Fence Posts
(40 Products)Fence posts are tasked with bearing the load of the chosen fence materials and resisting external forces, including challenging weather conditions and gradual wear over time. The durability of a fence depends on both the post material - whether timber or concrete - and the anchoring method used, such as concreting, post spikes, or surface-mounted bolt-down supports.
8ft Green Treated Square Top Wooden Fence Post 2400mm x 100mm x 100mm (4" x 4")
10ft Green Treated Square Top Wooden Fence Post 3000mm x 100mm x 100mm (4" x 4")
10ft Green Treated Square Top Wooden Fence Post 3000mm x 75mm x 75mm (3" x 3")
8ft Brown Treated Square Top Wooden Fence Post 2400mm x 100mm x 100mm (4" x 4")
What Are Fence Posts?
Fence posts serve as the primary load-bearing components in fencing structures, providing the vertical framework to which fence panels, rails, or wire netting are attached.
The lifespan of your fence is closely tied to the quality of its posts. Choosing materials and treatments that can withstand environmental wear is essential to safeguarding your investment and preventing premature deterioration.
Whether made from concrete or wood, posts are set into the ground or secured to hardstandings using methods like Fence Post Spikes or Bolt Down Post Supports.
Each post then works in series, creating a unified barrier that resists lateral forces and maintains the fence's intended alignment and integrity over time.
Common Types of Fence Posts
- Wooden Fence Posts: A traditional and popular choice, wooden fence posts offer a natural aesthetic that blends well with most garden environments and timber fence panels. They are typically made from softwoods (like pine or spruce. It is crucial that they are pressure treated with wood preservatives to protect against rot, fungal decay, and insect attack, especially the section in ground contact. Wooden posts are relatively easy to cut and fix to.
- Concrete Fence Posts: Known for their strength, durability, and long lifespan, concrete fence posts are a very low-maintenance option. They are impervious to rot, rust, and insect damage. Many concrete posts feature pre-formed slots, which make the installation of fence panels quick and straightforward. While heavier to handle, their longevity often makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Methods for Securing Fence Posts
- Traditional Concreting In: This involves digging a hole for each post and setting it in a concrete mix. It generally provides the strongest and most durable foundation, especially for taller or heavier fencing, or in areas exposed to high winds.
- Using Fence Post Spikes: These are metal spikes, typically with a square box section at the top to receive a wooden post. The spike is driven directly into the ground, eliminating the need for digging or concrete. Fence Post Spikes offer a quicker and easier installation method, particularly suitable for lighter fences, repairs, or in locations where digging is difficult. They also keep the base of the wooden post elevated from direct ground contact, which can help reduce rot.
- Using Bolt Down Post Supports: When you need to erect a fence on an existing hard, solid surface like a concrete patio, driveway, or sturdy wall top, Bolt Down Post Supports are the ideal solution. These metal sockets have a flat base plate with pre-drilled holes, allowing them to be securely bolted down to the hard surface, providing a firm anchor for a timber post.
Choosing the Right Fence Posts & Supports
- Type and Height of Fence: Heavier or taller fences (e.g., over 6ft) generally require more robust posts and a more secure fixing method like concreting.
- Ground Conditions: Very soft, loose, or extremely rocky soil can affect the stability of driven spikes and may necessitate concreting.
- Desired Lifespan & Maintenance: Concrete posts offer maximum longevity and minimal maintenance. Treated wooden posts have a good lifespan but may eventually need replacement. Spikes and bolt-downs depend on the quality of their metal and protective coating.
- Aesthetics: Consider how the posts will look with your chosen fence panels and overall garden design.
- Budget: Costs can vary significantly between different post materials and installation methods.
- Post Length and Spacing: Ensure posts are long enough to allow for adequate embedment in the ground (or height for bolt-downs/spikes) plus the height of the fence. Standard fence panel widths usually dictate post spacing.
General Installation & Maintenance Tips
- Check for Services: Before digging or driving spikes, always check for any underground pipes or cables.
- Plumb & Level: Ensure each post is perfectly vertical (plumb) using a spirit level and that posts are aligned and level with each other.
- Treat Cut Ends: If cutting treated wooden posts, always apply an end-grain preservative to any cut surfaces to maintain protection.
- Regular Checks: Periodically check posts for stability and any signs of damage or decay, addressing issues promptly.
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.
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 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 are Fence Post Brackets?
Fence post brackets are metal or sometimes plastic connectors used to securely attach fence posts to various structures, such as wooden or metal posts, concrete, or even walls.
They provide a strong, stable, and often adjustable mounting point for the fence, ensuring it remains aligned and withstands forces like wind, weight, and other environmental factors.
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