Choosing the correct posts before starting a job is essential for success. Apart from considering
the appearance of each post, you need to consider the durability and strength of each post once
it is set firmly in the ground. There are a number of materials available to choose from:
Timber posts
Metal posts
Concrete posts
Plastic posts
Timber posts
Use 75mmx75mm or 100mmx100mm (3inchx3inch or 4inchx4inch) square posts, which are available in a
number of lengths. Larger cross sections are available (5inch up to 8inch), but the 3inch and 4inch
are the most popular sizes used. You need to ask for hardwood if required, as most suppliers will
supply pre-treated softwoods, often larch or pine, which are much cheaper. Use a timber post cap
on top of the post once in position. This is normally a bevelled cap which helps prevent rain
from penetrating and thus rotting the wooden post.
Metal posts
This type of fencing is more suited to chain link or plastic fencing. Either angle iron posts can
be used or tubular, plastic coated steel posts. It is sensible to use standard sizing with these
posts as they are not easy to cut.
Concrete posts
Use standard 4inch x4inch (100mmx100mm) posts. These posts are made from reinforced concrete and
are much heavier and more expensive than wooden posts. The obvious advantage of concrete posts is
their strength, plus they cannot rot. There are different finishes available to suit different styles
of fencing:
Concrete posts ready drilled for use with chain link fencing, along with corner and notched
end posts which are required to accommodate the bracing struts for the required tension in the fence.
Mortised concrete posts for rails.
Grooved concrete posts for panelling.
Recessed concrete posts for panelling.
Chainlink posts
Chainlink posts - our fence photo
Plastic posts
Plastic fencing is available, but is not as durable as other types of fencing. It can be decorative and effective for a small, low fence. PVC posts need to be internally reinforced with timber for heights greater than 30inches (750mm). These posts normally come capped to allow for reinforcement if required.
