When it comes to building a fence, there are many options available. Wooden posts are the most traditional choice, but concrete poles are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed of installation and durability. But do concrete poles rot? The answer is yes, but with the right installation and maintenance, they can last for many years. To ensure that your concrete poles last, it is important to install them correctly.
First, the posts should be placed on top of a coarse gravel bed 3 to 6 inches deep, so that the base of the pole is in contact with the gravel. Concrete should be poured around the pole, with no concrete under the pole. This allows any moisture that gets between the concrete and the bottom of the pole to seep through the gravel and away from the bottom of the pole. The concrete on top should be tilted from the pole to ground level to prevent water from accumulating around the base.
Brackets and bolts should be oriented perpendicular to the guide to maintain the best stiffness in the pole. When installing the bracket, use a spirit level to make sure it is plumb. Also use a rope line to secure a straight fence. Then the wooden fence is nailed or screwed to these rails to get the finished fence.
When laying the pipe, it is best to use a layer of gravel and reduce the concrete from the tops of the posts. This will help prevent neck rot, which is when a pole rots at the point where it comes out of concrete at ground level. To further prevent water buildup in the base, make sure that drainage is adequate and that standing water is kept away from poles. Pressure-treated poles are more resistant to rotting than untreated wood, so if you are using concrete with untreated wood then it is essential to put pressure-treated wood directly against it.
DuraPost is an Australian concrete pole solution that combines ease of installation with security and is guaranteed to last up to 25 years. In addition to being more durable than wooden posts, concrete poles are also more expensive. Over a 20-meter fence, this could amount to more than £156 in additional cost for concrete fence posts compared to wooden posts. However, if you want your fence to last for many years without needing repairs or replacements, then concrete poles may be worth considering. When it comes to building a fence, there are many options available.
Wooden posts are traditional but concrete poles offer durability and speed of installation. With proper installation and maintenance, concrete poles can last for many years without needing repairs or replacements.
