Fence Posts
(25 Products)Not only do fence posts serve as the structural backbone for your fence panels, but they also take the brunt of harsh weather and heavy winds. Because of this, it's important that your fence posts are strong enough to hold up against whatever nature throws its way. We stock a range of fence posts - both timber and concrete - to keep your fence standing tall, no matter the conditions.
What Are Fence Posts?
Fence posts are an integral component of any fence. In essence, a fence post is a structural post which is fixed in the ground to support the panels of a fence.
While many types of fence posts are available on the market, from round fence posts to slotted fence posts, fence posts are available in two primary variants: concrete or timber.
Let's explore both timber and concrete posts in detail below.
Wooden Fence Posts
Wooden fence posts are a popular option in fencing. Sturdy and stable, timber posts take paint well, meaning you can achieve your desired aesthetic with no fuss.
They can also be coupled with fence panels with a decorative feature for an instant, premium finish. For this reason, these posts also double up as gate posts, where necessary.
Here at Materials Market, our timber fence posts are pressure treated with Tanalith E preservative to prevent rot and prolong lifespan.
We also stock a range of fencing supplies (from the panels to the treatments) to help you get your fencing project up and running.
If you're working with a tighter budget, wooden fence posts are also a more affordable option than concrete posts. If you opt for timber posts, we recommend that the treated timber is not cut or split before being embedded.
Concrete Fence Posts
Concrete fence posts give your fencing a solid foundation and set you up for years of durability. As a material, concrete bears natural resistance to rot, insect attack, rust, and corrosion, all assurances of its ability to stand the test of time.
How To Maintain & Protect Fence Posts
Maintaining and protecting fence posts is crucial for extending their lifespan and ensuring the stability and appearance of your fence.
Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:
- Choose the Right Material: Start with fence posts made from durable materials. For wooden posts, choose pressure-treated wood or naturally rot-resistant species like cedar or redwood. Metal and concrete posts also offer long-term durability.
- Apply Protective Coatings: For wooden posts, apply a water-resistant sealant or preservative to protect against moisture, rot, and insect damage. This should be done periodically, typically every two to three years.
- Install Properly: Ensure that fence posts are installed correctly. Set them in concrete to provide stability and prevent direct contact with soil, which can accelerate rot in wooden posts. Make sure the concrete is slightly sloped away from the post to prevent water accumulation.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically check your fence posts for signs of damage, such as cracks, rot, or rust. Early detection of issues can prevent more significant problems later.
Frequently Asked Fence Posts Questions
How Deep Do Fence Posts Need To Be?
The depth at which fence posts need to be set varies depending on several factors, such as the height of the fence, the type of soil, and weather conditions like wind exposure.
However, a general rule of thumb for the installation of fence posts is to bury at least one-third of the post's length in the ground. For example, for a 6-foot tall fence, the posts should ideally be buried about 2 feet in the ground.
In colder climates, it's important to set the posts below the frost line to prevent them from being dislodged due to frost heaving. The frost line depth varies by region and can be determined by checking local building codes or consulting with local experts.
Additionally, for added stability, especially in loose or sandy soils, it might be necessary to dig the holes slightly deeper or use concrete to secure the posts.
It's always a good idea to consult local building codes or guidelines for specific recommendations tailored to your area and type of fence.
Should Fence Posts Be Set In Concrete Or Dirt?
The decision to set fence posts in concrete or dirt depends on the specific requirements of your fencing project, including factors like fence type, soil conditions, and longevity expectations.
Concrete: Setting fence posts in concrete is generally considered the best practice for several reasons. Concrete provides a more stable and secure base, ensuring the posts do not shift or lean over time.
It's particularly advisable in areas with loose, sandy, or very moist soils, as well as in regions prone to high winds or extreme weather. Concrete also extends the life of the posts by preventing direct contact with soil, which can cause rot or decay in wooden posts.
Dirt: Setting posts directly in dirt (or soil) can be done, especially for temporary fencing or in situations where flexibility is required. This method is less labour-intensive and more cost-effective than using concrete.
However, posts set in dirt are generally less stable and more susceptible to shifting, leaning, and decay over time. This approach might be suitable for lighter fences or in areas with stable, compact soil and moderate weather conditions.
In conclusion, while both methods can be used, setting fence posts in concrete typically provides greater stability and longevity, making it the preferred method for most permanent fencing projects.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Slotted Concrete Fence Posts?
On top of requiring little to no upkeep, slotted concrete fence posts offer a quick and painless installation process.
Slotted concrete posts eradicate the need for nails, brackets, and other fixings. This is due to the fact that its deep grooved design allows it to simply slot in between the beams.
Please note - when installing concrete fence posts, it's essential to have assistance. Lifting concrete posts is by, no means, a one-man job.
Are Concrete Fence Posts Better Than Wooden Fence Posts?
Many people only focus on short-term costs when it comes to pricing, but that's not always the wisest decision.
A cheaper fence might look appealing at first glance, but if it needs replacing multiple times over a few years, it makes sense to spend that bit more to ensure the quality and longevity of your fence over time.
This is especially true for timber fence post systems Vs concrete post systems.
While there are many benefits to using wooden fence posts over concrete, in terms of aesthetics and cost, concrete posts definitely take the crown where durability is concerned. Unlike timber, concrete can last for decades upon end.
In conditions where wooden posts would deteriorate and buckle to bad weather, concrete posts remain sturdily unaffected. Concrete is a durable material that doesn't rot, decay, or split over time as timber does. In the long run, concrete more than pays for itself.
We especially advise opting for concrete posts if you live in a coastal or rural area.
What Is A Corner Post?
Put simply, a corner post does what it says on the tin: it helps you create a corner within your fence. A corner post allows you to change the direction of your fencing.
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