No matter what kind of fencing you plan on putting up, understand that it is the posts that play the most important role, especially in corners.
It doesn’t matter what kind of rail, panel, or mesh spans between the posts or whether the fence is decorative or structural: no post, no fence.
If you’re planning on installing your own fences, read on so you can make an informed decision about that because unless the posts are put in correctly, any money savings you secure by not letting a fencing contractor do it could go to waste if the fence falls down after only a few years.
The Posts Support All Fences
No matter what kind of fence you choose, it is the posts that support all the load of the whole structure to give it strength.
Fencing contractors must choose the right posts based on the height, length, and weight of the panels, then install them carefully so they can bear that load safely and securely.
What does that mean in terms of post choice and installation?
Construction of the Post
Firstly, there are the physical attributes of the post to consider.
The longer the span between posts is, the higher the fence is and the heavier the materials are, the larger and thicker the posts should be.
Even in terms of chain link, a shorter fence made of a smaller-gauge wire can be easily supported on a smaller diameter post than can a much taller fence made of a thicker wire mesh.
The same goes for board and rail fences. High-tensile fences, while they may be lightweight, put a lot of tension on the posts in the same ways that a heavier fence might, so they require bigger, thicker posts.
Depth of the Post
Next, the depth of the post placement comes into play.
Once again, the heavier and taller fences are or the more tension the posts must bear, the deeper the posts must be installed.
Posts that are not sunk deeply enough into the ground can lean and eventually fall over due to the above-ground weight of the fencing itself.
Installation of the Post
Lastly, the way the post is installed matters, too.
The most secure means of putting in a post for a fence so it can bear loads and tension without falling over is either driving them in or setting them in cement.
A post set in a hole filled only with dirt or gravel may not be sturdy enough to not lean as time passes.
In Summary
When putting up fencing, it is essential that you avoid risking the whole thing with improperly chosen or poorly installed posts.
Working with a professional fencing contractor, even if only to have the posts securely installed, is your best solution.