Concrete and wood are the two most preferred types of fence posts; each come with their unique advantages. We will bring out the decisive differences between concrete and wood, making it easier for you to decide whether you should go for wooden or concrete fencing for your home and garden.
The Strengths
Concrete fence posts are durable and can tolerate high winds in open areas. With proper care, concrete can even last for a lifetime. Once installed, concrete doesn’t need any maintenance.
Comparatively, wooden posts are not durable and can’t endure high winds in open areas. Wooden fence posts will require ongoing maintenance as they are susceptible to decay.
Durability
Concrete is a robust and durable material that will not be eaten away by insects or decay. Concrete can chip and crack, but the wood won’t. A concrete fence can endure longer, as it is not subject to impacts that could shatter or break it.
Wooden fence posts are a natural material that will decay with use. Wooden posts can be eaten by insects and rot if not appropriately treated. You’ll need to apply fence stain or paint every year or two to maintain wooden fence posts; else, they will fade or decay more quickly.
What About Lifespan?
If the timber is pressure treated and installed with sufficient drainage, an inserted wooden fence post will not decay for around 14 years. The lifespan of concrete fence posts is approximately between 15 and 20 years. Concrete fence posts will endure and provide you more lifespan; however, pressure treated timber can get close to it.
A Modern Design
Wooden posts offer a more refined look, as they harmonise wooden fencing better. If you want a continuous or slatted fence, you should opt for wood where the fence panels can be attached to the front of the fence post. Concrete posts can work well in particular modern designs.
The Environmental Impact
Wooden posts are a renewable resource providing an eco-friendly option for your fence installation. Concrete is an extensively used material around the globe for its robustness and long lifespan.
Installation Intricacy
You will need professional installers to install your concrete fence. Though it is possible to install wooden posts all by yourself as it is easier to install as they weigh less, it is better to get them installed by professionals. Wooden fence posts also work well with natural materials like stone or wood, letting you create a design for your fence.
What About The Cost?
Wooden posts are more affordable, but they require more maintenance than concrete posts. Wooden fence posts can decay over time, and if not treated properly, they can rot, making it imperative to replace them every few years.
You won’t have to replace concrete posts, as they can last a lifetime with proper care. And concrete posts can’t be eaten away by insects and has fewer chances of breaking. So concrete makes for a fantastic choice for long-term fencing. Concrete requires no maintenance once installed and will serve you for longer, proving it cost-effective in the long term.
The Bottom Line
- Are you having a tight budget or willing to maintain your fence posts? Well, you should go for wooden fence posts.
- If you want a robust and durable fence post that will serve you longer and insects would not eat them, then concrete fence posts will suit your needs better.
Also Read: IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE A UNIQUE PRECAST CONCRETE FENCE?
