Installing fence posts can be one of the best renovations for your home that can add value, security, curb appeal, and other benefits depending on where you live. Although it's always best to get the help of a contractor when installing new fencing, this is a job a homeowner can do on their own if given the proper tools and information. Check out this fence installation kit here. It's important to understand how much spacing to put in between fence posts and the proper techniques to install them and more.
Fence posts should have a minimum spacing of anywhere between 6 feet to 12 feet, or even up to 25 feet depending on the type of material used. Different laws and regulations and their zoning requirements will also have recommendations for how far apart posts should be. Typically, the shorter distance between posts, the stronger it will be.
What is a Fence Post?
As the name suggests, a fence post is a post that is used to support a fence throughout its length. Fence posts serve to hold up the material for the fence, as well as add aesthetic value, strength, and make it easier for homeowners to replace their fencing in due time.
Popular Types of Fence Posts
There are various types of fence posts you can choose from. Some of the most popular types of fence posts include:
T-Posts
T-posts are some of the most popular types of fencing materials used today. Looking at these t-posts, you will notice there is an anchor toward the bottom of the post. This anchor serves to add stability by being placed into the ground, and there are certain regulations when it comes to how deep to plant a t-post. It's best to ask your local authorities for zoning requirements and specific requirements for t-posts. T-posts can be placed anywhere between 8 to 12 feet apart for a typical fence.
Check out a great selection of T-Posts here.
Wood
Wooden posts offer a classic alternative to traditional iron T-posts. Wooden posts are heavier, and they can add a certain appeal to your fence. However, wooden T-posts for a wired fence are heavier, and as such might be a bit more difficult to place around the entirety of a property.
Metal
Metal posts are made of aluminum, steel, iron, or other types of metals resistant to rusting and weather. Metal posts are usually placed in conjunction with metal fencing. They are suitable for smaller fences, as these posts can quickly get expensive.
Popular Styles of Fences
If it's your first time installing a fence on your property, it's also important to note that the type of T-post you use will depend on the type of material you install. For instance, high tensile fencing can be used to keep out unwanted animals from your property. High tensile fencing requires less spacing with posts (usually around 20 to 30 feet) because it is better able to stand on its own without added support.
In addition, another type of popular fencing is electrical fencing. The typical spacing of T-posts in electrical fencing is far greater than typical spacing, at around 25 feet in distance. Yet other types of fencing include:
- Homemade chicken wire fencing (Posts placed 8 to 12 feet apart)
- Barbed wire fencing, where posts can be spaced between 20 to 30 feet apart
- Wooden fencing (Such as with a picket-style fence), posts placed 8 to 12 feet apart
- Welded wire fencing, posts placed 8 to 12 feet apart
- Yard and kennel fencing, posts placed 8 to 12 feet apart
Benefits of Using Fence Posts
Not only does using the proper fence posts add stability to the fencing, but it also adds a certain aesthetic value as well. By using the proper fencing posts as well as the proper spacing, you can ensure your fence won't be tipped over by high winds, wandering animals, or even unruly visitors.
In addition, fence posts can make it easier to measure your property and determine the distance of certain objects. For instance, using properly spaced fence posts allows you to determine how far away a certain animal or even intruder is simply by counting in between the posts. This is just one example of how crafty you can by using the right fence post measurements.
Following Local Code Regulations
Before installing your fence posts, it's important to check with your local authorities in regards to any zoning requirements. They will recommend how far apart your posts should be, as well as recommend the types of material that are suitable for the job.
In addition, certain types of fences, such as those to keep children from pools, will require your fence posts be made of certain material as well as have other requirements for fencing.
Preparing to Install a Fence Post
Before you install a fence and fence posts, do some research on the:
- Cost it will take to purchase all the materials needed, and use this to budget for your project
- The length of the perimeter of your property. You will use this length to determine how many posts to place, as well as mark where each post will be. Check out this long-distance tape measure here.
- Zoning regulations with your local authorities
Maintenance Costs
One of the most important factors to also consider for your fencing is maintenance costs associated with your fencing.
For instance, the average yearly cost to own a woven wire fence is $444, while the average yearly cost to own a hi-tensile non-electric fence is $214. The average cost of a barbed-wire fence per year is over $300. Consider how maintaining your fence posts will be conducted, as well as any maintenance costs for fencing materials.
Check out this barbed wire material here.
It's best to draft up a rough plan of your fencing installation before proceeding with placing your fence.
Consider Professional Help
If you're new to fence installation and are unsure of whether or not you're able to do the project on your own, you can get help from a professional contractor. They will help you better understand any coding regulations, legality of installing a fence, best materials for certain livestock (such as cattle, sheep, goats), and help you install your posts with the proper distancing (be it 8 to 12 feet or up to 30 feet).