Stock & Noble
- BY Tripti Kakkar
If you have fences on your property, you need fence posts. It’s as simple as that.
Choosing the right fence post is important for the correct functioning of your fencing. This becomes even more critical when you own a horse property and want fence posts that are safe and effective to contain large and spirited animals.
At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to high-end horse properties across Australia and New Zealand. The safety of horses is our topmost priority. Every horse fencing product in our portfolio is chosen based on its proven success and safety on a global scale.
Based on our expertise and experience in creating safe and beautiful equine properties, we will share some key insights and detailed information on different fence posts available in the market.
In this article, you will learn about different Fence Posts available for horse fencing.
We will also discuss the product specifications, advantages and disadvantages of:
- Timber Fence Posts
- Composite Fence Posts
- Concrete Fence Posts
- Steel Fence Posts
In the end, you will gain enough knowledge to choose the right fence post that works well in conjunction with your horse fencing and helps you build a safe and beautiful property for your favourite animals.
Timber Fence Posts
Timber Fence posts are largely available in two types: Treated Pine Fence Posts and Hardwood Fence Posts
Treated Pine Fence Posts
Treatment level and use for the treated timber are indicated by the ‘H’.
- H2 protects against termites and is only for internal use.
- H3 protects against termites and wood rot, and should be used outside, above ground.
- H4 is intended for outside, non-structural items that are in contact with the ground, such as garden posts and fence posts.
Size Specifications of Treated Pine Post
- Most of the Treated Pine Post is supplied in the standard lengths including 1.5m, 1.8m, 2.1m, 2.4m, 2.7m, 3.0m, and 3.6m.
- Diameters range from 75 – 100mm, 100 – 125mm, 125 – 150mm, and 150 – 200mm
- Post spacing can typically range from 2.0m to 6.0m, depending on the type of fencing attached.
Treated Pine Fence Posts are available from small diameter posts up to large strainer posts, which are used for corner and end assemblies.
The stronger the posts you need, the bigger diameter it should have.
Timber Fence Posts are available in all three designs – round, square and rectangular.
The life expectancy of these fence posts ranges from as little as 2 years and as much as 30 years depending on many factors.
Advantages of Treated Pine Fence Posts
1. Readily available
Treated Pine Posts are typically available in stock and it’s easy to secure as much quantity as you need for your property
2. Pine Posts are relatively Cheaper
It’s lower in cost as compared to premium options like Hardwood Timber Posts or Buckley Steel Fencing System.
3. Easy to install and handle
Most Fencing contractors are likely to be familiar with the installation of Treated Pine Posts. They are easier to handle and install as compared to heavier materials like Concrete.
4. Can be used for all Post requirements
On a horse property, strong strainer posts are needed for the end and corner assemblies to keep the fencing in place. And line posts are needed for the straight sections of fencing. Treated Pine Posts can be used for all these sections.
Disadvantages of Treated Pine Fence Post
1. Treated Pine Posts don’t last long
Pine is soft timber and doesn’t last as long as Hardwood or Steel.
2. Horses love to crib on soft timber posts
Fences are a favourite snack for horses. Some horse owners are concerned about their horses licking or chewing the chemicals off the fences, which is likely to be unsafe. Also, constant cribbing can result in large chunks of wood breaking or chipping off, which is not healthy for your animals or great for your property’s look.
3. Treated Pine Posts tend to crack easily
Soft timber posts can easily crack open in the extreme Australian weather. Once the post is compromised, it can bring your entire fencing line down.
4. Timber Pine Posts are harder to maintain
Regular maintenance is imperative for Timber Fence Posts. They need to be cleaned and painted every few years to protect them from damage caused by the sun, water, termites, and chewing of animals.
5. Eaten by Termites
For termites, wood is the perfect home. A huge problem with these tiny bugs damaging any and every kind of timber has led to some areas in NSW and QLD refusing to even consider wood as an option.
6. Prone to water damage
When wood is exposed to water, its structural integrity can be compromised. Whenever water seeps into the cracks and crevices of your fence, it results in timber rotting, growing mould, warping, and fraying. As a result, replacing the damaged wooden post is a time-consuming and expensive process.
Hardwood Fence Posts
Among the best hardwood options in Australia are Red Gum and Iron Bark. When compared to the cheaper option of Pine, they last much longer and resist natural decay much better.
Hardwood Fence Posts are made of the finest quality dense wood that’s difficult to source but looks stunning.
Size Specifications of Hardwood Posts
- Typical sizes for square posts are 100 x 150mm, 150 x150mm and 200 x 200mm.
- It comes in different length options of 1.8m, 2.1m, 2.4m, and 2.7m.
No matter how you treat Pine, you will find that water will find its way in no matter what you do. So, if you are considering Timber Fence Posts for your property, it’s advisable to choose Hardwood, not Pine.
There are many types and grades of Hardwood timber and each behaves differently. However, for the sake of this article, we have made some general remarks that you should check on specifically when ordering your Hardwood.
Advantages of Hardwood Fence Posts
1. Naturally resistant to termites
The biggest problem with Timber is that it’s prone to white ants. Hardwood is a great solution as it naturally repels termites and keeps the post intact.
2. Enhances the look of your horse property
High-quality Timber Fence Post maintains its premium look longer than Pine. The traditional beauty and natural charm of Timber Fence Posts elevate the aesthetic value of your entire property.
3. Lasts longer than softwood
Hardwood typically has a life expectancy of over 20 years. In most cases, it stays strong and sturdy longer than Treated Pine Fence Posts.
Disadvantages of Hardwood Fence Posts
1. Tough to source
At present, the lead time for the highest quality hardwood in Australia is six months. In short, if you want high-quality Timber for your horse property, you’ll have to wait for months, plan well in advance, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get what you want.
2. Hardwood is expensive
Hardwood Fence Posts are priced higher than most kinds of Timber and even some other materials of Fence Posts. However, they don’t seem to provide enough benefits that could justify the high cost. In comparison, Steel and Composite Fence Posts offer better value for money.
3. Natural product with a limited life
As beautiful as Hardwood is, it is also subject to rotting over the years. Moisture exposure accelerates the rot, splitting, warping, and cracking of Timber Fence Post. Moss and mould grow on Timber primarily because of moisture, especially in areas that do not receive enough sunlight.
As a result, your entire fence slowly deteriorates. In the event they are not checked in time, you might be left with no choice but to replace your expensive hardwood posts.
4. Heavy and tough to handle during installation
Fencing Contractors might find it difficult to work with big and bulky Hardwood Fence Posts. They are typically harder and more time-consuming to install than other posts.
In our experience, a horse property owner might prefer Treated Pine Post due to its affordability. The reason for buying hardwood posts would be aesthetics or because they like that particular post.
If you are thinking about installing Timber Fence Posts on your horse property, it’s best to take a look at the potential challenges with Timber Horse Fencing and their solutions.
Composite Fence Posts
The next product group which is widely used across the fencing world is – Composite Fence Posts. Simply put, it means different types of Plastic Fence Posts.
In Australia and New Zealand broadly 4 types of Composite Fence Posts are available:
- Solid recycled plastic posts
- Hollow recycled plastic posts
- Hollow PVC posts
- Wood shield posts where the plastic is wrapped over timber.
Size Specifications of Composite Fence Post
A typical composite post is 120mm diameter x 2.1m long
Advantages of Composite Fence Posts
1. Plastic Fence Posts are Termite resistant
Plastic is termite-proof. These fence posts are especially well suited for properties that face frequent problems of white ants in the soil.
2. Weather resistant
Australia and New Zealand have some of the toughest climatic conditions in the world. Fence Posts here should be strong enough to face the harsh sun, heavy rains and gusty winds. Composite Fence Posts have proven their worth by being resistant to such weather in most cases.
3. Easy to maintain
Composite Fence posts do not need any painting and are naturally insulated. They can be easily cleaned and are not preferred by horses for chewing. So, they look nicer for much longer as compared to Timber which buckles, twists, gets chewed on by horses and breaks.
4. Great for the environment
The recycled Fence Posts offer a great alternative to chopping wood. They make good use of Plastic and are environmentally friendly.
5. Strong yet flexible
On a horse property, the fence posts should be strong enough to contain the large animals but also flexible enough to avoid any injury. This is where Composite Fence Posts perhaps perform the best. They are neither as soft as Pine, nor as rigid as concrete.
6. Have a long life
There is a huge range available in Composite Fence Posts and thus life expectancy varies from 10 years to over 50 years. It’s best to check with your fencing supplier about the longevity of the fencing posts you’re choosing.
Disadvantages of Composite Fence Posts
1. Can crack or break
Since these fence posts are made from plastic, some of the low-quality options can turn brittle over time. This may lead to cracking of the plastic and breaking of the fence post. Also, the black composite post has been observed to bend and bow in the sun.
2. Could be difficult to ram in
Compared to steel or timber which are stable materials, plastic tends to be springy. Therefore, Plastic Fence Posts could prove tougher to ram into the ground during installation.
3. Priced higher than Pine Fence Post
Composite or Plastic Fence posts are cost-effective but more expensive in comparison to Pine.
4. Typically, can’t be used in the strainer assemblies
Compared to Steel or Timber Fence Posts which can be used for all post requirements, such as end assemblies, corner assemblies as well as line posts, Composite posts are usually used only for line posts.
At Stock & Noble, we house Hogan Posts which are hollow composite recycled plastic posts. Specially designed for equine properties, they are high in demand, but only available in a round design.
So, if you are looking for Plastic Fence Posts to keep your horses safe, it’s best to check the availability.
Concrete Fence Posts
These Fence Posts are not popular in Australia especially when it comes to horse properties. They are highly rigid and unforgiving which are not the features you seek for horse fencing.
Concrete Fence Post Size Specifications
- 1.8m (5.9ft) Concrete Fence Post.
- 1.9m (6.4ft) Notched Concrete Fence Post.
- 2.05m (6.7ft) Concrete Fence Post.
- 2.4m (8ft) Concrete Fence Post.
- 3m (10ft) Concrete Fence Post.
110 x 70/55mm for post size
Advantages of Concrete Fence Posts
1. Lasts a long time
Concrete is long-lasting and would probably stay standing for decades once installed correctly.
2. Strong and weather-proof
Concrete structures are extremely strong and can face all kinds of weather, mould and termites.
Disadvantages of Concrete Fence Posts
1. Too rigid for horse fencing
Concrete posts would not typically give way to a speeding horse which can result in an injury. Thus, it isn’t particularly a safe fencing solution around horses.
2. Aesthetically not pleasing
These fence posts are typically white and over time can turn yellowish green as moss tends to grow on them. They cannot compete with other post options like Timber, Plastic and Steel in looks.
3. More expensive than Pine posts
Concrete Fence Posts tend to last much longer than Pine, however, they are also priced higher.
4. Heavy and difficult-to-handle
Concrete Fence Posts are some of the heaviest fencing materials. They are tough to manage during installation and usually don’t make for a good DIY fencing project.
Concrete Fence Posts are typically chosen by owners looking for functionality and longevity rather than aesthetics and horse safety.
Steel Fence Posts
When it comes to Steel Fence Posts for horse fencing, you have three main options:
- Star pickets
- Galvanised Steel Posts
- Buckley Steel Posts
Size Specifications for Steel Fence Posts
- Typically, 80NB or 100NB for diameter and between 1.8m – 3.0m for length.
- Mostly galvanised and varying from 1.6mm to 4mm in wall thickness
Advantages of Steel Fence Posts
1. Long-lasting fence posts
It’s a well-known fact that steel can last a long time. The same is true for Steel Fence Posts. They usually have a life of more than 30 years, if maintained well.
2. Steel posts are strong and durable
Steel Fence Posts are weather-proof, termite-proof and mould-proof. They stand strong and sturdy, protecting the fencing line for a long time.
3. Easy to maintain
Maintenance of Steel Fence Posts is comparatively easier than timber since there’s no warping, splitting or rotting involved here.
4. Horses cannot chew Steel Posts
This is probably one of the biggest reliefs for horse owners. Steel posts like Buckley are extremely hard and the horses might lick the paint off or scratch the surface. But that’s likely to be the maximum damage that can happen. Unlike Timber, horses cannot bite chunks off metal posts.
5. Create an effective barrier for large animals
Steel post and rail fencing like Buckley can be used to create an enclosure for all kinds of large animals. So, if you have cattle along with horses, this fencing can work for both.
6. Premium quality Steel fence Posts don’t need to be painted
If you choose pre-powder coated Steel Fence Posts like Buckley, then there’s no need of painting the fences. The look and paint will last for decades.
7. Steel posts look premium
Premium steel fencing can add to the visual appeal of your property. And also create a similar look to the traditional post and rail fencing.
Disadvantages of Steel Fence Posts
1. Steel posts can develop rust
Rust is undoubtedly the biggest foe of steel. We would advise using galvanised Steel Fence Posts to reduce the chances of corrosion. If your budget allows, a closed fencing system like Buckley would be a good choice. It makes sure there is no penetration of moisture and thus no development of rust.
You can learn more about the problems with steel post and rail fencing and their solutions.
2. Not as forgiving as Timber
The strength of a Steel Fence Post can also prove to work against it. If the Steel post is welded, it can be detrimental to a speeding horse and lead to an injury. Buckley Steel Posts are designed to be horse safe. They will give way to a running horse and will most likely buckle on impact.
3. Galvanised Steel Posts can look dull
If you don’t choose pre-powdered Steel Fence Posts, the normal galvanised posts can look dull and drab in their original grey tone. It’s a good idea to paint them using premium steel fence paints. This will enhance the look as well as help protect against corrosion.
Ready to choose the right Fence Post for your property?
Fence posts are the most important structures that make sure your fencing line is strong, sturdy, looks beautiful and does its job of creating a barrier effectively.
Now you know the 4 different product groups of Fence Posts – Timber, Composite, Concrete and Steel. You have also learnt the various variants that fall under these groups. And are well informed about the pros and cons of the most popular Fence Posts for horse fencing.
- If you’re on a limited budget Treated Pine Fence Posts could be a good solution.
- If you are keen on getting traditional post and rail look for your horse property, choose Hardwood Fence Posts.
- We wouldn’t recommend concrete fence posts as far as equine properties are concerned.
- Hollow plastic posts are ideal for horse fencing. They are also the most popular and check most boxes for safe and beautiful horse property.
- Steel Fence Posts are great if you want the least maintenance and longevity. Buckley would be the best choice for a high-end property seeking premium aesthetics, but it is also the most expensive one.
While you are choosing Fence Posts, it’s good to note that posts are only a part of the equation. So before moving forward on your posts, we would advise you to be clear on your vision of complete horse fencing requirements.
If you have more questions on the cost, availability, functionality, design and suitability of Fence Posts on your horse property, let us know. Our fencing experts would love to help and guide you to create a beautiful and safe equine property.
