Frequently Asked Questions - Cedar Posts

What does #1 or #2, Yard or Wire mean?
Posts are gauged to be straight or crooked. The #1 usually means the post is straight and #2 means it can have up to a 30 degree curve in it. Most experienced fence builders know how to position the #2 in the ground to cause it to appear straight or straighter than it really is. If you have a fence line on the back of your property that few will see, it would be cost effective to use the #2 post as it is generally cheaper.  Yard usually is the same as #1 - it would be of good quality to put in your yard.  Wire usually means the same as #2 or it would be something to use as a line post in the pasture.

Where does Mountain Cedar come from and why is it better?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashe_juniper "Ashe Juniper is sometimes known in the area as "mountain cedar" (although neither it nor J. virginiana are cedars), and some locals refer to the allergy as cedar fever. The wood is naturally rot resistant and provides raw material for fence posts. Posts cut from old-growth Ashe junipers have been known to last in the ground for more than 50 years. Over one hundred years ago, most old-growth Ashe junipers were cut and used not only for fence posts, but also for telegraph poles and railroad ties."

What are the other types of "cedar" and are they good or bad for fence posts?  Red cedar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juniperus_virginiana) & Pencil cedar can be used, but you need to look at it for the big hearts as it may not last in an outside environment as long as the "mountain cedar" would. These cedars are aromatic and excellent for indoor uses, such as furniture or pencils.  You will need to determine how long you want that fence to stay.

If you use class 1 galvanized wire that will last 15 years or less, then the fence post doesn't really have to last longer than 15 years. If you use class 3 galvanzied wire that should last 25+ years, then you want your posts to hold up as long as or longer than the wire.

Can I use the cedar that is growing on my land as fence posts?
The cedar in this area (south central texas) does not have the heart that the mountian cedar has. You can use it as fence posts, but you will be replacing it in a few years. I would not recommend it.

I need a fence quote. Can I give you the details of my property and can you get a few quotes for material and labor for me? Yes, we would be glad to check with many of the contractors in the area, but they normally will want to come out to see the job and give you a quote. 

I see you are sold out of the size of posts I want. How long will it take to get more in?  Depending on the season and the cutters, usually 2-6 weeks is a fair time to get posts in. I have a standing order with a few of the hill country cutters to keep in stock, but things happen and they sometimes get behind.