Choosing the Right Posts for Wire Fencing

Proper installation is crucial, using the right materials and techniques. It's important to remember that a fence is only as strong as the posts securing it. Even the highest-quality fencing won't protect your livestock if the posts can't withstand pressure from animals and the elements.

Corner and Brace Posts – The Fence's Foundation

Corner posts and brace assemblies are the foundation of a fence's construction and are crucial for its stability. These posts anchor the fence at its corners, providing the strength needed to withstand tension and pressure. Proper selection, installation, and bracing of corner posts are essential to prevent fence failure.

Bracing a corner post is straightforward in principle. The greatest tension is along the horizontal wire furthest from the ground, meaning that wire fences exert significant pressure on the corners. Each horizontal wire can be tensioned to several hundred pounds, creating immense pull on the corner posts. Additionally, temperature changes can cause the wire to expand and contract, and animals may lean against or challenge the wire, further stressing the corner posts. Therefore, the importance of a well-constructed corner brace in ensuring the overall durability of your fencing cannot be overstated.

Selecting Corner Posts

Corner posts are typically made of treated wood and should not be steel t-posts, as they lack the strength needed for a solid fence foundation. Choose posts that are adequately sized and made from durable materials to handle stress, and ensure that they are well-grounded and braced.

Opt for wood posts treated with preservatives to resist decay. Generally, corner posts should be 6-8 inches in diameter, 8 feet long, and set at least 3.5 feet deep.

To determine the correct length of the corner post, add the depth of setting (at least 3.5 feet), the height of the top wire above the ground, and an additional 6 inches. For instance, for a fence with a top wire 4 feet above the ground, the corner post should be 8 feet long.

Line Posts – Adding Stability

Line posts provide support along the length of the fence, ensuring stability between the corner posts. Proper installation typically involves using both wooden and steel t-posts.

For optimal performance, space the posts 8-12 feet apart, depending on the length of the fence line and the material used. A common ratio is 5 steel posts for every 1 wood post, which offers a sturdy and reliable enclosure.

Choose the appropriate size for wooden line posts based on the length of the fence. Larger diameter posts are stronger; for example, a 4-inch post is twice as strong as a 3-inch post, and a 5-inch post is four times as strong as a 3-inch post.

The description of steel T-posts will help you determine its strength. A 1.33 post weighs 1.33 pounds per foot, while a 1.25 post weighs 1.25 pounds per foot.

When selecting line posts, be sure that the posts are at least 3” taller than the fence they are supporting. Line posts need to be set 2' – 2-1/2' deep.