Fence Posts

Choose the right supports for your garden boundary with concrete and wooden fence posts from Cave Fencing.

From replacing a damaged post to setting out a complete new fence, we help you match the supports to the panels, ground conditions and finished height. Choose timber for a coordinated wooden appearance or concrete for supports that do not rot.

Order posts alongside your panels, gravel boards and gates for delivery across Kent or collection from our Monkton yard. If you would like the whole project fitted, speak to our team about installation.

Shop concrete fence posts · Shop wooden fence posts

Start with the fence you want to build

The right post depends on what it needs to support.

A low picket fence, a tall closeboard boundary and a garden gate place different demands on their supports. The fence height, panel construction, spacing and exposure all affect the choice.

Start by identifying the style and finished height of your fence. Then consider the ground, any changes in direction and where gates will sit. Those details determine the material, dimensions and installation arrangement.

At Cave Fencing, we help you plan the posts as part of the complete boundary.

Concrete or wooden fence posts?

Both materials can support a well-built fence. Your choice affects its appearance, the way panels are attached and how future maintenance is carried out.

For an existing fence, compatibility may be the deciding factor. For a new installation, compare the complete arrangement, including panels, gravel boards and fixings.

Concrete fence posts

Concrete is a practical choice when avoiding decay in the supports is a priority.

Our concrete range includes intermediate posts for straight runs, corner posts for right-angle turns and end/gate posts for suitable finishing and entrance arrangements.

Slotted posts work with compatible panels and gravel boards to create a modular fence. Sound posts can remain in place when individual timber panels need replacing.

Compare concrete fence posts and post types.

Wooden fence posts

Timber posts suit gardens where you want the supports to blend with the panels and surrounding timber features.

Our wooden range includes 2.4m posts in 75 × 75mm and 100 × 100mm sections. These are often described as 3×3 and 4×4 posts, but use the listed metric dimensions when checking fittings.

For posts installed in the ground, confirm that the timber treatment is suitable for that exposure. The treatment colour alone does not establish the specification.

Compare wooden fence post sizes.

Understanding fence post sizes

A post has two measurements that matter: its overall length and its cross-section.

Length determines how much post is available above and below ground. Cross-section describes its width and depth, such as 100 × 100mm. Both need to suit the intended load and installation.

A longer post is not automatically suitable for a heavier fence. Equally, a larger cross-section does not compensate for an unsuitable foundation.

Check the actual product dimensions, material specification and intended use before ordering.

What length fence post do you need?

Begin with the finished above-ground arrangement, then allow for the required embedment.

Include the actual panel height, exposed gravel board and any trellis. Consider where the top of the post needs to finish and, for slotted concrete posts, the usable slot height.

For example, an 1800mm panel above a fully exposed 150mm gravel board creates a combined height of 1950mm. The supporting post must accommodate that arrangement as well as the required portion below ground.

A nominal 6ft fence panel does not need a 6ft overall post. Part of the post must be installed below ground, and the base of the fence may raise the panel further.

Send us your proposed panel and gravel board sizes if you would like help checking the combination.

Plan straight runs, corners and gates

Mark the layout before deciding how many posts to buy.

For slotted concrete fencing, the slot arrangement determines where a post can be used:

• Intermediate posts receive panels on opposite sides along a straight run.
• Corner posts receive panels on adjacent faces at a right-angle turn.
• End posts finish a panel run.

Timber post arrangements depend on the panel connections and the number of sections meeting at each position.

Gates need separate consideration. Their weight hangs from one side and moves during use, so a support suitable for a fixed panel may not be suitable for a gate.

For angled boundaries, junctions or unusual entrances, send us a sketch so we can discuss the layout.

How many fence posts will you need?

For a simple, independent straight run of panels, allow one more post than the number of bays.

This assumes two free ends, no gates and no existing supports being reused.

Corners change the post types required, while gates and separate fence runs can change the total. Count each position on a sketch before placing your order.

Get the post spacing right

Panel width and post-centre spacing are different measurements.

A panel fixed between timber posts needs space for its full width and the specified fitting allowances. A panel fitted into concrete slots extends inside the posts, so the visible opening will be smaller than the panel’s overall width.

Confirm the actual panel and gravel board dimensions before setting the supports. Do not work from a nominal “6ft” description alone.

For replacements, measure each bay at several heights. Leaning posts or an uneven installation can leave an opening narrower at the top or bottom.

Replacing a rotten, cracked or leaning post

Inspect the surrounding fence before choosing a replacement.

A leaning section could involve deterioration in a timber post, damage to a concrete post, movement in the foundation or failed connections. Understanding the cause helps determine the repair.

Check whether neighbouring panels and gravel boards remain sound. Reusing them may be possible, but their dimensions and fitting arrangement need to suit the new support.

Removing an old concrete foundation can be a substantial part of the work. Include photographs of the post base, the full bay and access into the garden when asking for a quote.

Fence posts for windy gardens

Exposed fencing needs the whole installation to work together.

Solid panels catch wind, and the resulting load passes through the connections into the posts and foundations. Choosing concrete or a thicker timber post alone does not establish that the fence is suitable.

Tell us if the boundary faces open fields, occupies an exposed corner or has suffered repeated damage. Previous failure points can help identify what needs closer assessment.

We can discuss the fence style, height and supporting materials around the setting.

Foundations and ground conditions

The required foundation depends on the fence design and the site.

Soft ground, disturbed soil, buried rubble and changes in level can all affect installation. Nearby services, walls and established trees may influence where digging is possible.

Establish the boundary position and check for underground services before excavation. Follow the relevant installation requirements for hole dimensions, embedment and foundation material.

If using post mix, calculate the quantity from the specified hole dimensions and the product’s yield. Allow it to set as directed before loading the posts.

For a fitted project, we can discuss these conditions when planning the work.

Order the supporting materials together

Choosing compatible components at the outset makes the project easier to organise.

Alongside your posts, consider:

• Fence panels in the required style and actual dimensions.
• Gravel boards suited to the posts and desired finish.
• Garden gates with appropriate supports and fittings.
• Foundation materials and exterior fixings suitable for the installation.

Include planned additions such as trellis before deciding the post lengths. A fence designed for the complete arrangement is easier to build than one altered after the supports are installed.

What affects the cost of fence posts?

Material, dimensions, post type and quantity all contribute to the purchase price.

For the complete installation, also allow for foundation materials, panel connections, delivery and any removal work. Restricted access or old foundations can affect the cost of replacing a single post.

Compare the full arrangement rather than the individual post price alone. The right specification should suit the fence, the ground and how the boundary will be maintained.

Fence posts delivered across Kent

Cave Fencing supplies homeowners and trade customers across Kent, with collection from our Monkton yard and delivery options available.

Posts are long, and concrete products are heavy. Consider the unloading position and how the materials will reach the fence line.

Let us know about narrow passages, steps or restricted vehicle access before delivery is arranged. If you would like installation too, send us your postcode, layout and photographs.

View delivery information or ask for an installation quote.

Fence post questions

Which is better: concrete or wooden fence posts?

Choose around the appearance, fitting arrangement and maintenance priorities of the project. Concrete does not rot, while timber provides a coordinated wooden finish and flexible fixing options. Both require suitable foundations and compatible components.

Can I reuse existing posts with new panels?

Potentially, if they are sound, stable and the correct dimensions. Check their alignment, spacing and connections before ordering replacement panels.

How deep should fence posts be installed?

The required depth depends on the fence height, loading, ground and installation specification. Confirm those requirements before choosing the overall post length.

Can I hang a gate from a standard fence post?

Do not assume so. The post, foundation and hinges need to suit the gate’s width, weight and use. Discuss the gate arrangement before ordering supports.

Do posts come with panels, fixings or post mix?

Check each product listing. Treat these as separate items unless the selected product explicitly includes them.

Can you supply and fit the complete fence?

We offer fencing installation across Kent. Contact us with the approximate boundary length, preferred style, postcode and photographs so we can discuss the work.

Choose the right support for your boundary

Whether you need one replacement post or materials for a complete new fence, Cave Fencing can help you plan the right combination.

Call 01843 821584 or send us your measurements and photographs.

Browse concrete fence posts · Browse wooden fence posts