Fencing dilemma...concrete or wooden posts????

[Thalesman]

Just found this site and saved it to fav's straight away!
Trying to convince neighbours that it is cheaper to obtain materials and build a new fence than to employ a company, sourced a good sawmill who can supply wood for less than half the price! Having a disagreement as they want concrete posts and gravel boards where we just want the good old natural look of wood...which is best??

 

[Thermo]

ah the eternal question, now youve started the ball rolling again! Personally i much prefer timber posts, both to install and look at. Some will say that concrete will last longer than timber, but it depends on the quality of the timber and the pressure treatment. Concrete can last longer but can also spall as the reinforcement inside rusts. Whichever you do, make sure you use gravel boards (timber or concrete) it looks better and helps the panel last longer

 

[breezer]

well if it helps, we have concrete posts, but i painted them the same colour as i painted the fence

 

[Thalesman]

Thanks for the advice guys, next door will just have to like timber or put another fence up on their side! (although in order not to fall out i'm sure there will be some compromise!).

 

[Nige F]

may be able to suggest a compromise Timber, after many years will rot @ ground level but can be repaired with concrete spurs @ the side...so don`t make the post hole `crete too strong and later it can be kangoed out and spured

 

[JohnD]

Or save the trouble... put in the concrete spurs at original build, and have the wooden posts above ground level.

Then when you want to replace them you just have to cut the nuts off.