While there are dozens of fence variations already on the market, your fence can be even further customized with a variety of different features. One of the most common fence components that are customized is the fence post. A fence post is the part of the fence that goes directly into the ground to support the weight of the fence and keep the fence upright. There are a variety of fence post options, with the most popular being: wood posts, metal posts, aluminum posts, and vinyl posts. Curious about which is the best option for your fence? Read on below for our complete fence post guide!
Option #1: Wood Posts
Fencing installers all will agree that wood posts are the most popular fencing post variation. Wood is frequently used because of its affordability and wide availability, but it also boasts the necessary durability of a fence post. The largest drawbacks to a wood fence post are the same drawbacks that a wood fence has; wood posts can be susceptible to wood rot or decay, but of course, pressure-treated wood and stained wood have better longevity outlooks. Most homeowners are attracted to wood posts because they blend in perfectly with the wooden planks used throughout the rest of the fence.
Option #2: Steel Posts
The second post type on our list because it’s the second-most popular variation, steel posts are one of the most durable options on our list. Typically, steel posts are made from galvanized steel, but that can vary depending on the type of fence you’re installing. Steel posts are particularly useful for sloping fences or fences that are on uneven ground, but with all of their positive attributes, steel posts do have their downsides, although far and few between. Steel posts don’t blend seamlessly with wood fences like their wood post counterparts, and if the metal is not galvanized, you may have to contend with rust issues in the future.
Option #3: Aluminum Posts
Another type of metal post, aluminum posts are used in aluminum fences as a more affordable alternative to wrought iron fences. Aluminum is lightweight, yet durable, and can be painted (usually black) to blend with a variety of home types. One of our favorite elements of aluminum posts is they are low maintenance and like steel fence posts, aluminum posts work well on sloping fence lines. The most notable downside to aluminum posts is that they are more costly upfront when compared to wood posts, but keep in mind they don’t require the maintenance that wood posts do, so in the long run, they are comparable.
Option #4: Vinyl Posts
As you may have guessed, vinyl posts are almost solely used with vinyl fences. Vinyl posts share the same qualities as the vinyl fences they’re paired with: they’re lightweight, extremely low maintenance, and are available in a large selection of colors and styles. Once installed, vinyl posts don’t need to be painted, stained, or treated in any way, so your initial investment will last you for years to come. The downsides to vinyl fences include the initial cost, and some people prefer the more natural look of some of the other fence post and fence variations on our list.
Did any of these fence post types stand out to you? If so, or if you have other questions, give our team of experts at Sierra Fence a call to discuss your project today.
