Are Gravel Boards Treated? [And How Long Do They Last]

Do you think it is necessary to incorporate gravel boards into your fencing project? Do you know how long they last and if they are treated? If not, then you have come into the right place! We have asked some experts regarding these things.

Wooden gravel boards are pressure treated. And their longevity should last seven or eight years, providing good value for their cost compared to the lower initial outlay.

There are so many things that you should know about gravel boards, and to find them out, we suggest you keep reading the entire post. Doing so will also answer some of the additional questions running through your mind.

What Are Gravel Boards?

These are wide boards that slot under your fence panel to keep it from touching the grass or soil underneath. These gravel boards are typically 5.5 to 6 inches in height, and their primary goal is to keep moisture from the soil from rotting the panels of your fences.

Additionally, gravel boards also shield your fence from stubborn termites and insects.

Gravel boards, when correctly installed, will extend the lifespan of your fence and save you money on possible repairs and replacements. While they aren't entirely necessary, they are significant in the long run.

Furthermore, if you need to replace the gravel boards, you can execute this entirely without replacing the entire fence. Such a thing is a much more cost-effective option.

What Are Gravel Boards Made Of?

There are three materials which gravel boards are made from, and they are:

1. Wood
2. Concrete
3. Composite galvanized steel

1. Wooden Gravel boards

Wooden gravel boards offer a classic look. Also, they can provide a very pleasing appearance, precisely when they match the fence panel's wood.

In addition, they are environmentally considerate if the gravel boards used are from FSC-certified sources. Gravel boards that are pressure treated last for seven or eight years.

Pros:

Below are the benefits that a wooden gravel board offers.

Affordability

Wooden gravel boards are a good value for money. If you don't have a large budget, you can go for this material. It is a lot cheaper than the concrete gravel boards.

Natural Appearance

This gravel board type will be the best option if you want an aesthetically pleasing and natural look for your fencing project.

Pressure Treated Longevity

Since this type of gravel board is pressure treated, it will have more extended longevity. And there are available pressure-treated colors, green and brown, to suit the appearance of your fence panels.

Cons:

Consider the drawbacks of wooden gravel boards first before deciding to purchase one.

Potential Rot

One major downside of wooden gravel boards is they can rot. They also decay pretty much faster than concrete boards. However, you can easily replace them, and it will only cost you a fraction of the price compared to new fence panels.

2. Concrete Gravel Boards

Concrete gravel boards need only a little maintenance. These are long-lasting and do not decay or rot, unlike wooden gravel boards. And that is all thanks to their durable, strong, and security features. On the other hand, they are not environmentally friendly and not visually pleasing.

These concrete gravel boards cost more in both purchasing and installation. You will have to hire a few laborers to install these boards correctly because of their weight. However, you won't have to replace them for many years.

Pros:

Long-lasting

You can make gravel boards last for over ten years as long as you provide them with proper care.

Won't Rot

If you compare concrete to wooden gravel boards, the former is an excellent option if you want to avoid rotting or decaying materials.

Low Maintenance

You don't have to treat the concrete gravel boards regularly to keep them continuously effective.

Durability

If you want your fence to have a better or increased foundation, you can opt to have concrete gravel boards. You can also use them to provide extra support from intense storms and winds.

Cons:

Expense

Concrete gravel posts are indeed more expensive compared to wooden gravel posts. However, they will last longer and wouldn't need frequent replacement.

Cumbersome for DIY Handling

Concrete gravel boards are much heavier to move compared to wooden boards. And for you to do that easily, you may need to have a pair of extra hands to support you.

3. Composite Gravel Boards

The last type is composite gravel boards. These gravel boards are produced with composite galvanized steel or a mixture of natural wood and plastic, which means they won't rot or deteriorate.

Also, they are visually appealing, especially if you desire a modern and neat look in your garden. To make it clearer, the wood creates a natural and aesthetic finish, while the plastic offers a durability feature.

However, they are not as affordable as the wooden gravel boards, but the additional cost is an excellent long-term asset for such a modern and durable solution.

Pros:

Durable

Because composite gravel boards are also partly made of plastic, they don't rot.

Visually Appealing

Composite gravel boards are neat and pleasing to look at. So, if you want to go for a modernized and aesthetic look, we highly recommend choosing this option.

Low-maintenance

It is one of the excellent advantages of composite gravel boards. It will only require you little maintenance, unlike wooden gravel boards.

Available In Three Colors

Depending on your style and taste, you can choose from three colors to match your fence panels

• Anthricite Grey
• Olive Grey
• Sepia (Brown)

Lightweight

You won't have to worry about carrying it. Unlike concrete gravel boards, this material is lightweight that you can carry and move alone.

Easy Installation

Composite gravel boards are quick and straightforward to install. Additionally, they are stackable.

Cons:

Expensive

Considering all its benefits, composite gravel boards are fairly expensive compared to concrete and wooden gravel boards.

What Are Composite Gravel Boards With DuraPost

DuraPost is a fence system that is attractive, safe, and simple to maintain. This offers a fencing solution that you will not only enjoy but will also last for years.

DuraPost boards have various colors that will suit the rest of the DuraPost fence post system and matching accessories to help you create your ideal outdoor area.

Composite gravel boards with DuraPost have everything you require for a complete and easy-to-install fencing system, including composite gravel boards, capping rails, post caps, gate posts, galvanized steel fence posts, and U-channels.

Why Are Gravel Boards Necessary?

Whether you choose a wooden gravel board for a more classic look, concrete gravel boards for a more modern look, or composite gravel boards to get the best of both worlds, the benefits of establishing one are clear, and here's why:

• Gravel boards can help your fence panels not get in contact with water. This prevents potential water damage and rot, extending the lifespan of your fence.
• These boards can give you better privacy since they can add extra height to the fence.
• Gravel boards can make the fence's base look neater by covering the gaps. These materials can make your landscape look more organized.
• With a gravel board, you can prevent any unforeseen damage to your fence panels and save cash in the long run.

How To Install Gravel Boards?

If you want to perform a DIY process to install gravel boards, it would be best to follow the method below.

Installing Wooden Gravel Boards

If you install a wooden gravel board to your fencing panels, you will have to use cleats.

To begin, you have to nail the cleat to the wooden fence post at the needed depth from the post's face. We'd suggest 1-inch, but it's entirely your choice. You have to nail the wooden gravel board to the cleat's face for the second step. And that's it; the installation of the gravel board is complete.

Installing Concrete Gravel Boards

When you are planning to install a concrete gravel board, we highly suggest using a concrete fence post like a mortice post to make sure that the appearance of your fencing would still look appealing.

You can build close board fencing with concrete gravel boards and mortice posts. Still, you will need cleats, but you will have to go with a concrete galvanized two-pin push-in cleat this time.

Simply insert the cleat pins into the mortice post's footing holes, then secure the gravel board with an M8x80 bolt, nut, round washer, and a plate washer on the concrete face.

Wrap It All Up

We highly suggest incorporating gravel boards into your fencing project to make it more durable and appealing to the eyes.

We hope you find this post helpful. And if you still have questions, feel free to leave a comment below. You also check our website and find articles that might be of your interest, or you can just check these posts out!

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