There are many parts of a fence, panels which we discussed a few weeks back, posts, and a few other components we will review in the coming weeks. Today we will be focusing on posts. This is typically the part of the fence that cause some confusion or questions. The first normally is, what even are posts? These are the vertical pieces of the fence that connect the panels together. The second being, well how do I know what I need? These are a vital part of the fence so it can function properly, making it super important to understand the different kinds and their functions. So how do we do that? Let’s take a look!
Line Posts
What Is It?
This post has routed holes on opposite sides of the post. These posts are used in a line of fencing to separate panels heading in a straight line. These are also the kind of post you will typically need the most of.
How Do I Determine How Many I Need?
Now you know what a line post is, how do you figure out how many you need? Every project is different so it is important to calculate your exact needs. Our suggestion is to measure each run of fencing, starting a new segment each time the fence line ends or there is a gate. Then take that measurement and divide it by the size of the panels (depending on the fence type and project, this is typically 6′ or 8′). Once you have your number of panels you can determine your posts. If you have an 80′ run of fencing on the side of your property, you will need 10 panels with 9 line posts to separate them!
End Posts
What Is It?
This post has routed holes on one side only. This post is used for fence lines up against some kind of building, at the end of the yard, and for gates. Any time your fence line ends for any reason, you will typically need an end post.
How Do I Determine How Many I Need?
Once you have your lines of fencing measured out into segments, you can determine how many ends you need. If you have a gate in the middle of a fence line, you will need two ends to create an opening for the gate to be installed in. If you are ending your fence line up against the house, you will need an end post to complete the line. If you are running a straight line of fencing down the side of your property like I discussed for line posts, you will need two end posts, one for each end of the line! Take a look at the diagram at the end of this post to see a visual of what this looks like.
Corner Posts
What Is It?
This post has routed holes on adjacent sides, creating a 90 degree angle. This post is used when your two fence lines are connected from a turn. This post is important in creating the closed in effect that most people are looking for in a fence.
How Do I Determine How Many I Need?
Corners are the easiest to determine what you need. Once you have your segments of fencing measured out, you take a look at any lines that make a turn, and you will typically need a corner post. A common misconception is when a gate is hanging off of the corner, people assume you still need a corner post, but that is not the case. When you have a gate coming off the corner, you will still need an end post. Corner posts are only used when two fence lines are coming together on around a 90 degree angle. And for custom projects with curved fence lines, you can determine if a corner is needed or if a line post will do the trick!
3-Way T-Posts
What Is It?
This post has routes on three separate sides, a combination of a line and a corner post. Sometimes a project needs the fence line coming and/or going in three separate directions, creating the need for this T shaped post.
How Do I Determine How Many I Need?
As previously stated, this kind of post is not common, typically fences follow some variation of a rectangle or a square. But to determine whether or not your project needs a T-post, look at your segmented drawing and look to see if there are any areas where a T shape is created by three fence lines. Maybe you have a separate portion of the yard for your dog to play or a pool enclosed separate from the rest of the yard. These may be scenarios where a 3-Way T-Post is needed to accommodate the layout of your fence project. An example of this kind of post is shown in the diagram below.
Blank Posts
What Is It?
A blank post, as the name suggests is completely blank. It does not have any holes routed into any of the sides. This means it is unable to accept any rails to be inserted into it. This kind of post is only used in particular circumstances.
How Do I Determine How Many I Need?
There are various scenarios when a blank post may be needed. The most common one is a gate going up against a house or other type of building. A blank post is needed here because no fence panels will be connecting to this post, instead the gate hardware will attach. A blank post may also be needed if you are matching up to an existing fence and need to use brackets instead of the routed system. A blank post allows you to install your fence using brackets when needed.
Layout Example
Of course there are special circumstances where these post types need to be modified or adjusted! In these cases, we have special tools to make sure you collect all the information we need to manufacture the specialty items you need. Contact us for pricing, availability, or additional questions!