Using the Right Fence Post

Overview:

Choosing the right fence posts before starting to build a fence is essential for success. Apart from considering the appearance of each post, you need to consider the durability and strength of each type of fence post once it is set firmly in the ground. A fence must be built with the environment in mind if it is going to last a long time. There are a number of fence styles available to choose from: wood, metal, concrete, and plastic.

Wooden post:

For most wood fence construction a 3 inch x 3inch or 4 inch x 4inch square post is used. They are available in a number of different lengths. Larger post are available (6inch to 8inch), but the 3inch and 4inch posts are the most popular sizes used in fence construction. Most home improvement supply centers stock pressure treated softwoods, usually pine, which is much cheaper than treated hardwood. Always use a fence post cap on top of the post once it is in position. This is normally a beveled cap installed on top of the post that prevents rain from penetrating and 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.  

Concrete posts: 

Use standard 4 inch x 4 inch posts. These posts are made from reinforced concrete and are much heavier and more expensive than wooden posts. The advantage of concrete posts is their strength and they cannot rot. Metal posts come in a variety of different finishes to suit different styles of fencing. Concrete posts come 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 of the fence.

Plastic posts: 

Plastic posts and fencing is not as durable as other types of fencing. It can be decorative and effective for a short fence commonly used around decks. If PVC posts are used they need to be internally reinforced with wood for heights greater than 30inches to provide rigidity. These posts normally come configured to allow for reinforcement if required.

Fence Installation tips:

• When installing a fence there are a number of considerations to take into account before deciding on the materials to use such as:

• If the fence is exposed to high winds you must make allowances for bracing.

• If the fence borders a public area, permission is usually required for a fence greater than three feet high.  

• If privacy is a factor there are many solid fences available which come in a number of heights or widths.   

• If you favor a chain link fence keep in mind that they do not resist high winds.

If you favor a wooden fence there are many different styles available in wood. Some are solid fences such as panels, close-boarded vertical or closed-boarded horizontal. Wooden fences are easier to install because most DIY homeowners can install a wood fence themselves.

See:  Swimming Pool Fence Installation