Class 4 SP wooden posts: the foundation of durable anti-hail netting

When people talk about anti-hail netting, attention usually focuses on the net or the installation system. But there is one element that is often overlooked and is key to the durability of the structure: the type of post used. At Novafrut we only work with Class 4 SP treated wooden posts, and in this article we explain why that makes the difference.

What does “Class 4 SP treated wood” mean?

The “Class 4 SP” classification indicates that the wood has received an in-depth treatment with 22 kg/m³ of preservative, as required by European standards for outdoor use in contact with the ground. This treatment protects the wood against:

• Constant moisture
• The spread of fungi
• Attack by wood-boring insects
• And long-term structural deterioration

By comparison, standard Class 4 posts only require 13 kg/m³. In other words, our posts have 70% more protection, which translates into more years of service life.

Why does this matter in an agricultural installation?

A structure for anti-hail netting is subjected to:

• Constant mechanical stresses (tensioners, cables, wind)
• Direct contact with soil moisture
• Occasional knocks from machinery
• Extreme changes in temperature

That is why the quality of the post cannot be a secondary decision. If the wood is not properly treated, it can start to degrade after just a few years, compromising the whole installation.

At Novafrut we deliver what we promise

We know that in the agricultural sector it is common to come across situations where:

• One diameter is quoted... and a thinner one is delivered
• “Treated posts” are mentioned without specifying whether they are genuine Class 4
• There is no mention of whether the treatment complies with European standards

That is not how we work. The diameters, grades and treatments in your quote are exactly what you will receive. No small print.

Because when you protect your harvest, you also protect your investment

Investing in a good net is pointless if the structure that supports it starts to fail after a few years. That is why at Novafrut we believe that reliability starts with what you cannot see: the foundation.