popular logs

[hernando]

i dug some post holes for a customer last week..he is building a pole barn and using popular logs about 16in across 14 ft long ..are this going to hold up in the ground ? he has pealed the bark off and is going to set them in concrete...anyone else done this ? if it works out i my have to try this..thanks for the help bruce sorry i was going to post this in the projects but i was asleep , apparently. sorry

 

[biggerten]

I'm assuming you mean Poplar, and, no, they won't last at *all*.

 

[KYErik]

I agree- they will rot quickly in the ground, especially with the concrete around them (which will hold in moisture).

 

[20 20]

Poplar is a good source of lumber BUT NOT for outside like you're mentioning. They will rot in a very short time. Use locust or get treated other wise he'll be sorry.

 

[NSBound]

A neighbour made a beautiful poplar (maybe birch) woven twig/branch fence around his front yard about 2 years ago. It was a lot of work. Lasted two years and now it's all rotted and falling apart.

 

[Charlesaf3]

another vote against. Poplar does not like water, and will not hold up. Will also probably engage in really interesting warping.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin Bruce,
I agree with all the other posters ! Poplar is one of the worst woods that he could have picked ! Talk him into a change if you can !

 

[DMF]

+1 for the negative response on poplar...probably one of the worst choices he could make for the desired application..

 

[hernando]

thanks for all the replys..POPULAR.. wow i knew i was tired but what was i thinking.. spelling it like that..I passed on all the info..to the customer...he thinks i am nuts ... i told him i had a barn with cedar post that has been here i know of 30 years...said he had already had his post and is going to use them...i told him i would come back in a year and dig some new post holes for the replacement barn,,he just laughed and said he will show me in a year ,,they will be fine... i tried.... sometimes you just got to walk away .... thanks again bruce

 

[Egon]

Maybe tell him to stand the logs in a water solution of copper sulfate and let them soak up. That will treat them so they last longer.

 

[MikeD74T]

If he's set the posts in concrete he'll already have empty holes next year but they'll be covered by the sunken barn. MikeD74T

 

[HCJ]

A great buffet for termites! When his barn falls, they can have dessert.

 

[Bever22]

Use old telephone poles, they last a very long time. Thats what i used and they are holding up great.