Understanding a Cylinder Wood Post: Consistent, Treated, Built to Last

A cylinder wood post, also known as “non-tapered post” or “perfect post”, is gaining popularity in the agricultural industry. While tapered posts are common in rural and agricultural fencing, cylinder treated posts offer unique benefits that make them an ideal choice for modern fencing, orchard, and vineyard applications — especially where uniformity, precision, and strength matter most. So, what exactly is a non-tapered post, and should you use it for your next project?

What’s the Difference Between Cylinder and Tapered Wood Posts?

A cylinder post is a round wood post that is the same diameter size the entire length of the post. It is a “true inch” post.  A tapered post is a round wood post that gradually narrows from the base to the top — typically by about ¾” to 1″. For example, a 4″ tapered post might measure 5″ at the base and 4″ at the top, while a perfect post will measure 4″ in diameter the whole post, from end to end.

Both styles are great options for a range of agricultural uses and the right choice depends on your preferences. They are compatible with various trellis or fencing wires, such as high-tensile smooth wire, welded or woven wire, board fencing and more.

At West Branch Wood Treating Sales, we handle every step of the manufacturing process, making sure each perfect post meets our standards for quality and consistency.

Are They Pressure-Treated?

Yes, all of our non-tapered posts receive the same retention and level of treatment as our tapered posts. Each one is treated to either .40 CCA or .60 CCA (chromated copper arsenate), depending on the application and customer order. Proper CCA treatment ensures that your posts will last 20 to 30+ years under normal conditions. Our expert treatment prevents the post from rot, decay and termite infestation for years to come.

We bundle our posts with equal spacing between each one, allowing treatment to penetrate evenly and effectively. Unlike round bundles—where inner posts may not receive the same level of treatment as those on the outside—our method ensures consistent quality and protection in every post.

Some assume a cylinder wooden post doesn’t absorb treatment as well nor receives the same treatment penetration depth because they’re often more thoroughly peeled. That’s a myth. Here’s why:

1.    Treatment penetration is about wood species and method – not shape. Whether a post is non-tapered or tapered, CCA treatment uses pressure to drive the chemical preservative deep into the wood. What matters most is:

• The type of wood species. Red Pine and Southern Yellow Pine absorb CCA well, while other species like cedar wood, do not.
• Moisture content – ensuring the wood is properly dried so treatment can be effectively absorbed
• Duration and pressure of the treatment

2.    Uniform posts are typically much smoother, but that does not mean they are treatment resistant. Peeling the bark doesn’t “seal” the wood. If anything, removing the outer bark layer exposes more sapwood, which is the part of the wood most receptive to preservative.

3. Quality control is essential. Trusted treaters, like us, ensure that all posts – meet our treatment depth penetration standards. Our posts are treated right up until the heartwood, and we take several steps and samples to verify this

Benefits of Our Perfect Posts

Uniform Appearance – Cylinder treated wood posts offer a uniform, symmetrical appearance, creating a visually pleasing and cohesive look for your fence or trellis. Their consistent shape and size ensure a clean, orderly design that adds to the overall aesthetics of any landscape, making them a popular choice for those who value both functionality and visual appeal.

Consistent with Wire Spacing – Because they don’t narrow at the top, cylinder wood posts allow for perfectly even wire spacing from post to post. This is especially crucial for high-tensile or fixed knot fencing, where wire tension and height consistency are key for long-term durability and reliability.

Increased Holding Strength – With a full, consistent diameter surface from top to bottom, these pressure treated fence posts allow for more contact area for staples, fasteners, or wire ties, which decreases the chance of staples loosening as time goes on.

More Posts Per Truckload – We package our bundles to 4 ft H x 4 ft W. Thanks to their consistent diameter, this style post can be bundled more tightly and efficiently—meaning more posts per semi load. At West Branch Wood Treating Sales, that efficiency translates to better freight value and a lower price per post.Smoother Shipping Experience – Non-tapered posts create symmetrical, securely packed bundles, which truck drivers prefer for easier stacking and less movement in transit. Fewer shifts mean safer, hassle-free deliveries. It also provides a safer loading and unloading process

Final Takeaway

Overall, both perfect and tapered round posts are solid choices—it really comes down to your specific project needs and preferences. Both styles are compatible with a variety of trellis systems—like those used for apple trees or grapevines—as well as different types of wire fencing. Each style brings its own unique benefits to the table, however cylinder posts offer unmatched consistency and a refined, clean finish that stands out.

At West Branch Wood Treating Sales, we oversee every step of the process to ensure consistent, long-lasting quality. From precise peeling to kiln drying and expert treating, we ensure every treated post is made to last. No shortcuts, no compromises—just dependable posts ready for those who are in it for the long haul.

Need help deciding which style fits your next job? We’re just a call away and always here to help.