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Fence Post Buyers Guide
Shop NowEverything You Need to Know About Fence Posts
Your fence is only as strong as the posts holding it up. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice for your garden’s needs.
1. Why Fence Posts Matter
- The Backbone of Your Fence
- Cheap vs Quality Fence Posts (It’s a big difference)
Concrete and metal posts last longer, but even within those categories, there are big differences in quality. A well-installed heavy-duty post can last decades, while a badly installed one might not make it through the winter. Investing in good fence posts means fewer headaches down the line.
2. How Deep Should Fence Posts Be?
You can have the best fence panels in the world, but if your posts aren’t deep enough, your fence is doomed. A shallow post means a wobbly fence and a rickety fence means you’ll wake up and find your fence panels in your neighbour's garden.
- The Magic Number - 2 feet deep
If you skimp on depth, your fence won’t stand a chance in strong winds. Soil shifts over time, and without enough depth, the post will start leaning like it's had one too many at the pub.
Corner Posts Need Extra Strength
Corner posts take pressure because they hold fences in two directions. They need extra support to prevent shifting. Instead of two bags of post mix, use three bags for corner posts. This gives them a rock-solid base and prevents them from moving when the wind picks up.
- Post Mix vs Traditional Concrete - Which One’s Better?
Post-mix (Postcrete) is fast, easy, and beginner-friendly. Just pour it into the hole, add water, and it'll be solid in 10-15 minutes. It’s perfect for quick jobs.
The Downside? It’s not as strong as traditional concrete in extreme weather or shifting soil.
Traditional Concrete Mix takes longer to set but creates a tougher foundation. It is best for fences in exposed areas or heavy clay soil where movement is an issue.
The downside? You’ll need to mix it yourself, which takes longer to cure. It also takes longer to cure so you could end up with posts moving in that time.
3. Fence Post Materials - Choosing the Right One
Fence posts come in three main types - concrete, wooden and metal. Each has pros and cons, so picking the right one depends on what you want from your fence, which could be low maintenance, long lifespan or a traditional look. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice.
- Concrete Fence Posts - Strong, Reliable and Built to Last
- Pros of Concrete Fence Posts
Weatherproof - Unlike wood, concrete can handle constant rain, frost, and heat without splitting or cracking.
Works with gravel boards - Keeping fence panels off the ground helps them last longer.
Low maintenance - No need for treatment, paint, or repairs. Just set them and forget them.
Available in extra-long sizes
- Cons of Concrete Fence Posts
Not the prettiest - While they’re functional, they don’t have the natural look of wood.
- Lifespan
Wooden Fence Posts - Classic Look, But Needs Maintenance
Wooden fence posts are the traditional choice and the best option if you want your fence to blend in with your garden. But they do require some upkeep to stop them from rotting.
- Pros of Wooden Fence Posts
Easier to install - Lighter than concrete, so no need for heavy lifting.
Can be cut to size - If you need an exact length, wood is easier to trim than concrete or metal.
- Cons of Wooden FencesProne to rot - Even pressure-treated wood will eventually break down if not properly maintained.
Maintenance - To make them last, wooden posts need regular treatment to protect against moisture and insects.
- How to Make Wooden Posts Last Longer
Use concrete repair spurs - This helps protect rotting. Repair spurs can reinforce it.
- Lifespan
Metal Fence Posts (Durapost) - Modern, lightweight, and long-lasting
Metal fence posts, especially Durapost, are a newer option that's growing in popularity. They offer the best of both worlds: They're strong like concrete but much lighter and easier to handle.
- Pros of Metal Fence Posts
Lighter than concrete - Easier to install without needing extra hands.
Weatherproof - Won’t rot, warp, or crack like wood or concrete.
It comes in different colours - Black, grey, green and brown - so you can match your fence.
25-year guarantee - DuraPost backs its product with a long-term warranty and is built to last.
- Cons of Metal Fence Posts
Modern look isn’t for everyone - Metal might not be the best fit if you prefer a traditional, rustic style.
Metal posts can last 25+ years without any upkeep. Once they’re in, they’re there to stay.
4. Fence Posts Types - What’s the Right Choice for Your Fence?
Not all fence posts are the same, and picking the wrong type can cause headaches. A post isn’t just a post - it's the foundation of your fence, and different situations call for different designs.
Here’s what you need to know.
5. Fence Post Installation - Getting it Right
This will be a quick guide on how to install your fence post. We have a full installation guide here
- Digging the Right Size Hole
Hole Depth - At least 2ft of the post should be underground.
Hole width - At least three times the width of the post. This gives enough space for post-mix or concrete to hold it securely.
- Post Mix vs Traditional Concrete
- Check the Post Alignment - Avoid the Leaning Tower Effect
Use a spirit level on two sides of the post.
Check (and double-check) it from different angles. It might look straight from one side but tilt from another.
Support it while it sets to make sure it doesn’t move.
- Installing Fence Posts on Concrete?
6. Fence Post Maintenance & Repairs
If you want your fence to stay strong (and avoid expensive repairs), a little maintenance goes a long way.
Checking For Movement - The First Sign of Trouble
Even the best-installed posts can shift over time. Wind, heavy rain, and soil movement can cause them to loosen, causing a fence to lean, creak, or fall over.
Push against the post - If it moves easily, the ground around it may have shifted. Look for signs of leaning. If a post isn’t standing straight, it’s either loose or the fence panels are putting too much pressure on it. Check the base for cracks or rot - Weak spots at the bottom are a warning sign that it might need replacing.
Delivery
Not many people fancy stuffing 8ft fence posts into the back of their car, and unless you’ve got a van handy, delivery is the way to go—that's where we come in.
We’re based in Northfleet, Kent, and our delivery service covers a wide area. See here for where we delivery
We aim to deliver your order as quickly as possible. When you place your order, our team will provide estimated delivery times.
FAQS About Fence Posts
We have covered everything you need to know about fence posts, but there are a few more things you need to know.
Probably not. Fence posts need to be taller than the fence height for stability. If you’re adding extra height, you’ll likely need new, taller posts to support the additional weight.
You'll need to dig it out if the post is rotten or broken. This can be tough if there’s still concrete around the base. One trick is to dig around it and rock it back and forth to loosen it.
We do not recommend using old fence posts. If your making the effort to reinstall you should use a new post.
Spring and Autumn are the best times. The soil will be soft enough to dig, and the weather will be nice enough. Avoid winter if you can, as the ground will be harder to dig proper holes in. Pick a dry day if you have to install the posts in winter.
Need More Help
We realise that our fence panel buying guide detailed but if you do have any extra questions, please contact us! Our expert team will be able to advise you on everything you need to know as you buy concrete gravel boards. you can contact us many different ways.
Phone: 01322-787312
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: 07822003151
