New Fence Post Splitting

Snuggles

I had a new close board fence installed to all three sides of our garden a couple of weeks ago. All good apart from, the day after installation, I noticed some splits in one of the posts which appear to have got worse. I'm concerned this is going to affect the lifespan of the post but having googled, there seem to be a lot "it's wood, it's a natural material, this often happens" type views.

The worst split is about 40cm long, 2-3mm wide and seems to be around 2cm deep at worst. As far as I can see, these splits are not along the grain of the wood, which is making me think this isn't to be expected. Before I contact the installer I just wanted to ask for opinions on whether this is something you would see as an issue, and expect the installer to correct?

TELLIT01

I certainly wouldn't be happy about a post splitting that badly so soon after construction.  I would definitely get onto the supplier/installer to get it replaced.  It won't improve over time.

donemedosh

I agree get it replaced. The splits will get worse over time as the rain and frost get in there.With closed board fencing it has to withstand wind blasting at it, so it will snap one day.

Snuggles

Thanks both, that was my thought, but just wanted a sense check that I wasn't being unreasonable or unrealistic in my expectations. 

twopenny

Just to give the other side of the story I've moved into a property where the fence posts are split like that all down in alarming splits - but not that long or straight and not to the ground.

It's been like that for 20yrs since built and is fine amazingly.

However yours is close board so with more expensive consequences and new too boot. So I would get it replaced while the oportunity is there.

cattom

its timber which has been rough sawn before its had time to properly season and dry out. needs replacing with a post made from properly seasoned timber.

FreeBear

Bigger problem is the wooden post being set in to the ground - It will rot. It may last 10 year or even 12 if you are lucky. Could even be as little as 5 before the posts need replacing.

Snuggles

FreeBear said:

Bigger problem is the wooden post being set in to the ground - It will rot. It may last 10 year or even 12 if you are lucky. Could even be as little as 5 before the posts need replacing.

I don't know if I'm missing something but aren't all wooden fence posts set in to the ground with concrete? The fence it replaced had wooden posts which had been there for 16 years.

EssexExile

It's quite normal, Google "timber shakes".