When installing a new fence around your property, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right wood fence posts. These posts serve as the structural foundation and backbone of your entire fence, so you want to select a material that’s durable, attractive, and budget-friendly. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting wood fence posts for your property.
Understanding Different Types of Wood Fence Posts
Common wood fence post options include:
- Cedar Wood: Known for its natural resistance to insects, decay and moisture, cedar is extremely durable. It has a reddish-brown tone that can add warmth and aesthetic value. Cedar does cost more than other woods but doesn’t require much maintenance.
- Treated Softwood: One of the most affordable options, softwoods like pine are pressure-treated with preservatives to resist decay. The treatment chemicals can occasionally leach, requiring soil remediation. Treated softwood has a lighter appearance that fits with many home styles.
- Oak Wood: English oak is a very dense and robust timber. It has a timeless, rustic appearance and superior strength. However, oak wood is more expensive and requires additional maintenance to enhance durability.
Environmental Factors Impacting Post Durability
The climate, soil conditions, and environmental factors your fence posts are exposed to impact how long they will last:
- Moisture and Decay Resistance: Posts that easily rot or decay will have a shorter lifespan. Cedar and treated woods resist decay in wet conditions.
- Insect and Pest Resistance: Termites and wood-boring beetles can damage posts over time. Cedar’s natural pest resistance gives it an advantage.
- Soil Acidity: Posts tend to decompose faster in acidic soils. Concrete footings raise posts above ground level to protect them.
- Sun Exposure: Over years, intense sun exposure can cause checking, splitting and faster breakdown in less durable woods.
Proper Post Size, Depth and Spacing
Properly sizing, spacing and sinking fence posts into the ground provides stability:
- Post Size: Larger posts (4×4 inch or 100x100mm minimum) are sturdier foundations.
- Post Spacing: Keep posts close enough to properly support fencing weight and materials.
- Post Depth: Posts should be buried up to one-third of their total length into the ground. Deeper is more secure.
Getting Professional Installation
While DIY fence construction is popular for its cost savings, there are several important benefits to hiring a professional fencing company to install your posts.
Reputable local installers have years of expertise in properly excavating holes, measuring and spacing posts and securing them for optimal stability. They know how to work with the soil conditions in your area and meet structural codes. This results in a quality job.
As professionals, Bentley Fencing has the right machinery available like post hole diggers, tampers and drilling equipment to efficiently accomplish the installation. Renting or buying this equipment yourself is expensive.
Paying more money upfront for pro installation ultimately provides a good return on investment, as professionally installed posts reinforced properly last decades longer than DIY jobs. This also boosts resale value.
Ongoing Fence Post Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your wood fence posts looking their best and extends their working life:
- Inspect Fence Posts: Visually check posts once a year for signs of insect damage, moisture issues, soil erosion, vegetation overgrowth and overall sturdiness. Address any problems immediately to halt deterioration.
- Clean Posts and Surrounding Areas: Gently remove mud, ant piles, weeds or other debris accumulating around posts that cause rot. Use a hose and wood cleaner to keep posts free of mould, mildew and splinters.
- Apply Protective Sealant: Stain, paint or wood protector sealant applied every 2-3 years shields posts from moisture, sun damage and decay.
- Repair Small Issues: Use wood epoxy or waterproof wood filler to patch small cracks, splinters and warped sections. Add metal post bracing to reinforce wobbly posts.
- Replace Severely Deteriorated Posts: It’s best to preemptively replace posts with major insect, water or structural damage before they fail completely. This prevents fence issues down the line.
Conclusion
Installing a quality wood fence with durable posts is a major home improvement project, but also a sound investment. Properly constructed wood fences not only increase curb appeal and provide privacy but also add value to your property. By selecting the right wood type, sizing posts appropriately, and sinking them deep into the ground, you can establish a sturdy, long-lasting fence foundation.
For professional installation in your area, trust the expertise of Bentley Fencing. Our experienced team can assess your landscape and install reinforced fence posts properly for maximum stability and longevity. Check out the full range of quality wood fence posts Bentley Fencing offers to meet your budget and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do wood fence posts typically last?
With proper installation and consistent maintenance, cedar and oak wood fence posts can last 30 years or longer. Treated softwoods may only last 10-15 years before needing replacement.
Should wood fence posts be set in concrete?
Concrete is recommended for added stability, but posts can also be buried directly in soil if dug deep enough (up to one-third their total length).
What size wood should be used for fence posts?
A minimum 4×4 inch (100x100mm) post thickness provides adequate strength and durability. Larger, heavier posts offer even more reinforcement.
How far apart should wood fence posts be spaced?
Wood fence post spacing depends on fence height and materials used, but a general rule of thumb is 8 feet (2.4m) apart on centre as a maximum span.