Forest Kyoto Pressure Treated Decorative Fence Panel - Available in 6' x 6', 6' x 5', 6' x 4' and as a Gate
Installing a new boundary fence in your home is important, an investment in your property. Getting it right is about deciding the kind of fence you need. One of these decisions will be buying fence panels and fence posts. One of the first questions many people ask is, “Do I need concrete fence posts or are wooden posts adequate?”. The next question logically follows, “How long do wooden fence posts last?”. These are both excellent questions.
We recognise that concrete fence posts are a popular choice due to their durability and longevity, but this guide aims to focus on wooden fence posts, given they are the more cost-effective and popular option for most gardens. We’ll discuss factors affecting wooden fence posts’ life expectancy and the average life of wooden fence posts, to name just a few topics.
How long do wooden fence posts last?
Wooden fence post life expectancy ranges from five years for untreated wooden fence posts to around 15 years, depending on several factors that we will discuss in detail in this article. Understanding how long will a wooden fence last is crucial for making an informed decision about your investment.
Factors Affecting wooden Fence post life expectancy
Several factors affect the life expectancy of wooden fence posts, starting with the quality of the wood and whether it has been treated at the source. Untreated wood is a cheap option but not one we recommend. Ensuring that the post will sit below the frost line is also crucial to prevent cracking and movement due to freezing conditions. These factors contribute to the overall wooden fence post life expectancy.
Wood type and quality
Fence posts should be made from pressure treated timber. Pressure treated wood posts last many years, but their longevity is compromised by moisture and poor drainage around the posts. The best timber for fence posts is hardwood like cedar or oak, but this kind of wood is costly and cedar is scarce. Our timber fence posts are top-quality and made from pressure treated timber with a 15-year anti-rot and fungal decay guarantee. They are designed to help people easily install their boundary fence. We sell several sizes of timber fence posts and dozens of styles.
Consider the following as good options:
- 8’x3’x3’ Forest Fence Post - this heavy-duty fence post is made from pressure treated wood and if you view the product information you will see is also available in a range of other sizes
- 7’11x2.7’x2.7’ Forest Planed Fence Post - this heavy-duty fence post is made from pressure treated wood, has a smooth, domed finish and is available in five different sizes
- 7’11x3.7’x3.7’ Forest Planed H Slotted Fence Post - this heavy-duty fence post is pressure treated and designed to be used with decorative fence panels
7'11" x 3.7" x 3.7" Forest Planed H Slotted Fence Post (2.4m x 94mm x 94mm) - Click HERE to View
Build your boundary fence using the best quality fence panels and fence posts and ensure your fence will stand the test of time before you start the installation.
Soil conditions and moisture levels
If you live in an area with particularly wet soil, which lacks natural drainage and retains moisture, you should consider using fence post spikes. These alleviate the need to dig holes and also protect the fence posts. They are made from Hammerite-coated steel, so they will not deteriorate in acidic or clay soil.
In areas with varying frost lines, it is essential to have the post sit below the frost line to prevent issues caused by freezing water. Combining pressure treated timber fence posts with fence spikes and fence post brackets is another way to protect your boundary fence at the installation stage.
Exposure to elements (rain, sun, wind)
Protecting your fence from weathering is vital if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (even if you do not). There are plenty of protection methods for your boundary fence.
Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Choose pressure treated timber posts
- Match with pressure treated fence panels
- Use fence post spikes and brackets
- Weatherproof with Timmersol Stabiliser and Waterproofer (or similar protective timber products), which is available in various colours to suit your personal preference and décor needs
- We recommend using gravel boards to lift the timber away from the soil
- Wooden fence caps are another way to protect your fence post by keeping the weather away from the end grain of your fence posts
The effects of weathering may significantly reduce the life of your boundary fence. By using the best possible protection products available, you can keep your fence looking good for longer.
What is the average lifespan of wooden fence posts?
How long will a wooden fence last? The average life span depends on several factors. We consider the value buy to be in pressure treated wooden fence posts as opposed to untreated wooden fence posts.
Why is buying untreated wooden fence posts a false economy?
Untreated wooden fence posts are cheaper to buy than pressure treated timber fence posts. Lower initial costs may seem appealing in the first instance, but they will almost certainly lead to additional spending and more time invested in maintenance over time. Understanding the wooden fence post life expectancy before you buy can help you make a more informed decision.
Consider the long term costs of fence ownership
It is important to consider the long-term durability of your fence panels instead of just the initial low cost. Untreated wooden fence posts last, on average, five years (even with additional treatment), while pressure-treated wooden fence posts can last fifteen or more years before any additional weatherproofing is required. Choosing untreated timber is a false economy, which may lead to the need for early replacement or repair of your boundary fence. Spend now and save later!
What is the impact of maintenance on fence longevity?
Nothing in life is maintenance-free; your fence panels, fence posts and garden gates are no exception. You still need regular maintenance even with the best quality products from Buy Fencing Direct. Think about your fence as a conservation project and conduct routine inspections every six months to identify maintenance issues.
Inspection regime tasks
Your inspection should involve the following:
- Clean your fence panels and posts - as mould or pests can reveal damage or decay
- If you find damage - instigate a remedy immediately. Replace fence panels and posts as required
- Treat the entire fence - with a timber treatment to protect it from weathering
Damage signs to look for
Apart from cleaning, there are other signs to look for where your fence requires maintenance or repair. Look for the following signs:
- Loose or missing fence panels or boards within the panels
- Leaning fence panels and posts
- Missing fence post caps
- Rusty metal fixings on wooden garden gates and fence panels
Consistent maintenance will keep your fence looking its best and promote robustness. By remaining proactive and vigilant (especially after storms or unusual weather patterns), you can significantly prolong the life of your boundary, saving time and money in the long run.
Proper fence post installation techniques
Once you have chosen your fence panels and fence posts and have all the fixtures and fittings you need to hand, your next job is installation. Although it is not the focus of this article, it is also worth mentioning that using concrete fence posts provides additional stability and protection against rot and insects.
We have written a detailed ‘How to’ called ‘Fence Installation Guide: How to Install Fence Posts and Put Up Your Garden Panels.’ In this explanatory guide, we provide detailed instructions about fence installation.
The installation guide covers all eventualities and offers excellent advice and tips on installing your boundary fence on all surfaces. If you are erecting your fence on soil, we have a dedicated ‘How to’ called ‘How to Install a Fence Post in Soil.’ This guide offers specific advice and installation tips designed to cover every type of soil.
So, dig deep and save yourself loads of hassle by reading these guides before you start work.
Treating wooden fence posts
This starts with the unequivocal advice from our experts: NEVER use untreated fencing posts. Our boundary fence posts experts also recommend using pressure treated fence posts and fence panels wherever possible.
Buying dip treated fence posts and panels is possible, but these are only slightly better for boundary fence longevity than untreated timber fittings. Here is why:
Pressure treated timber
is subjected to wooden treatments and preservatives under pressure, which submerges the wooden fibres. This ensures that every part of the wood used to make timber fencing materials is preserved.
Dip treated timber
is dipped in a preservative, which coats the exterior of the wood but does not penetrate the wood’s fibres. This treatment offers some protection but requires more maintenance over the lifetime of the boundary fence
Using dip-treated fencing materials is better than using untreated fencing products, but if you want to save time and money from the outset, buy pressure treated fence panels and fence posts.
Conclusion – enhancing wooden fence post life expectancy
Concluding, we have now answered the question “How long do wooden fence posts last?” By using pressure treated timber and high-quality materials such as concrete or treated posts you can extend the life of your fence. Regular maintenance is needed for dip treated or untreated timber posts to stop the rot and insect attack. Checking for damage regularly is key to keeping your fence looking at its best. Proper installation techniques like using gravel and concrete will help your fence weather the storm and time.
Where you see any damage or wear and tear address it immediately to prevent further deterioration. Investing in durable well-treated materials will cost more upfront but will save you from replacing and repairing frequently. For a strong cost-effective solution that will last the distance choose high-quality pressure treated fence posts and follow our installation and maintenance tips. For those wondering “how long will a wooden fence last”, investing in durable, well-treated materials will save you from frequent replacements and repairs.
Contact us
Do you have questions about installing or replacing timber fence posts, concrete posts, or wood fence posts? Our team at Buy Fencing Direct are here to help. You may need advice for:
- Advice on what treated fence post to use for your new fence
- Tips on ground contact
- How to minimise maintenance
- Expected lifespan and how long will a wooden fence last
We are here to support you through the whole process. From advice about eliminating rot and water absorption to managing strong winds and ground level issues, we cover it all.
Contact us here. Contact methods include:
- Phone – 0333 003 0515
- Email – fill in the contact form on our contact us page and we will get back to as soon as possible
- Live chat – message us in real-time by clicking the app icon at the bottom left corner of this page