Compare Timber, Metal and Concrete Fence Posts
In August 2021 Jacksons Fencing offered installers and specifiers a comparison of the three main fence post materials. It suggested weighing up appearance, practicality, short- and long-term cost, and sustainability.
Concrete posts are very strong and can last decades, and they are competitively priced, at the time of writing around £30 for a 2.7m post. Against that, they weigh roughly 40kg, look unattractive and sit awkwardly beside timber panels. Panels are hard to fix securely and may rattle in wind, the material does not flex, and moving a post later is difficult. Cracks can worsen when water freezes inside, and an exposed steel core may rust. Jacksons also stresses the environmental cost, citing a claim that concrete accounts for 4% to 8% of the world's CO2.
Pressure-treated timber posts of good quality are said to last 25 years or more, while cheaper, poorer ones may survive only 10 to 15 years, so a long guarantee is worth specifying. Timber looks natural, suits timber panels, is easier to install with slotted posts and can be screwed to panels to stop movement. Heavy-duty posts are recommended for fences over 2000mm high, windy sites or steeply stepped runs. Treated timber has a smaller footprint than concrete and is simpler to get rid of at end of life, but only if it lasts, since short-lived posts mean more timber being produced. Jacksons says its kiln-dried, pressure-treated posts are designed for at least 25 years, with a near-zero carbon footprint. A 2.7m post cost about £32.70 plus VAT.
Metal posts are new to the company for use with timber panels. Its T-shaped design leaves only a thin strip of steel visible from behind. Posts are usually galvanised steel, often powder coated, come with pre-drilled holes, are light to handle and can be screwed to panel frames, though currently they only work with matching framed panels namely tongue and groove, Venetian, woven and hit and miss styles. Jacksons has made metal posts for security fencing for over 30 years and guarantees its Mi-T post for 25 years. Metal is fully recyclable. The upfront price is higher, with one Mi-T post and 12 screws costing £47.24 plus VAT, but the firm argues long-term value justifies it.
It ends by advising installers to talk through strength, durability, appearance, cost and sustainability with the client.
