What's a waterproof material to replace a wood pole with?

Question

I use irrigation dams to flood a few of the fields at work, like the one in the picture.

It's got a 3 inch diameter wood pole running through the end of the dam. Any thinner than that and the pole usually breaks. The poles range from 10 foot to 16 foot long.

My problem is these poles tend to rot out after a couple years and break due to the mold and moisture.

I'm just looking for ideas of something else that's as strong as a wood pole, but is waterproof, and hopefully not too much heavier than the wood, but just as strong, if not stronger. Also, I don't think paint would make much of a difference, and be too expensive.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Any kind of metal tubing should work, but would likely be heavier (or much more expensive, if you want to match the weight and increase the lifetime). I've seen fence posts from recycled plastics used on farms around here, might be worth a try. Otherwise, you might look into more resistant woods - you didn't write which wood you were using, but my guess is that chestnut, oak, robinia (no idea if that's correct, Google translate), or, if you want to go to extremes, teak or bangkirai (or other tropical hardwoods - vheck your local supply for outdoor decks) should last much longer.

Recycled plastic gives me an idea - that's about the size of a surfboard mast. Glass/carbon fiber, lightweight (around 3 kg for 4.6 meters), almost impossible to break, won't rot in a thousand years, will cost you slightly north of 100 bucks each new - if you, by any chance, live/work near a windsurfing area, you should be able to get them used cheaper.

? · Answer

PVC Pipe seal the ends fill it with water or sand till its the weight you want it to be

roger · Answer

You  could  try a 3" PVC   pipe  and  fill it  with  concrete   and  maybe  even a re-bar.   Should be  strong  enough  and will not rot or   rust.

Anonymous · Answer

Use stainless steel poles. They will last forever.

A Hunch · Answer

You can coat the wood with flex seal.  It will work.

Anonymous · Answer

try using a galvanized pole. no need to paint and will not rot.

What's a waterproof material to replace a wood pole with?

6 Answers