Fence foundations • UK gardens

Wooden vs Concrete Fence Posts

Choosing fence posts is mainly a choice between look + flexibility (timber) and longevity + low maintenance (concrete). This quick guide helps you pick the right option for your garden, budget, and wind exposure.

Quick read • Practical pros/cons • Includes a short FAQ

Planning a full fence run? Use the Featheredge Fencing Calculator or Vertical Hit & Miss Fencing Calculator / Horizontal Hit & Miss Fence Calculator.

Quick answer: which should you choose?

Choose timber posts if… you want a more traditional look, easier cutting/adjusting on site, and you don’t mind eventual replacement years down the line.

Choose concrete posts if… you want maximum lifespan, minimal maintenance, and a post that won’t rot in the ground.

Browse options here: Fence Posts | Timber & Concrete and Concrete Fencing | Posts & Gravel Boards.

Timber posts: practical pros

Easier to work with: simple to cut, notch, and tweak on site.
Looks natural: blends into gardens and works well with traditional fencing styles.
Great for built fencing: rails + featheredge is straightforward to fix to timber.

Timber posts: practical cons

Rot risk: the ground-contact zone is the weak point (especially if installed poorly).
Maintenance & replacement: posts are usually the first part to fail.
Movement: lighter posts can flex more in very exposed locations if undersized.

If you’re going timber, plan the rest of the fence at the same time: Featheredge Boards, Fence Panels, Fixings & Postmix.

Concrete posts: what you gain

Concrete posts: practical pros

No rot in the ground: ideal for wet soils and UK winters.
Stable & rigid: great for windy gardens and long panel runs.
Low maintenance: the “fit it once” option for many homes.

Concrete posts: practical cons

Heavier: more awkward to handle (often a two-person job).
Harder to adjust: you can’t just trim a concrete post to suit.
Look: some people prefer timber’s softer, natural finish.

Concrete systems pair naturally with: Gravel Boards (timber & concrete) and Fence Panels.

Best for: panels vs built fencing

Concrete posts are a popular choice for standard panel fencing (slot-in systems). Timber posts are very common for built fencing (rails + featheredge).

If you’re not sure what style you’re building, start with: Timber Fencing & Fence Panels.

Cost, lifespan, and maintenance (real-world expectations)

Upfront cost

Timber posts are usually the cheaper starting point. Concrete posts can cost more initially, but may reduce long-term replacement costs.

Lifespan

Concrete posts don’t rot, so they tend to last significantly longer. Timber posts can last well when properly installed, but ground contact and trapped water are the common failure points. (If you’re using timber, good postmix and drainage details matter.)

Maintenance

Timber: check for softness at ground level, wobble, and cracking around fixings.
Concrete: check for cracks/spalling and make sure panels are seated and not rattling in wind.

Need the essentials for a solid install? Fixings & Postmix.

Choosing checklist (pick your post in 60 seconds)

Is your garden exposed? If it gets strong wind, concrete posts (or heavier timber posts) reduce movement.

Wet ground / clay soil? Concrete posts avoid rot risk. If using timber, spend time on the install and use good postmix.

Are you fitting standard fence panels? Concrete posts + gravel boards are a tidy, long-life setup.

Are you building rails + featheredge? Timber posts are straightforward for fixing rails and boards.

Do you want minimal future maintenance? Concrete posts are usually the easiest long-term choice.

Shop the key categories: Fence Posts • Concrete Fencing • Fence Panels • Gravel Boards.

FAQ: Wooden vs Concrete Fence Posts

Which fence posts last longer?

Concrete posts generally last longer because they don’t rot in the ground. Timber posts can still last well, but installation quality and ground conditions make a big difference.

Are concrete fence posts stronger in wind?

Often, yes. Concrete posts are rigid and reduce flexing, which helps panel fencing cope with strong gusts. Correct spacing and a good install still matter.

What’s best for featheredge fencing?

Timber posts are very common for rails + featheredge builds because they’re easy to fix into. Start with Featheredge Boards and plan your quantities using the Featheredge Fencing Calculator.

Do I need gravel boards?

They’re a smart upgrade. Gravel boards help protect panels/boards from splashback and ground contact. See Gravel Boards | Timber & Concrete.

Where do I buy everything for a full fence build?

Start with Timber Fencing & Fence Panels, then choose your Fence Posts and Fixings & Postmix.