Do You Need Concrete or Timber Fence Posts?
A practical guide for Chichester & West Sussex homeowners
When installing a new fence, the posts are just as important as the panels or boards — if not more so. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether concrete or timber fence posts are the better option.
If you’re planning fencing in Chichester or surrounding areas, local ground conditions, wind exposure, and long-term durability all play a big role in choosing the right post type.
This guide explains the pros and cons of concrete vs timber fence posts, and which option is best for your garden.
Why Fence Posts Matter So Much
Fence posts take the full load of:
Wind pressure
Ground movement
Fence weight
Time and weather
Most fencing failures happen at post level, not in the fence itself. Choosing the wrong post — or installing it poorly — often leads to leaning, broken, or failed fences.
Concrete Fence Posts: Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages of Concrete Fence Posts
Concrete posts are often the best choice for exposed or long-term fencing.
Benefits include:
Extremely strong and stable
Do not rot
Excellent resistance to wind
Long lifespan (often decades)
Ideal for closeboard fencing
In exposed gardens and coastal areas of West Sussex, concrete posts provide far better long-term performance.
❌ Disadvantages of Concrete Fence Posts
Higher upfront cost
Heavier and more labour-intensive to install
Less forgiving if ground preparation is poor
That said, these drawbacks are usually offset by longevity and reduced repair costs.
Timber Fence Posts: Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages of Timber Fence Posts
Lower initial cost
Quicker to install
Traditional appearance
Suitable for lighter fencing
They can be a reasonable option in sheltered gardens or for short-term fencing solutions.
❌ Disadvantages of Timber Fence Posts
Vulnerable to rot at ground level
Shorter lifespan
More likely to fail in high winds
Often require replacement before fencing does
Even pressure-treated timber posts tend to rot where moisture sits — usually just below ground level.
Which Fence Posts Are Best for Windy Gardens?
In windy or exposed locations, concrete fence posts are strongly recommended.
They:
Hold fencing rigidly
Resist lateral movement
Prevent repeated storm damage
This is especially important for:
6ft fencing
Closeboard fencing
Long fence runs
Coastal or elevated gardens
Concrete vs Timber Posts: Side-by-Side Comparison
FeatureConcrete PostsTimber PostsStrengthVery highModerateRot resistanceExcellentPoor–moderateLifespan20+ years5–10 yearsWind resistanceExcellentLimitedCost (initial)HigherLowerLong-term valueHighLower
Does Post Depth Matter?
Absolutely — post depth is critical regardless of material.
General rule:
Around 600–750mm into the ground for standard fencing
More depth needed for taller fences or poor ground
A strong post installed too shallow will still fail.
Can You Mix Concrete and Timber?
Yes — and it’s very common.
For example:
Concrete posts and gravel boards
Timber rails and boards
This combines strength where it matters most with a more traditional timber finish above ground.
Why Professional Installation Makes the Difference
Even the best posts will fail if:
Holes are too shallow
Concrete footings are too small
Ground conditions aren’t accounted for
Professional installation ensures:
Correct spacing
Proper footing size
Long-term stability
Fencing that performs as intended
Fence Post Choices for Chichester Gardens
Choosing the right fence posts from the start:
Prevents future repairs
Saves money long-term
Improves fence lifespan
Handles wind and weather properly
In most West Sussex gardens, concrete fence posts are the safest long-term choice, especially for boundary and privacy fencing.
If you are from Chichester or its surrounding villages such as Bosham, Fishbourne, Emsworth, Southbourne, Westbourne, Itchenor, Witterings or Emsworth and you’d like a quote for your upcoming fencing project, please visit our fencing service page and get in touch for a quick free quote.
