Fencing Installation Guide
How to Choose the Right Fence Posts
Choosing the right fence posts is just as important as choosing the panels. This guide explains the differences between timber and concrete posts, the sizes available and which option is best suited to your project.
In this guide
Timber, Concrete or Metal Posts
Fence posts are commonly available in timber, concrete or metal. Each option can produce a strong fence, but they differ in appearance, weight, maintenance, installation and cost.
The best choice will depend on:
- The type and height of fence
- Ground conditions
- Wind exposure
- Preferred appearance
- Maintenance requirements
- Available budget
- Whether the fence uses panels, rails or composite boards
Timber posts
Timber posts provide a traditional appearance and are generally lighter and easier to handle than concrete posts. They can be cut, drilled and fixed into directly, making them suitable for many DIY and professional installations.
Advantages include:
- Natural appearance
- Easier to transport and handle
- Simple to cut and drill
- Suitable for panels, closeboard fencing and gates
- Usually lower initial cost
Timber posts should be pressure treated for external use. Their lifespan will depend on the treatment, drainage, ground conditions and installation method.
Concrete posts
Concrete posts are heavier but provide a durable, low-maintenance option. Slotted concrete posts are commonly used with standard fence panels and concrete gravel boards.
Advantages include:
- Resistant to rot
- Long service life
- Strong and low maintenance
- Panels can normally be removed and replaced
- Suitable for concrete gravel boards
Concrete posts require more effort to transport and install. Their weight often makes a two-person installation advisable.
Metal posts
Metal fence posts provide a slimmer and lighter alternative to concrete while avoiding the risk of timber rot.
At Harlow Fencing, we stock the DuraPost system. DuraPost posts are manufactured from pre-galvanised steel and are designed for use with a wide range of fence panels and fencing systems. Pre-drilled fixing points allow panels, gravel boards and rails to be attached without unnecessarily damaging the protective galvanised finish.
Advantages include:
- Slim, modern appearance
- Lighter than concrete posts
- Resistant to rot
- Low maintenance
- Easier to manoeuvre during installation
- Suitable for many timber and composite fence panels
- Available in galvanised and coloured finishes
- Dedicated post profiles for intermediate, end and corner positions
DuraPost also offers heavier Commercial posts for taller or more demanding installations. The correct post type and size should be selected according to the fence height, panel system, location and expected wind loading.
Choosing the Right Post Size
Timber, concrete and metal posts are available in different lengths and profiles. The post must be long enough to provide the required finished fence height while also extending sufficiently into the ground.
When selecting a post, consider:
- Fence-panel height
- Gravel-board height
- Trellis or decorative topping
- Required clearance above ground
- Installation depth
- Ground conditions
- Exposure to strong winds
For example, a fence using a 1.83m panel and a 150mm gravel board will have a finished height of approximately 1.98m before allowing for any clearance or decorative topping.
Common post lengths include:
- 1.8m
- 2.1m
- 2.4m
- 2.7m
- 3.0m
Metal systems such as DuraPost may also use different post profiles for standard residential fencing, end and corner positions, or taller commercial installations. Always select the profile as well as the length that suits the proposed fence.
Intermediate, Corner and End Posts
Different positions along the fence may require different post types or fixing arrangements.
Intermediate posts
Intermediate posts sit between two fence panels along a straight run. With slotted concrete posts, both adjoining panels fit into the slots on either side.
End posts
End posts are used where the fence finishes without another panel continuing beyond it. They may be required beside a wall, building, gateway or open end.
Corner posts
Corner posts are used where the fence changes direction. Concrete corner posts normally have slots positioned to accept panels from two directions.
Metal post systems
Metal systems may use different post profiles or accessories for intermediate, end and corner positions.
The DuraPost range includes Classic posts as well as dedicated end and corner options. Cover strips, infills, caps and compatible fixings may also be required to complete the installation and achieve the intended finish.
Check the full system before ordering, including:
- Intermediate posts
- End or corner posts
- Cover strips or infills
- Post caps
- Compatible gravel boards
- Rails and fixings
- Required finish or colour
With timber posts, panels can often be fixed to different faces of the same post. Check that the chosen post is large enough to accept the fixings securely.
Also allow additional posts for:
- Changes in direction
- Separate fence sections
- Gate openings
- Changes in fence height
- Sections meeting walls or buildings
Choosing Gate Posts
Garden gates place more load on their supporting posts than ordinary fence panels. The hanging post must carry the gate’s weight and resist the movement created when the gate opens and closes.
Consider:
- Gate width
- Gate height
- Gate weight
- Timber thickness
- Hinge type
- Wind exposure
- Whether the gate is single or double
A lightweight pedestrian gate may be suitable for standard or moderately heavier timber posts. Larger driveway gates and heavy framed gates generally require substantially stronger posts and foundations.
The hanging post is particularly important. It should be correctly sized, securely installed and suitable for the chosen hinges.
Do not assume that a standard timber, concrete or metal intermediate post is suitable for every gate. Larger or heavier gates may require a purpose-designed gate post or a more substantial supporting structure.
Post Depth and Installation
Fence posts must be installed deeply and securely enough to resist wind load and movement.
A common rule is to place approximately one-third of the post’s total length below ground, but the actual depth required depends on:
- Finished fence height
- Post size and material
- Ground conditions
- Wind exposure
- Gate loads
- Installation method
Many domestic fence posts are installed approximately 600mm into the ground, but taller fences, exposed sites, soft ground and gate posts may require deeper or more substantial foundations.
Posts should be installed:
- Vertically and accurately aligned
- At the correct spacing for the chosen panels
- In a suitably sized hole
- With appropriate post mix or concrete
- With drainage considered around timber posts
- Without disturbing nearby services
Check for underground cables, pipes and drainage before digging.
Ground Conditions and Exposure
Ground conditions can affect both the choice of post and the installation method.
Soft or loose ground
Soft ground may require deeper holes, larger foundations or additional support to prevent movement.
Heavy or poorly drained soil
Water held around timber posts can increase the risk of decay. Good drainage and suitable pressure-treated timber are particularly important.
Hard, chalky or stony ground
Hard ground can make excavation more difficult and may affect the position or size of the post holes.
Exposed locations
Metal posts can reduce installation weight compared with concrete, but the post profile, foundation and fixing method still need to suit the fence height and wind exposure. Taller or more exposed installations may require a heavier post system, such as a suitable DuraPost Commercial post.
Tall fences and solid panels can experience considerable wind pressure. Exposed gardens may benefit from:
- Larger or stronger posts
- Deeper foundations
- More open panel designs
- Shorter panel spans
- Additional bracing where appropriate
Take extra care around changes in level, retaining walls and raised ground, where the effective fence height may be greater on one side.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common post-selection and installation mistakes:
- Choosing posts before deciding the finished fence height
- Forgetting to allow for gravel boards
- Using standard intermediate posts for heavy gates
- Ordering only one type of concrete post for corners and ends
- Assuming all panels and posts have identical dimensions
- Installing posts too shallowly
- Failing to account for soft ground or exposed locations
- Positioning posts before checking the actual panel width
- Allowing timber posts to sit in poorly drained ground
- Forgetting to check for underground services
- Using posts that are too small for the fence height or gate weight
- Forgetting to choose the correct metal post profile for ends and corners
- Ordering metal posts without the required infills, caps or fixings
- Assuming one post system is suitable for every panel or gate
- Mixing incompatible posts, gravel boards and accessories
Final Checks Before Ordering
Before ordering your fence posts, confirm:
- Fence-panel height
- Gravel-board height
- Finished fence height
- Timber, concrete or metal post system
- Required post length
- Number of intermediate posts
- Number of corner and end posts
- Gate-post requirements
- Ground conditions
- Wind exposure
- Post-mix or concrete quantity
- Clips, brackets and other fixings
- Metal post profile
- Required infills, caps and cover strips
- Finish or colour
- Compatibility with the selected panels and gravel boards
It is also worth checking the exact dimensions and slot arrangement of the selected posts, panels and gravel boards to make sure they are compatible.
Need Help Choosing Fence Posts?
Bring your measurements, photographs and a simple boundary sketch into our Harlow store. Our team can help you choose suitable timber or concrete posts and calculate the different post types required.
Before You Start
- Decide the finished fence height
- Choose timber, concrete or metal posts
- Confirm whether gravel boards will be used
- Record corners, ends and gate openings
- Consider drainage and ground conditions
- Note whether the site is exposed to strong winds
Need Help with Your Measurements?
Bring your measurements, photographs and a simple sketch into our Harlow store. Our team can help calculate the panels, posts, gravel boards and fixings required.