A fence post is a vertical wooden or concrete post that serves as the supporting structure for a fence. The posts are placed in the ground (dug in, set in concrete or in a ground anchor) and form the skeleton to which fence boards, panels or garden screens are attached.
Materials
| Material | Lifespan | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated softwood | 10-15 years | Standard wooden fence |
| Hardwood | 20-25 years | Durable wooden fence |
| Concrete | 30+ years | Concrete fence with wooden/composite infill panels |
| Steel (post bracket) | 25+ years | Steel post bracket with wooden post |
Dimensions (wood)
| Post size | Application |
|---|---|
| 70 x 70 mm | Low fence, garden divider |
| 90 x 90 mm | Standard fence (1.80 m high) |
| 120 x 120 mm | Heavy fence, wind load |
| 150 x 150 mm | Corner posts, extra load |
Installation
Method 1: Setting in concrete
1. Dig a hole (40×40 cm, 60-80 cm deep)
2. 10 cm of gravel at the bottom (drainage)
3. Place the post, check it is plumb
4. Pour concrete around the post
5. Allow to cure (24-48 hours before loading)
Method 2: Ground anchor/post bracket
1. Drive or screw in a ground anchor
2. Place the post in the bracket
3. Bolt through
Method 3: On a concrete pier
1. Place a concrete pier
2. Mount a post bracket
3. Set the post on the bracket (wood does not touch the ground)
Spacing between posts
Standard: 180 cm centre-to-centre (this matches standard fence panels of 180 cm wide).
Related terms
- Featheredge board
- Shiplap cladding
- Trellis
- Ground anchor
- Post bracket