What is better, Metpost or Concrete?

Question

Hello, I want to make a fence in the back garden - 13 panels long approx.

Now to supprt the panels I need posts and to holdthese upright, is it better to concrete them into the ground, or to use metposts, or simular, or even concrete the metposts into the ground? I only have 1 weekend to do the job and Imlookingfor durability as well as making the job quick.

Answer 1

Once you have cleared the proposed fence line, If using either timber or concrete posts your best result would be to excavate holes approx 100mm wider than the size of post in diameter 450mm to 600mm in dept set the post in line with your boundary insert your gravel board and panel and continue. The posts ideally will be set in a post mix concrete material. This is a dry powder you pour into the hole that once water is added will harden in 10 minutes. This is both quick and reliable

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Concrete Godfathers

Answer 4

I personally wouldn't use Metposts for fencing panel posts unless the fence is to be erected in a very sheltered (from winds) area or used for a low fence. By far the best solution is to concrete the posts into the ground to a depth of at least 1.5 ft. - dig your holes (not too wide), drop some hardcore into the bottom, get your posts straight (have a mate handy to help and use a spirit level!) and then shovel in your concrete. You may need to shore up the posts overnight to keep them straight while the 'crete goes off. Mix your own concrete and it'll be cheaper than ready-mix... The other thing to consider is the condition of the reclaimed posts. If they're still fairly sturdy and show no signs of rotting/cracking then re-use them. It's probably worth giving them a coat of fence guard first, leaving them to dry/cure and then checking them again. If there's no signs of wear already then they should last a good few years if regularly treated.

Answer 5

Metposts are a lot quicker and less effort, but definitely not as durable as concrete. I wouldn't bother concreting metposts in though - the weak point is the posts (I assume they're wood), they rot at the base in metposts. My fence (using metposts) lasted over 10 years though before I had to replace it, and some of the panels were a bit sad by then anyway.

Answer 6

Hello... The very best method to use, perhaps not the cheapest, is to use a concrete spur post. The spur is concreted into the earth and when solid the wooden fence post is bolted to the post ( two bolts ). The lower edge of the wooden post is fixed above the surrounding earth and as such is not subject to damp and rotting from contact with the earth. I have used the metal spikes before but with limited success, they are quite useless in disturbed ground. The concrete spurs can be purchased or made and are extremely durable.
DAVE.....

Answer 7

Hi, by far the best is concrete this should be about 18 inches deep just make sure they are vertical with a spirit level.Good luck.

Answer 8

Dave is about right ..these spures are called godfathers ..the best way without using godfathers is to soak the last 2 feet of post in creosote for 24 hours ..then concrete in position .. the hole should be 2 feet deep ..minimum

Answer 9

Metposts

Answer 10

concrete is best