Corral lumber weather protection

[GDR]

We built pipe corrals with treated 2x6 and wind boards at Dads, was good but lots of work. We cemented the posts in which was maybe a mistake, lots of ground movement there and not so easy to fix when they are all welded togeather.

This project is in a second yard, needing some good wind protection for calving as is very exposed. Portable wind breaks are not a bad idea but are expensive by comparison and the portability is not required here.

I don't think deck screws are heavy enough gauge. At home I used galvanized nails for nailing planks as the treatment doesnt hurt them, problem is they are quite soft. I'm just using 5" twisted spikes and twisted air nails for wind boards, I think they will outlast the wood. I've seen guys use those truss head screws and they would be great when a board breaks. $1.50 each though and I'm too cheap.

Rot I get is between the wind board and the plank. I'm gonna try the oil and see, when it rots out again it might just be time to pack it in anyhow!

[WiltonRanch]

We built pipe corrals with treated 2x6 and wind boards at Dads, was good but lots of work. We cemented the posts in which was maybe a mistake, lots of ground movement there and not so easy to fix when they are all welded togeather.

This project is in a second yard, needing some good wind protection for calving as is very exposed. Portable wind breaks are not a bad idea but are expensive by comparison and the portability is not required here.

I don't think deck screws are heavy enough gauge. At home I used galvanized nails for nailing planks as the treatment doesnt hurt them, problem is they are quite soft. I'm just using 5" twisted spikes and twisted air nails for wind boards, I think they will outlast the wood. I've seen guys use those truss head screws and they would be great when a board breaks. $1.50 each though and I'm too cheap.

Rot I get is between the wind board and the plank. I'm gonna try the oil and see, when it rots out again it might just be time to pack it in anyhow!

Think when it comes down to it you’ll only get so many years out of a windbreak. Treated planks will add years for sure but wood lasts so long. I’ve looked for substitutes and nothing is as cost effective and easy to construct as wood if done properly. Now if they could come up with recycled plastic windboards or something.