Fence & gate posts
Fence posts and gate posts
Posts carry the whole fence, so they're the part to get right. Pick the section for how exposed your garden is, then the length for the height of the fence plus the depth in the ground.
Post length for each fence height
Allow about 600mm in the ground for most soils, more in soft or wet ground.
| Fence height | Post length | Typical section |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2m | 1.8m | 4x3 or 4x4 |
| 1.5m | 2.1m | 4x3 or 4x4 |
| 1.8m | 2.4m | 4x3, or 4x4 if exposed |
| 2.1m | 3m | 4x4 |
Which section?
- 3x3 (75 x 75mm): sheltered gardens, trellis and low fences.
- 4x3 (100 x 75mm): the everyday choice for most garden fences.
- 4x4 (100 x 100mm): open, windy or coastal plots and long runs.
- 6x6 (150 x 150mm): hanging gates and anchoring the ends of long fences.
Questions
How deep should a fence post go?
About a quarter of the post's length is a good rule, and at least 600mm for a 1.8m fence. Go deeper in sandy or waterlogged ground.
How many posts do I need?
One every 1.8m along the run, plus one to finish. The fence calculator counts them for you, gates included.
Build your fence list
Add boards, rails, posts and post mix to one basket. Enter your postcode at checkout for delivery.