Steel Post and Rail FAQ  

Steel post and rail fencing is a popular choice for homeowners, ranchers, and farmers who are looking for a durable and long-lasting fence that can withstand the elements and the wear and tear of everyday use. This type of fencing is made of sturdy steel posts and rails that are designed to provide a secure and attractive barrier for livestock, pets, and property. 

There are different types of steel post and rail fencing available in Australia. While equine properties are moving towards Buckley, properties like cattle farms still prefer cattle rail where functionality and low cost are more important than safety, looks and property presentation.  

We’ve already covered the installation of Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing and in this article, we will specifically focus on Cattle Rail or Steel pipe fencing. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide internationally acclaimed premium fencing solutions to signature properties. Buckley Steel Post and Rail fencing is our flagship product and we are the exclusive reseller of this engineered steel fencing system across Australia and New Zealand.  

Our team has extensive experience in helping clients build their dream properties from start to finish. We have gained valuable insights from real-life projects and collaborated with fencing contractors and other professionals in the industry to provide the best possible solutions for our clients.  

If you’re considering installing Cattle Rail on your property, you may have some questions about the process and the materials involved. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about steel post and rail fencing, including how it’s installed, how much it costs, and how to maintain it. Whether you’re a first-time fence buyer or a seasoned pro, this post will provide you with valuable information and insights to help you make the best decisions for your fencing needs. 

Q1. How far apart should Steel post and rail fencing be? 

Q2. How deep should a steel fence post be? 

Q3. How to put a steel fence post in concrete? 

Q4. How much concrete do you need for a steel fence post? 

Q5. How to straighten a metal fence post set in concrete? 

Q6. How to level the tops of steel fence posts? 

Q7. Can you put new steel fence posts in old holes? 

Q8. Is the steel post and rail suitable for stallions? 

Q9. What is the cost of the steel post and rail fence?  

Q10. How to build a steel post and rail fence  

These 10 questions will help you to avoid mistakes while installing your steel post and rail fencing and you will be better equipped to have a long-lasting and correctly installed fence for your property. 

Q1. How far apart should Steel post and rail fencing be? 

The post spacing depends on the desired appearance and the length of the rails used. It’s important to maximise the use of materials and minimise waste when installing steel fencing. For areas with high horse traffic, we suggest adding more rails to prevent the horses from climbing through the fence. 

Based on our experience, we recommend spacing steel post and rail fencing 3 meters apart.  

• Buckley recommends a spacing of 2.94 meters.  

• Cattle rail and pre-powdered fencing should also be spaced 3 meters apart because of their 6-meter rail length.  

• If an 8-meter Cattle rail is available, it can be cut into 3 pieces, resulting in a post spacing of 2.65 meters. 

To optimise material usage, it’s important to consider rail length when spacing out the steel post and rail fencing. 

Q2. How deep should a steel fence post be? 

The depth required for steel fence posts is the same as for timber posts, with a general rule of burying approximately one-third of the post height in the ground.  

The depth of the post may vary depending on the type of ground and the animals. For soft and wet ground, it is advisable to go a bit deeper with the post. In areas with reactive soil, where the earth’s top layer tends to expand and contract, causing the ground to crack open, the fence needs to be deeper to prevent wobbling. A fencing contractor who knows the soil well in your area can guide you on the appropriate depth. 

Strainer or gate posts require deeper burial than regular line posts, depending on the size of the gate and soil conditions. Typically, a strainer post will be at least 2.4 meters or 2.7 to 3 meters long, depending on the weight of the gate and soil conditions. 

Some products, such as Buckley, have longer posts, measuring 2.54 meters in length, providing extra strength and stability to the fencing line. Before making your final decision, it’s best to explore the various types of fence posts available in the market. 

Q3. How to put a steel fence post in concrete? 

While concrete is used to install Buckley Steel Post and Rail fencing, typically Cattle Rail is rammed in and not installed using concrete. However, if you’re concreting the posts in, you can follow the steps below. 

Step 1: Determine the appropriate depth and diameter of the hole for the size of the steel fence post. 

Step 2: Dig the hole using a post-hole digger or other tools. 

Step 3: Place the steel fence post in the hole and use a level to ensure that it is straight. 

Step 4: Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Step 5: Backfill the hole slightly with soil or gravel so that the concrete cannot go under the base of the post. 

Step 6: Pour the concrete mix into the hole around the steel fence post, making sure that it is evenly distributed. 

Step 7: Shape the top of the concrete before it dries so that it slopes down and away from the post, preventing water from pooling on top of it and rust from developing on the steel post. 

Step 8: Allow the concrete to dry completely before installing any fence rails or wires to the post. 

Properly following these steps when installing a steel fence post in concrete will ensure a strong and stable foundation for the fence, providing a long-lasting and sturdy structure. 

Q4. How much concrete do you need for a steel fence post? 

When installing a steel fence post, it is crucial to use the correct amount of concrete to ensure stability and durability. As a standard, 60 kg of concrete is recommended for each post. However, for the strainer or gate posts, it is advised to use double the amount of concrete to provide additional strength.  

It is important to note that this applies to various types of steel posts and can help prevent issues such as wobbling or leaning over time. By following these guidelines and using the appropriate amount of concrete, your steel fence post will remain securely in place for many years to come. 

Q5. How to straighten a metal fence post set in concrete? 

Straightening a metal fence post set in concrete can be a challenging task, but it is possible to attempt it.  

One way is to use a machine or winch to pull the post back into line.  

However, if this approach fails, then the post will need to be removed entirely, and a new one installed.  

It is not uncommon for metal posts to become misaligned, especially if they are shorter in length, which can cause the entire fence to tilt. In such cases, most people opt to remove and replace the post entirely.  

However, by using longer fence posts, such as the Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing, the likelihood of misalignment can be reduced. 

Q6. How to level the tops of steel fence posts? 

When it comes to levelling the tops of steel fence posts, there are a few different methods that fencing contractors use.  

One approach is to ensure that the post is levelled and corrected while it is being concreted into the ground.  

However, some contractors prefer to keep the post slightly high and then trim the tops later to streamline it after the concrete has been set.  

It is important to note that with engineered systems like Buckley, pre-mortised holes cannot be cut and getting the post straight during installation is the only option. 

Q7. Can you put new steel fence posts in old holes? 

As long as the rails being replaced are of the same length, it is possible to reuse the old holes. However, it’s worth noting that in most cases, fencing contractors opt to dig new holes instead of fitting the rails back in the old ones.  

Redoing the old holes using an auger can be time-consuming and difficult, making it more efficient to dig new ones. So, while it’s technically possible to reuse old holes, it’s important to consider the time and effort involved and whether digging new holes may be a better option. 

Q8. Is the steel post and rail fencing suitable for stallions? 

Yes, the steel post and rail fence is a suitable options for containing stallions.  

Stallions are typically larger and stronger than other horses, so the fence needs to be high enough to prevent them from jumping over it.  

It’s important to ensure that the fence design is safe and that there are enough rails to contain the stallion.  

In the case of the Buckley system, which has flexible rails, a 4 rail system is recommended to provide sufficient containment for stallions due to their size and strength.  

By incorporating these design considerations, the steel post and rail can provide a secure and sturdy fencing solution for stallions. 

Q9. What is the cost of the steel post and rail fence? 

The average cost of Steel Pipe Post and Rail fence is $89 to $97 per metre.  

The cost of a 100 metre 3 Rail Steel Pipe fence is: $9700   

If you want, you can dig deeper and get a complete overview of the features and cost of different steel posts and rail fencing. 

Q10. How to build a steel post and rail fence? 

When it comes to building a post and rail fence, you have the option to take on the project as a DIY task or hire an experienced fencing contractor to do it for you.  

Before making a decision, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the step-by-step process of building a steel post and rail fence.  This will help you understand the level of skill and tools required for the job and determine if you’re comfortable tackling it on your own. Hiring a professional fencing contractor can also be a great option if you’re short on time or lack the necessary tools and expertise. 

Have you found an answer to your question on Steel post and rail fencing? 

You are interested in installing Cattle Rail on your property and wanted to know more about this fencing. This blog addressed 10 of the most frequently answered questions and hope you found an answer related to the installation, cost and other details of Steel pipe fencing. 

When correctly installed Cattle Rail can be an effective barrier for your livestock and property. It surely lasts long and is easy to maintain, however, if you’re looking at a steel fencing option with premium aesthetics, Cattle rail might not meet your expectations.  

There are beautiful alternatives to Steel pipe fencing and before you make your decision final, it’ll be worth noting what makes Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing a high ROI solution.  

If you need more information on the availability, cost, maintenance or installation of Steel post and rail fencing, feel free to book a personalised consultation and get all your questions answered at length by one of our fencing experts. We will help and guide you to create a safe and beautiful property.