Comparisons
Concrete or Wooden Posts: The Choice That Decides Everything
Fences almost always fail at the post, not the panel. That single fact is why post choice matters more than boarding style to how long your fence stands.
If you only make one considered decision about a new fence, make it this one. Boarding is what you look at, posts are what keeps it up, and the overwhelming majority of fences we are called out to replace have failed at ground level rather than anywhere else.
Here is how the two options genuinely compare, including the cases where timber is still the right call.
Side by side
Neither is universally correct, but the balance tilts strongly one way on lifespan.
| Concrete posts | Timber posts | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Very long, not affected by rot | Shortest lived part of a timber fence |
| Cost | Higher per post | Lower per post |
| Appearance | Visible grey between bays | Blends with the boarding |
| Repairs | Panels slide out and back in | Post itself often needs replacing |
| Best for | Wet ground, exposed sites, longevity | Traditional look, on site closeboard |
Why timber posts fail where they do
The failure point is the few centimetres either side of ground level, where timber is alternately wet and dry and oxygen is plentiful. Above that line a post can look perfectly sound while being almost gone at the base, which is why a fence often comes down in one gust having shown no warning.
- Rot concentrates at the soil line rather than through the whole post
- A post can appear sound at eye level and be failing at the base
- Post fixings loosen as the timber softens, well before the post breaks
When timber posts are still the right choice
For on site closeboard where rails are mortised into the posts, timber gives a cleaner traditional appearance and a genuinely integrated build. On a sheltered boundary in well drained ground, with pressure treated posts properly set, timber can serve for many years. It is a considered choice there, not a compromise.
How posts should be set either way
Depth and support matter as much as material. A post set too shallow in loose soil will work loose whatever it is made of, and backfilling with soil rather than a proper support does the same. Concrete posts need setting plumb and to a consistent line, because unlike timber they cannot be planed or persuaded afterwards.
- Adequate depth for the finished height, deeper on exposed runs
- Properly supported rather than backfilled with loose spoil
- Set plumb and to line, since concrete cannot be adjusted later
- Consistent spacing so boarding and panels sit correctly
Our usual recommendation
For most gardens we suggest concrete posts, because it removes the failure point that causes the majority of the replacement work we are called to. If the traditional look matters to you, say so and we will talk through the timber options honestly. Ring 07885907880.
Get the posts right the first time
The posts are the decision that sets how long your fence stands. We will recommend honestly for your ground and your exposure.
Frequently asked
Do concrete fence posts last longer than wooden ones?
Substantially, because they are not affected by the rot at ground level that ends most timber posts. It is the main reason we recommend them.
Can I use concrete posts with timber panels?
Yes, and it is a very common combination. Slotted concrete posts let panels drop in, which also makes future panel replacement straightforward.
Are concrete posts unattractive?
They are visible as grey uprights between bays, which some people dislike. Boarding styles and capping can soften the effect noticeably.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Deep enough for the finished height, and deeper on exposed runs or loose ground. Depth and proper support matter as much as the post material.
Can a rotten timber post be replaced without redoing the fence?
Often yes, particularly where boarding is sound. It is one of the most common repairs we carry out on otherwise decent fences.