How to Choose Fence Posts

Congratulations on your decision to put in a new fence! Now for some big choices - what kind of fence posts should you use? Here's how to make your way through the mire of options and pick the best kind for your fence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fence Posts
• Fence Post Caps

1. Determine how much support your fence will need. While there's no point in putting up concrete posts for a chain-link fence, you may be disappointed with the lack of support a flimsy metal post gives your concrete fencing.
2. Select plastic posts for small or light-duty fences such as picket-style. (Be aware that if the fence will be more than 2 1/2 feet high, you may have to reinforce plastic posts with wooden inserts.)
3. Pick metal posts (round or square) for chain-link and plastic fences.
4. Take a good look at wooden post choices. They come in a variety of sizes and types of wood. Pine is cheap and is available in treated forms for outdoor use. Heavier woods, especially hardwoods, look excellent stained and will last a long time, but are much more expensive.
5. Consider concrete posts. They come in 4-by-4-inch size and vary in height. They're available predrilled for different fence styles - chain-link, panels and rails. These are very solid - and may look odd with some fences.
6. Keep in mind that concrete and wooden posts can be painted but that they'll require repainting every so often.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to look at available post caps for the posts you choose. Wooden posts, especially, are prone to problems from weather if not protected properly.

Who Can Help:

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