Fencing/Trellis Demolition

[SteveF]

Sorted out the sabresaw and went for the De-Walt model as it has 4 blade positions, which could be useful. Apart from a few shorter bits, I have decided to get someone in to put in 7-8 new posts. I can cut out the old ones and re-position the new posts to fit.

The price of timber has surprised me. Looking at Western Red Cedar as a durable softwood and need it planed to 70mm x 95mm from 4x"3 and will need 10 ft lengths. Price so far for 10 posts (extra for cross sections) £874 delivered, but still looking around

Is there any other timber I could use, possibly Douglas Fir although not as durable.

European Larch will last a fair while, Local sawmill may have some !!??
Timber

I would pay about £200 for that much WRC, probaly a bit less
do you have a saw mill near you?
you said planed, is that important, or just that dimension?
my saw mill would rip 4" boards on there bandsaw for me at cost of a drink and drop it off on their way home

Steve

 

[pollys13]

I have a big electric kango type concrete breaker but that would be overkill for you is also pretty heavy. You can get much smaller versions, forgot what they are called, impact breakers or drills or something. If you wanted to break up the concrete bases, one of those small kangos things would do the job easily and quickly obviously wear protective goggles and dust mask. I think you would find the small kangos are also a lot easier to handle than the full size version. Digging out 18 inch deep fencing bases I'm no builder or expert is a lot of hard graft I've done it, dig out with spade, wiggle around, dig some more, more wiggle, then have to drag the really heavy base out, took me forever. Those meta posts Lurker mentions I know what he means, as trellis protected some from wind, might be way to go.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks SteveF. I am awaiting additional quotes but the local sawmills are the most expensive at £745 plus vat. I am looking to match the present timber main framework which was put up about 25 plus years ago, planed 4x3 = 95mm x 770mm finished.

pollys13, that's ideal but for someone a little younger tjhan my 76 years, that's why I am looking at only doing the easy bits. No holes please, that's work for others.
Malcolm

 

[AES]

+ a couple of the other posts above - that really is a pretty garden Alexam.

(from 1 who does NOT rate gardening at all - but likes to look at the fruits of others work!)

AES

 

[Alexam]

Spoken with Sykes Timber merchants who suggested Siberian Larch, kiln dried and fully seasoned, as a durable timber alternative. The prices are lower than Cedar and at £545 inc vat and delivery for 10 posts may go for that. Just waiting to hear back from someone else.

Approximately how long would Douglas fir last (durability) and would it be a good choice?