Why fence posts fail
A timber post sits in concrete with its foot in damp soil. Air, water and fungi meet right at the ground line, and that is where it softens. Years later the post looks fine above ground but snaps at the base the first time a strong gust catches the panel. Pressure treated timber slows this down a great deal, but it does not stop it entirely.
Concrete posts do not have that weak point, so the fence tends to outlive several sets of panels.
Concrete fence posts pros and cons
- Pro: no rot, so a much longer working life
- Pro: panels slot in and can be replaced without touching the post
- Pro: pairs with concrete gravel boards to keep timber off the soil
- Con: heavier, so harder to carry into gardens with tight access
- Con: a more utilitarian look, which some people dislike
- Con: cannot be cut or fixed into in the same way as timber
Best fence posts for windy gardens
A solid fence acts like a sail. In open and coastal gardens, such as the ones we work on around Fareham and Gosport, the wind load on each bay is high, and a panel fence on timber posts is the most likely boundary to come down in a winter storm.
Two changes help most: concrete posts set to a proper depth, and in the most exposed spots a close board fence, which is built stronger than a panel and handles wind better.
Fencing
- Secure posts and solid installation
- Old fencing removed where agreed
- Styles to suit traditional and modern gardens
Fence blown down in wind: what to do next
When a run comes down, look at the posts before the panels. If the posts have snapped at ground level, the whole run is near the end of its life and replacing just the broken bay will only move the problem along. If the posts are sound and only a panel has blown out, a like for like repair is reasonable.
It is also worth checking which side of the boundary you are responsible for before ordering, especially between terraced gardens, where we fit only to the line you maintain.
When timber still makes sense
Sheltered gardens, decorative fences, short runs and close board fencing with traditional rails all suit timber. Set in concrete with a gravel board keeping the panel off the soil, a good treated timber post still gives many years of service.