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Garden Fence Posts
TerrysWorld
Posts: 174
Shortly will have to replace the garden fence and posts.
The posts are rotting at the base as always sitting in the moisture in the ground etc. The other fence which the neighbour erected, their posts are also rotting at the base and they are set in concrete.
Want to erect a 6ft high feathered edge type fence using 4" posts at roughly 8ft centers.
As the ground tends to hold the moisture all year round, thought of using clamp type Met Posts with 750mm long spikes then the posts not sitting in the damp ground.
Any reasons not to do it this way.
thanks
Last edited: 11 September 2017 23:04:09
South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
0
Posts
When I had to replace my rotting fence posts I opted for concrete with a concrete gravel board at the bottom,it was a bit more expensive at the outset but now I am so glad I did.
The gravel boards keep the panels away from the damp ground and I can garden right up to them.
This year some fence panels need replacing and it is a simple job of taking the old out and slotting in the new,I don't need to replace all the panels if some are still OK.
I use special grip type fittings on the posts to hold trellis etc.
A bit pricier at the outset but much cheaper in the long term and less hassle and disturbance in the garden.
Last edited: 12 September 2017 11:23:10
The one 'system' I would strongly avoid at all costs is the met posts. They are an absolute nightmare to get vertical and stable (without setting them in concrete), they will rust-out and the wooden posts will be ill-fitting in them. Go for concrete posts for longevity or wooden posts in concrete that when haunched up will last longer than those allowing for water to pool at the base. Alternatively if your current posts are in good order (except for the rotted-out bases) then you could consider concrete spurs although they are not pretty on the eye in my view.
What are those grip type fittings like? I assume they are to fix things along the post, not on top of it? I did a (quick) search, but only found the latter (attach things on top of post).
these are what I used:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Postfix-Slotted-Concrete-Fence-Brackets/dp/B017GFSTFO/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505241706&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=POSTFIX+Slotted+Concrete+Fence+Post+Bracket+4+PACK+Fix+Anything+to+4"+x+4"+Posts
I've got the Gripple system but there are others. The clamps are in two pieces, you put one either side of the fence post, then a bolt goes through them and as you tighten it they grip the post. You can get some designed for mounting plant pots, or brackets for hanging baskets, other designs for holding horizontal wires. Easy to use, no damage to the fence, can be easily moved, removed, and re-used. And IMO reasonably priced.
This is what worries me with these slot-in' posts and fencing. Lifting one out and one back in.
Not much of a security theme. ?
It is not an easy job to slide out panels (it is generally a 2 man job) and also depends on what is growing next to them.Mine are in my back garden so only my neighbours on each side.
Tricky to move but easier than replacing a whole fence!
Good idea!
It also goes to show that you need a plan and some organisation to remove/fit the panels.
If a burglar or whatever wants to get into your property a fence of any kind will not stop them!
Worth every extra penny to get it right in the first place!!