Once you have chosen between either timber fencing or composite, eco fencing, it’s time to choose the fence posts. Fence posts need to be in tip top condition to stand up to windy weather conditions, be practical and complement the aesthetics of the fence panels.
The advantages of concrete fence posts
Concrete fence posts are completely impenetrable by damp and resistant to insect infestation so will last a lifetime, without needing to be replaced.
Extremely low maintenance, they can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water.
Their appearance and colour makes them a good choice for modern or contemporary settings.
Concrete is a sturdy material that is robust enough to withstand the strongest of storms and are therefore a great choice for posts in exposed areas.
The disadvantages of concrete fence posts
Cost - concrete posts are more expensive than timber fence posts and may involve higher costs when being installed – their weight means they cannot be handled by a single individual and therefore higher installations costs may be incurred to cover the manpower required.
Once installed, a concrete fence post is difficult to reposition so there is a smaller margin for error when taking measurements than with timber posts.
While concrete fence posts are almost indestructible, they can crack or chip which could allow moisture to penetrate the post. Over time, this can lead to fence failure.
Poor sustainability – the production of concrete produces up to 8% of CO2 emissions globally and uses nearly 10% of global industrial water use.
The advantages of timber fence posts
Cost – the initial purchase price of timber fence posts is lower than concrete posts and, as they can be installed fairly easily by one person, installation costs are also lower.
Timber fence posts by their very nature, offer a far more natural look to your outdoor space than a concrete fence post, and will complement timber fence panels to give a streamlined aesthetic to your garden. Timber fence posts can also be topped off with decorative post finials which are not available in concrete.
Environmentally, timber fence posts from Witham Timber are manufactured from timber sourced from sustainable forests.
Far lighter and easier to manoeuvre than their concrete counterparts, timber fence posts are a little more forgiving if your measurements are not entirely accurate and can be adjusted relatively easily.
The disadvantages of timber fence posts
There is maintenance required to achieve the maximum life span from timber fence posts which can be time consuming and costly in the long term. Without this ongoing and regular care, fence posts can split or rot and are therefore less durable than concrete.
Environmental factors such as wind and salty sea spray will reduce the life expectancy of timber, leading to timber fence posts having to be replaced more often. Depending on location, concrete may be better.
Fence posts from Witham Timber
Our timber fence posts are pressure treated for longevity and rot resistance, and offer strength and durability. Available sawn or planed, our timber fence posts are thoughtfully finished, with planed posts available with a dome or pyramid top. We also have a stock of pointed posts which are ideal for traditional post and rail fencing.
We offer slotted concrete fence posts and recessed concrete fence posts, that are ideal for use with timber fence panels. All our concrete fence posts are steel reinforced and our slotted posts are available as intermediate posts with slots on both sides, end posts with a slot on one side only, and corner posts which will accommodate a change in the fence direction; all are available in lengths of 6, 7, 8, and 9 feet. Recessed concrete posts are the strongest posts in our range and feature pre-formed holes which allow them to be bolted easily to timber rails and either timber or concrete gravel boards.
Each type of fence post has its own pros and cons and your final choice will be based on a variety of factors and personal preference. At Witham Timber, we supply timber fence posts and concrete fence posts to domestic and commercial customers and if you are unsure of the best post for your next fencing project, our highly experienced staff will be happy to discuss your requirements with you. Email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or call on 01205 359188 today.