Domestic fence post buying guide

Need help choosing the best posts for your next fencing project?

When it comes to installing a new fence in your garden, there are a fair few things that need to be considered. Asides from what style of fence you’re going to install, the height and the aesthetic appearance, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is what type of fence posts you’ll use.

Fence posts are a core component of any fence. They are the glue that holds the whole fence together and anchors it to the ground.

With a few fence post options available, it can be difficult to know which fence posts to choose for your installation.

The reality is, there’s no right or wrong option, and as with anything, there are pros and cons to each different type of fence post.

It’s about finding the right option that works around your needs and preferences.

Before making a choice, you’ll want to consider a number of factors. Think about your budget, timeframe, access to help or professional installers, maintenance commitments, as well as the overall aesthetic look that you’re going for.

In this fence post buying guide, we’re running you through the 3 main types of fence posts to assist you in finding the right solution for your upcoming fencing project.

Which is the best fence post for my new fence installation?

Wooden fence posts

What are the benefits of using wooden fence posts?

Aesthetic

Perhaps the most obvious benefits of timber fence posts is that they look great in a variety of outdoor settings and offer a seamless, polished finish that compliments wooden fence panels and boards. Wooden fence posts give a more natural and blended look that works to complement the rest of the garden and fence installation.

Treatments, paints and stains

Because wood is a porous material, it can be easily painted, stained or treated to alter and enhance its natural appearance. If you’re looking to incorporate a particular colour palette or selection of tones in your garden, wooden fence posts are a superb choice as they can be painted and re-painted.

Here at Equestrian Fencing, all of our morticed posts for closeboard fencing are HC4-treated, which helps to enhance the natural durability of the timber. We’re also able to provide HC4-treated options across all other posts, too.

Cost

On a budget? Timber fence posts are your best choice. They are the most inexpensive option out of the three posts we’re looking at here. There are a range of different timber posts available, from sawn posts and prepared posts to UC4 morticed posts, accommodating a for a broad range of budgets.

FAQ: How much do wooden fence posts cost?

If you’re wondering how much wooden fence posts actually cost, take a look here.

Size and styles

Timber fence posts are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. You can choose from a selection of lengths to find something that works for your garden.

What’s more, they can be easily cut and trimmed down, which is ideal if your garden is on a slope or you’re experimenting with various fence heights in your garden.

Sustainability

Timber fence posts are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

They come from a renewable resource and are biodegradable, so you can rest easy knowing that they will not harm the environment when they eventually decompose.

If you’re looking for an attractive, long-lasting, and environmentally-friendly option for your fence posts, consider choosing wooden fence posts.

A lightweight option

In comparison to concrete fence posts, timber posts are fairly lightweight. This makes them easy to transport, carry, store away, and of course, install.

What are the cons of wooden fence posts?

Maintenance

Many people ask the question: ‘how long do timber fence posts last?’ and the answer to that entirely depends on a few things.

Firstly, let’s talk about environmental factors.

If you live in a particularly windy area, such as on the coast or on high ground, your fence is going to be subject to more movement than a fence in an area that’s not as windy. You may require a stronger fence post, such as a concrete or metal post, that can withstand continuous high winds.

But secondly, the life span of a timber fence post will be affected by how you maintain the timber over time.

Compared to metal and concrete posts, timber is susceptible to rot and decay due to its natural composition. Eventually, the timber will break down, but by maintaining your fence posts and taking the time to look after them, you can slow this process right down and avoid issues associated with rotting and damage.

Using regular treatments and stains, as well as repairing any damage to the wood sooner rather than later, will keep your fence posts in tip-top shape and optimise their life span.

You can also opt for ready-treated HC4 timber fence posts, which have a 15-year lifespan.

Summary

Timber fence posts cost less to buy and install, they offer a natural appearance and are a sustainable option, however they need to be maintained to enhance their longevity and protect their structural integrity from weathering and decay.

Concrete fence posts

What are the benefits of using concrete fence posts?

Strength

It’s not surprising that concrete fence posts offer superior strength in comparison to wooden fence posts. They are a robust, sturdy and solid choice for gardens in windier and more exposed areas.

A low-maintenance option

Unlike timber fence posts, concrete posts are impermeable, meaning they aren’t subject to rot and decay.

They don’t require frequent maintenance and treatment. You may choose to wash the posts from time to time to keep them looking fresh and clean, but asides from that, once they are installed, there’s not much more you need to do to look after them.

You can also paint the posts in an array of fun and funky colours if you’re looking to add a splash of personality and texture to your fence posts.

Durability

Concrete fence posts are a sturdy option, and because they don’t rot or decay, they are far more likely to withstand stormy nights, harsh weather conditions and salty sea air. Compared to timber fence posts, they have a longer lifespan. In fact, concrete fence posts can last for 25 years without any maintenance at all.

What are the cons of concrete fence posts?

Cost

Yes, there’s no denying, concrete fence posts do cost comparably more than wooden fence posts. However, although they come with a higher price tag, this is reflected in the fact that they do last longer.

Whilst the initial outlay for concrete fence posts is more than you’d pay if you opted for timber posts, it’s likely that you’ll save considerable costs on post replacement and maintenance in the long run. So, if you’re willing to invest in posts that will last for years to come, concrete is a superb option.

Weight

Due to their weight, concrete fence posts are not the easiest materials to move and carry. Weighing in at roughly 40kg, unless you’re built like The Rock, these are not the sort of things you want to try lifting on your own.

Because of their heavyweight, transport costs are typically higher and labour costs may also increase. If you want to install concrete fence posts in your garden yourself, you’re going to need to call on some help, whether that be from friends, family or neighbours willing to offer a spare pair of hands, or paid labourers.

Be aware of cracks

Whilst issues are unlikely to occur as a result of insect and fungal attacks, concrete posts are not completely 100% indestructible. Overtime, (and we’re talking a fair few years), wind and rain can take its toll.

Concrete posts can become susceptible to splits and cracks as a result of continual long-term exposure and abrasion.

This transpires to be problematic, particularly when water gets into the cracks. On those colder winter days, water freezes and expands within the crack, making it bigger and more noticeable. If the inner metal rod inside of the concrete post becomes exposed to water as a result of the water exposure, this can also rust and cause further issues.

To avoid damage to the wider fence installation, cracks need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. This might involve repairing or replacing the concrete post entirely.

Summary

Concrete posts are a robust, durable option that last for a long time without maintenance, however they cost more to buy and install and can crack and chip after a long period of time.

Our range of concrete fence posts are made with an aerated aggregate, meaning they are much lighter in weight than standard concrete posts. This makes them easier to handle and transport.

Metal fence posts

Metal fence posts are a superb option to consider.

Here at Equestrian Fencing, we supply DuraPost, which is a metal fence post range, made from galvanised steel. If you can’t decide between timber and concrete posts, DuraPost may just tick all of the right boxes.

What are the benefits of metal fence posts?

The best of both worlds

Despite being up to 80% lighter than concrete, it is in fact stronger. Because it’s easy to move and transport, installation is effortless and budget-friendly. It’s specifically manufactured to withstand strong winds up to 70mph, and is not susceptible to rot, decay or fungal attacks.

Low maintenance

Aside from cleaning off any debris and mud, DuraPost doesn’t need to be maintained regularly unlike timber. It has a long lifespan and comes with a 25-year manufacturer guarantee.

A range of colours, sizes and accessories available

The DuraPost range extends from intermediate posts and gravel boards through to capping rails, post caps and U channels. Choose from a selection of sizes and modern colours.

Sustainable

Because DuraPost is made from steel, it’s easily recyclable. It’s manufactured in the UK using low-energy processes.

What are the cons of metal fence posts?

Modern look

Many love the modern, elegant look that is offered with DuraPost. However, if you’re looking for something that offers a more natural look and feel, you may be better opting for traditional timber posts.

Cost

DuraPost is a more expensive option than traditional timber posts with a similar price tag to concrete posts. However, as we said before with concrete, you do save significant time and monetary investment in the long run.

Summary

DuraPost metal fence posts are a strong, sustainable, long-lasting yet lightweight option that is ideal for modern landscape design.

Shop online from a range of fence posts