If you’re choosing between timber and concrete fence posts, it helps to know what people actually buy. We’ve analysed the last 12 months of East Coast Fencing order data and converted it into percentages (to keep commercially sensitive figures private). The headline is clear: wooden fence posts account for 64.6% of purchases, with concrete fence posts at 35.4%. Below, we break down what’s driving those choices and how to specify the right post system for a fence that stays straight, strong and smart-looking for years.
As a quick refresher, you’ll normally choose posts alongside your fence panels, then protect the bottom edge with gravel boards. Get that “system” right and both timber and concrete can perform brilliantly. Get it wrong and even the best panel will suffer from early movement, damp contact, or wobbly lines.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- Wooden fence posts lead with 64.6% of purchases in the last 12 months.
- Concrete fence posts account for 35.4%.
- That means timber posts are about 1.8x more popular than concrete over this period.
Quick Reference Table: Shares & Typical Use
| Post Type | Sales Split | Typical Use | Good To Pair With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Fence Posts | 64.6% | All-timber look, straightforward garden runs, easier on slopes | Wooden Gravel Boards + Fence Panels |
| Concrete Fence Posts | 35.4% | Low-maintenance boundaries, damp ground, long-term installs | Concrete Gravel Boards + Cement Products |
How to Read the Numbers (and Why We Publish Percentages Only)
We’ve calculated shares from a full 12-month window of completed orders, then expressed the results as percentages. This keeps the insight useful without revealing raw volumes in a way that could be commercially sensitive. When we say “64.6% wooden posts”, we simply mean that if you picked a fence post from a recent order, it was more likely to be timber than concrete.
Wooden Fence Posts: Why They Take the Lead (64.6%)
Timber posts remain the go-to choice because they suit the widest range of garden styles. They’re also straightforward to handle and adjust on site, especially where ground levels vary. For many homeowners, the biggest win is the consistent look: timber posts with timber fencing reads as one clean, warm boundary.
The key with timber posts is moisture management. Timber suffers when it sits in constant damp. That’s why we always recommend building the boundary as a system, not just buying panels and hoping for the best.
- Lift the panel off the ground with gravel boards. This reduces splashback and slows rot at the bottom edge.
- Choose the right pairing: match timber posts with wooden gravel boards for an all-timber look, or use concrete gravel boards if the ground stays wet and you want a tougher plinth.
- Set posts properly using suitable cement products. A straight fence starts with solid, well-compacted footings.
Concrete Fence Posts: Where They Earn Their 35.4%
Concrete posts tend to be chosen when customers want a low-maintenance boundary that stays stable year after year. They’re a common pick for exposed runs, damp ground, or anywhere you want the posts and base protected from rot risk. They also suit panel replacements because the posts can often outlast multiple sets of panels when looked after properly.
Most customers who choose concrete posts also protect the bottom edge with concrete gravel boards. That combination keeps timber panels away from wet ground and gives you a tougher “plinth” line along the base of the fence.
What to Pair With Each Post Type (The Bits That Make a Fence Last)
A fence doesn’t fail because the panel is “bad”. It fails because water sits at the bottom, posts are set too shallow, or the line is allowed to flex in wind. Whatever post you choose, think about the supporting parts you’ll fit at the same time.
- Fence panels: pick your style first, then specify posts around it. Start with fence panels and work out the run and height.
- Gravel boards: the simplest upgrade for longer life. Browse gravel boards and match the material to the look and site conditions.
- Cement products: postmix or concrete footing materials make the difference between “fine today” and “still straight next winter”. See cement products.
- Gates and ironmongery: if you’re adding access, match your style with garden gates and finish with reliable gate furniture.
Specification Checklist (Save This Before You Order)
- Post spacing: match your panels and measure the run properly before buying quantities.
- Hole depth: deeper footings help posts resist wind load and long-term movement.
- Keep timber off soil: use gravel boards and avoid backfilling right up to the panel bottom.
- Finish the top: capping and post caps help shed water and keep the line tidy.
- Use suitable fixings: choose the right ironmongery for your post type and panel style.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Garden
If you want a consistent timber look, easier on-site adjustments, and a classic garden finish, wooden fence posts are the popular choice for good reason. If your priority is low maintenance, wet ground performance, and a robust base that resists rot risk, concrete fence posts are often the sensible pick. Either way, don’t skip the gravel boards and use proper cement products for the footing. That’s where long service life really comes from.
