Concrete Or Wooden Fence Posts?
Concrete lasts longer and timber looks softer so here's how we weighed the two up when our garden needed fencing on every side.
Written by Richard Morgan
Updated
The short answer
Concrete fence posts are the better choice for strength and lifespan, because they don't rot at ground level and stand up to high winds with almost no upkeep. Wooden fence posts cost less, look softer in a garden and are easier to put up, and the panels screw straight into them so they're harder to lift out. When we fenced our own garden, we used concrete on the fence we were responsible for and timber on a shared run.
Fence posts carry the whole fence, so when the panels start leaning or a post snaps at ground level in a storm, it's the posts that need sorting first. Replacing a tired fence means choosing between concrete and wooden posts, and each has a clear case for and against.
We had to make that choice ourselves after moving into a house that needed new fencing on every side of the garden. Richard, who wrote this guide, ended up using both. The neighbours wanted to keep the cost of the shared fence down, so that run went up on timber posts. The rear fence was Richard's own responsibility, and he chose concrete for its durability. The photo at the top of the page shows that corner of the garden, with concrete posts on the left run and timber on the right.
Concrete And Wooden Fence Posts Compared
| Factor | Concrete Posts | Wooden Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Up to 25 years with very little upkeep | Shorter, and depends on the timber and treatment |
| Strength | Stronger in high winds | Can rot and snap at ground level |
| Maintenance | An occasional wash | Treatment every other year depending on the timber |
| Appearance | Grey and functional unless painted | Blends into the garden and takes post caps |
| Fitting | Heavy and slower to install | Lighter and quicker to put up |
| Cost | Higher for materials and labour | Lower for materials and labour |
| Security | Slotted panels can be lifted out | Panels screw straight into the posts |
Why Choose Concrete Fence Posts
Durability And Lifespan
The biggest advantage of concrete is that it doesn't rot. Timber in the ground is always fighting damp and insect attack, while a concrete post simply sits there, and it can last up to 25 years with hardly any attention. That's why we picked concrete for the rear fence, which we didn't want to be replacing again in a few years.
Strength In High Winds
A fence acts like a sail when the wind gets up, and the posts take all of that force. Concrete is far stronger than timber, so it stands up better to gales and the knocks a garden fence takes from children, dogs and wheelbarrows. Exposed gardens on hillsides and near the coast are where that extra strength counts most.
Next To No Maintenance
There's very little to do with a concrete post once it's in. If you're fussy, a wash with soapy water brings it back to a clean grey, and that's about it. Wooden posts need treating every other year, depending on the timber they're made from, to keep rot at bay.
Why Choose Wooden Fence Posts
A More Natural Look
The main complaint about concrete posts is the way they look. A row of grey posts can stand out against trees and planting, and some people associate them with industrial estates rather than gardens. Timber posts blend in with the panels and the garden around them, and you can finish them with decorative post caps and toppers.
The look of concrete didn't bother Richard on our rear fence, as durability mattered more to him than appearance. If it does bother you, a coat of exterior masonry paint for concrete and brick softens the grey and helps the posts sit better against the house or panels. Some masonry paints come in colours close to the fence paint for your panels, which ties the whole fence together.
Easier To Install
A concrete post weighs far more than a timber one, which makes it awkward to carry, lift and hold upright while the concrete goes in. Timber posts are much easier to handle and quicker to cut to height, so a fence goes up faster with fewer hands. If you're paying someone, that shows up as a lower labour bill. Whichever post you choose, it needs setting properly in the ground, and our guide on making concrete for fence posts and footings covers the mix.
Lower Cost
Budget is a big factor on any fencing job, especially when the fence runs around the whole garden. Wooden posts cost less than concrete ones, both for the posts themselves and for the installation. That's why the shared run of our fence went up on timber, as it kept the cost down for the neighbours.
Better Security
On a fence with slotted concrete posts, the panels sit in grooves rather than being fixed with screws. It's unlikely to happen, but a panel can be slid out of position without undoing anything. With wooden posts, the panels or rails screw directly into the post, which makes them far harder to remove from the outside.
Looking After Your Fence Posts
Timber posts last longest when they're kept treated and the base is kept clear of soil, leaves and standing water, which is where rot starts. Treat the posts at the same time as the panels with a good exterior wood treatment, and pay attention to the bottom of each post.
Both types pick up green algae in damp, shady corners. A soft brush and a fence cleaner deal with it, and our guide to cleaning green algae off a fence shows how we tackle it.
Which Fence Posts Should You Choose
Choose concrete posts if you want a fence that'll stand up to the weather for years with almost no maintenance, and you're happy with the look or willing to paint them. Wooden posts make more sense when the look, the budget and a quicker install matter more, as long as you don't mind treating them every couple of years.
There's no rule that says you have to pick one. We used both in our own garden, with concrete where we wanted the fence to last and timber where cost mattered more. Steel posts such as DuraPost are a third option that combines the benefits of both, but they cost far more than either timber or concrete.
More Questions Answered
Can you use concrete and wooden fence posts together?
Yes, you can mix concrete and wooden fence posts in the same garden, and we did exactly that when we fenced our own. Concrete went on the rear fence where durability mattered, and timber went on a shared run to keep the cost down. Where the two meet, make sure the rails and boards line up so the fence looks consistent along its length.
Can you attach a wooden fence to concrete posts?
A wooden fence attaches to concrete posts either by slotting panels into the grooves of slotted posts or by bolting timber rails to a mortice or plain concrete post. Our rear fence uses timber rails bolted straight to the concrete posts, with the featheredge boards fixed to those rails. Gravel boards at the base keep the timber off the soil.
How long do wooden fence posts last?
Wooden fence posts last for a shorter time than concrete, and how long they survive depends on the timber, how well it was pressure treated and how wet the ground stays. Posts in heavy, waterlogged soil rot faster at ground level. Treating them every other year, keeping soil away from the base and using gravel boards all help them last longer.
Do concrete fence posts need painting?
Concrete fence posts don't need painting to protect them, as concrete doesn't rot and needs only an occasional wash. Painting is purely about looks. If the grey stands out too much against your garden, an exterior masonry paint in a colour close to your fence panels helps the posts blend in. Clean them and let them dry before painting.
Does the grey look of concrete fence posts bother you?
It didn't bother Richard on our rear fence, as durability mattered more to him than appearance. If the grey does bother you, a coat of exterior masonry paint for concrete and brick softens it, and some masonry paints come in colours close to your fence paint. Timber posts blend into the garden better and take decorative post caps.
Are slotted concrete fence posts a security risk?
Slotted concrete posts are less secure than timber ones, because the panels sit in grooves rather than being fixed with screws. A panel can be slid out of position without undoing anything. With wooden posts, the panels or rails screw directly into the post, which makes them far harder to remove from the outside.
Are steel fence posts worth the extra money?
Steel posts such as DuraPost are a third option that combines the benefits of concrete and timber, but they cost far more than either. For most gardens we'd stick with concrete where you want the fence to last and timber where cost matters more, as we did on our own fences.
What's the one thing that helps timber fence posts last longest?
Keeping the base of each post clear of soil, leaves and standing water helps most, because that's where rot starts. Treat the posts at the same time as the panels with a good exterior wood treatment, and pay attention to the bottom of each post. Wooden posts need treating every other year, depending on the timber.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.