Wood vs. Metal Fence Posts

30 Sep.,2024

 

Wood vs. Metal Fence Posts

When it comes to building a fence, one of the most critical decisions you&#;ll make is choosing the type of posts to use. In the Pacific Northwest, where weather conditions can be quite challenging, the two most common options are Pressure Treated Wood posts and Galvanized Steel posts. We have quickly been going away from the wood option, and we will explain why below. 

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Wood Posts:

Wood posts are a traditional and popular choice for fencing, offering a natural and rustic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the environment. In the Pacific Northwest, where forests are abundant, wood posts are often sourced locally, making them a sustainable choice. Unfortunately, they are NOT what they used to be. Due to environmental concerns the solution used to treat the posts has changed significantly and the performance is not the same. We have seen posts completely rotten within 1-2 years on fences we built.

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: One of the primary reasons homeowners opt for wood posts is their natural and timeless look. They can be stained or painted to match the fence&#;s design and surroundings, enhancing the overall curb appeal of your property.

2. Local Sourcing: In an environmentally conscious region like the Pacific Northwest, using locally sourced wood posts can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

3. Cost-Effective: In many cases, wood posts tend to be more budget-friendly compared to their steel counterparts. This can be particularly advantageous for large fence projects.

Cons:

1. Durability: The most significant drawback of wood posts is their susceptibility to rot and decay. In the damp climate of the Pacific Northwest, untreated wood posts can deteriorate relatively quickly, in some cases even a year or two after install.

2. Maintenance: Wood posts require regular maintenance, including staining, sealing, and occasional repairs. This ongoing upkeep can be time-consuming and costly.

3. Vulnerability to Pests: Wood posts can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants, leading to further deterioration.

Steel Posts:

Steel posts, often galvanized to resist corrosion, are the most durable and long-lasting post on the market. They offer a sleek and modern appearance that can work well with a variety of fence designs. These are the last posts you will set. We prefer working with the &#;Postmaster&#; steel post brand. The heavy gauge steel and shape make it the strongest post on the market.

Pros:

1. Durability: Galvanized steel posts are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for the wet climate of the Pacific Northwest. They are not susceptible to rot or decay and can last for decades without significant maintenance. Even when the fence boards themselves go bad, you will be able to re use the posts in the future.

2. Zero Maintenance: Unlike wood posts, steel posts require no maintenance. Once installed.

3. Strength: Steel posts provide excellent structural support and can withstand significant pressure, making them suitable for taller or heavier fences. High winds don&#;t stand a chance against steel.

Cons:

1. Cost: Steel posts are typically more expensive upfront than wood posts, which can be a deterrent for those on a tight budget. Approximately $14 for a wood post and $35 for a steel post.

2. Aesthetic Preferences: These posts can be covered with cedar so you don&#;t see any posts at all on your entire fence.

3. Environmental Impact: Steel production has a higher carbon footprint compared to wood. However, the long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements of steel posts can offset this over time.

Conclusion:

Due to the quality of wood decreasing and the limited lifespan we recommend using steel posts. It is always cheaper in the long run with a steel post as you will never have to replace rotten posts. Try out our Fence Calculator to get an instance fence estimate today!

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Steel garden fence posts everything you need to know

Steel garden fence posts : Everything you need to know

Fence posts are an integral part of any fence run. They do most of the work for supporting the fencing and keeping it upright. If a fence post fails, the whole fence will look bad, and if posts become unstable and start to lean, the whole fence could fall over.

If you&#;re looking at options for your new garden fence, chances are you&#;ve come across multiple types of fence posts made from different materials, including steel. Steel fence posts are not only stylish, but easy to install and long lasting, and some types are even sustainable.

Relatively new to the market, they bring a new dimension to garden fencing, offering something different to the traditional timber or concrete fence posts that have been a staple part of garden fences for a number of decades. Whether you want to know more about steel posts or you are looking at options for your new garden fencing, we&#;ve listed everything you need to know.

What are steel garden fence posts, and how do they work?

Steel posts are installed at each end of the fence panel, essentially holding the panel in place and stopping it falling forward or backward, and at the same time joining multiple panels together. They work much like timber posts and allow fence panels to be securely fixed with screws to posts, supporting the panels and stopping them rattling against the posts (a common downside to concrete posts). It also prevents panels from being lifted to gain access to a property. Steel posts should be made from galvanised steel for long life. There will be an option to powder coat to add colour, and this will not only look good but also provide extra protection from the elements.

How do you install steel fence posts with panels?

Installing steel posts will depend on the overall fence height. Our Mi-T Metal posts are designed for use with our 1.8m high panels and gravel boards, producing a 1.97m high fence run. They should be secured into place in a hole 600mm in depth.

Choose a fence panel that works with the steel post and installation should be straight forward. Our Mi-T posts have a &#;T&#; shape design so they can be used in a run and as corner posts (with the help of a timber infill piece at the end of the fence run). Panels are then screwed to the posts using specific screws (usually sold with the post).

How long will steel posts last?

The longevity of a fence post is integral to the overall lifespan of the fence. Fence posts are the most likely component to fail and therefore if poor quality products are chosen, it could force you to replace the posts or the whole fence line.

Good quality steel posts should last at least 25 years. Our Mi-T steel fence posts are guaranteed for 25 years so you can trust that they are designed to last. Like timber posts, the better the quality, the longer the fence post will last. Concrete posts usually last anywhere up to 20 years.

How expensive are steel posts?

This will depend on the supplier and the quality of the steel used. Our best advice, no matter what the material, is to invest in a quality product that is designed to last and has a long guarantee, from a reputable longstanding company/manufacturer. This will prevent the fence failing and eliminate the need to replace 2-3 times before a better-quality fence will need replacing.

Metal posts will be more expensive than timber or concrete, but they do outlast concrete and depending on the location and weather conditions, could outperform timber. Due to current timber sourcing, metal is currently more available than timber or concrete, so if you are in a hurry to get fencing installed, metal fence posts are your best option.

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