile later the rear wheels locked up, oil light came on, with two hands on the wheel steered off the road and stopped. Part of me knew what I was about to see, but had to look anyways. Under the front bumper, crossmember was a gashing hole with just a little oil leaking out. I did write a note or take the keys, just started jogging to school toward the town of 160 souls. I had a mind full of excuses, but few had a truck to pull me and where will I put it. Where would I get an GM engine... Well, I got the coach to take me out as the shy got darker by the foot, we turned the corner and...nothing, it was gone. Like Tonto, I walk back and forth looking for tracks, oil drippings, anything that would tell me who would take it. I could movement for 20 some feet and they place it in neutral. 65 power glides was the last year for a rear and front pump. It kept it in gear for engine braking. Even though I had the little Red truck for almost 4 years, i felt like some stole $150 dollars from me. I got a pass from the coach, filed a police report, if someone wanted to tag it they had one place in the count seat to go thru. I called once a month for a while and gave up! I was heart broke like someone had shot my horse. Worse yet, there where no houses for 2.5 miles and I checked driving slow just looking. But farmers would put used vehicles in ditches next to the fence to keep cattle in and felt they were doing a good thing. Never saw it again. Sad! Sorry, used motor oil and linseed oil works also. Just drowned rags in a bucket of water because they can catch fire as they dry. Subscribed! DK, Omaha. ASE Master tech since 78, retired!

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you Dean for the comment!

[@Z-Bart]

Good tip.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thanks Ray, it works great!

[@deere1485]

Used motor oil + diesel (sometimes I'll throw in old wood stain, anything oil based) is also an easy way to deter horses from chewing fence posts.

[@zeeshankhokhar6332]

Hello from Pakistan 🇵🇰 i really like the way you did it. I am inspired and willing to do it for a kid’s swing will be making soon. I appreciate the help. Thank you

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@andrewarmstrong9194]

I wonder if you could use plasticote for a treatment, or rubber spray

[@ferher578]

Just Great tips…👍👍👍👍👍thanks..

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Glad you like them!

[@tayk385]

Beautiful land

[@Debtfreehomesteaders]

"Maaaaaawm! Can I go over to Timmy's and play with tractors, torches and make cresote?" Awesome episode. I am glad you found use for the ol' twisted timbers. Its funny how some of this stuff works. There are huge wooden bridge posts that rot at the surface level of the water but the timber under the water is fine because it isn't ever exposed to oxygen which is needed for decomposition. The minerals in the water embed themselves in the fibers of the timber over the coarse of time and make the posts below the water line tough as rocks. literally. Thanks for sharing. - Will

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Hey Will! LoL

[@Jesusiskingamen7]

Great Plains Craftsman how well does this hold up?

[@bartmcdonald1251]

could you use vegetable oil, or does it need to be petroleum based? veg oil is dirt cheap if you dont have used around

[@antiowarr9467]

Oh and by the way I just subscribed to you channel. I like what I see and hoping to add to my knowledge from yours, you can never know to much. Thx....

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you and welcome!

[@THX..1138]

I did this to some fence post and a gate. I didn't char the ends, but I soaked the ends in buck of diesel/used oil then pained the mixture on the rest of the post. I got about 7 years from the post and the gate is still good 9 years later. Termites never attacked the post, but they did eventually rot from the inside out. I think it was them wicking up water from the ground. If you live out west where it's very dry I wouldn't be surprised if this kind of treatment would last for decades. In a wetter climate a few years is all you'll get from anything touching the ground.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

That is probably true. Here these will last a long time. Rocks in the bottom of the hole helps alot too. Using a wood like cedar for this is also a good idea. I use what I have

[@ATruckCampbell]

Do you have to use fuels?

[@explosion4580]

How well does this method work when used with concrete? I've heard a couple guys talking about it rotting out but Ive also seen a couple that still stand strong after 20+ years of standing

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Never use concrete. Holds moisture and rots the wood

[@Revtraveler]

I have no used motor oil. Do I understand that a 50/50 mix of new motor oil and diesel will work also?

[@leahwhite4667]

Thanks for the video. Once the mixture is cured, does it still increase flammability of the posts? Where I live, the next wildfire is a “when” not “if” situation, and as much as I’d like to treat my own posts, something about fuel-soaked wood doesn’t sit right 😅

[@justinkendollrozinek]

Would used hydraulic oil work?

[@mojkanal1993]

does it have to be used oil? or is just cheaper then new one.

[@mrcupcakeman32]

does that work with any type of wood?

[@tongke5342]

everything is nice🙂 the tutorial, view, weather. Thank you for the information Sir.

[@Peter-od7op]

Does burning treated lumber help or hurt

[@fadetoblond]

What weight motor oil? Or does that matter?

[@chip582002]

Does this help against termites

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

What size of torch are you using sir 100k BTU or ? something i just learned creosote is not available but from what inter say made from coal tar or wood so bam this is how you get some Coal Tar Versus Asphalt Based Sealcoats or may be better is the roof cement just dig around and n mix up that thinning with diesel or /

[@stewartmckenzie7230]

Hi there, thanks for posting, and posting,,, I like a way to use old motor oil up, and the desil as a catalyst.. how do you think it would go on a deck, slippery under foot? slippery when it rails? stain your pants when siting on it??? cheers, thanks

[@MyClarissa21]

I have a question; how long do I have to season my logs in order to be able to use this technique? I have maple . I will harvest them to fence my property which is 27 acres . Thank you

[@cutflower36]

Is that used motoroil? Can you use new motor oil?

[@deanmacka4975]

Mate we still do it that way here in Australia well I do ,great stuff mate

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Hello Dean

[@believeitlandscapemaintena7636]

How long will it last for a fence or post's in concrete in the ground?

[@kickinghorse2405]

The glory of one.

[@johnlamica3605]

Do you think this would work with green Timbers?

[@antpilig6256]

An order fellow taught me that trick.. it works pretty well.........JJ..

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Yes it does!

[@myshinobi1987]

How do I protect the wood from termites

[@waltermatthewberg]

What if I glued some rubber roofing to the post?

[@jan-reiniervoute6701]

Saw chipfrier oil used, with mineral spirits to thin it, on cr@p pine for the bottom and sides of a half ton trailer. Lasted over 15 years outside. Not bad.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Not Bad!

[@Kevin_drinks_Lead]

Would it be even more effective if I burn the sides as well? - love from Sweden

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Yes

[@ssx2channel977]

Great idea and it will last a long time in the ground💚

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Thank you! Summer is still on hold for a bit

[@ssx2channel977]

Yes we are supposed to get more snow Monday night here💚

[@believeitlandscapemaintena7636]

How long is long would you say?

[@nathanjustice7506]

What kind of wood do you use for this? We have tons of white oak and hickory around here. Locust is few and few between any more

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Any wood. White oak or locust will work just as well as any

[@JerryMacHomes]

Could you only do the wood char up to slightly above where the post is above the soil WITHOUT the oil? Just feel it’s unsafe for pets etc. or would it not help. Thank you.

[@richardferster8049]

Is englemann spruce or jack pine better? Great idea, given the cost of lumber, etc. Thanks

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Pine or Spruce are the same in this instance.

[@echtigren8188]

I always thought Wolmanized lumber was different than pressure treated, with wolmanized being superior for exterior use, am I wrong in my assessment?

[@RoughAndWretchedRAW]

Had a plywood roof for decades on grandpas farm. All they did is lay down plywood. tarred and nailed strips of plywood over the seams then rolled on used oil every year or two. Never leaked and lasted until my uncle got the farm and quit oiling it. Then it eventually deteriorated, over about another decade, breached to water and the building rotted away. In my oppinion it's a better result and longevity than shingles cause 25 year shingles sure as hell don't last anywhere near 25 years anymore. They crack, break, curl and then leak. Then you are looking at the expense and labor of full replacement or you can just grab a paint tray, roller and a gallon or two of used oil and redo the roof before morning coffee for another year or two.

[@MigraineCraftsman]

/cheers

[@robinfielding9506]

I used poly urethane on 4x4 posts 18 years later no rot. Minnesota seems to be the land of rot.

[@ccswede]

We sure miss your videos on KZbin. Have seen pictures of your anvil and metal working. Hope you’ll return to give us your insight.

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Soon Lars

[@jsmythib]

My brain keeps trying to reference a railroad tie.. The smell, the look. The method looks great. Im trying to preserve some post made of cured tree trunk.. I know they rot out quickly if I do nothing.

[@bobvedder2451]

I am building a timber frame gazebo for my wife made out of recycled power poles using a chainsaw mill. They are covered with creosote which i am cutting off to make square beams. I believe it is cedar.

[@7628739]

I use the same method by using instead is there anything wrong with that

[@GMPC]

I want to do burnt wood on my business sign that we are building. So two questions. After burning what is the best thing to use to clear coat it ? Second question if I do a light stain after I burn it do I need to do a clear coat over the stain? I know nothing about wood so have no clue what is the best clear to put on it

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

After burning you need to rinse it with water. Then let dry and coat with oil or oil based clear with UV inhibiting properties. No need for stain. Do not brush it if you want the alligator charring to remain, as you will brush it off. Lightly brush on the clear with a paint brush.

[@floridaprepper598]

Can you use gasoline instead of diesel

[@Joel.Invictus]

Super cool...super cool. Does the wood dry to the touch after treating this way?

[@GreatPlainsCraftsman]

Yes