If you’re building a fence on your property, but have never undertaken such a project before, you’re in for a wild ride. Despite looking simple from an outsider’s perspective, the many different materials, post types, and pieces of equipment you’ll need to complete a fencing project successfully are vast. To ensure you’re ready for this property-transforming endeavor, here are the seven types of fence posts that will help you finalize your property’s fencing project:
1. Gate Posts
Depending on what type of gate and/or posts you’re installing, some of the other choices on this list can be used in place of a traditional gate post. If you’re using a post pounder attachment for a skid steer, this job will become much simpler. However, for the majority of jobs, you’ll want to use a dedicated, highly-specified, and attractive gate post to complete your tasks. Typically, you’ll want a minimum of two gate posts to create a hinged latch for your larger fencing project. Choosing a gate post that fits the larger aesthetic style you’re going for is incredibly important as well.
2. Blank Posts
Blank posts are the most versatile and useful types of fence post products that you’ll use when building a fence. These “blank” posts lack the predrilled holes that are normally applied to other post products, which allows you to use use them in a more flexible, improvised fashion. You can use them to attach to gates, fill in holes in existing fence projects, and much more. Just be sure to seek professional advice before using a blank post for an especially unique task. No matter what type of DIY backyard project you’re doing, blank posts are likely to come in handy.
3. End Posts
When you’re building a fence or another structure, you need to know where the end of your building line is. To ensure you keep this in mind, you need to invest in some quality end posts to get the job done. End post products are made with holes in one side of the post. This allows space for a rail to slide into the larger fence or structure. Typically, your fence will end up extending from whatever side of the end post has pre-drilled holes built into it.
4. Corner Posts
The majority of fencing post projects are built using rectangular shapes. Due to this, you need corner posts to help connect and secure the ninety-degree angles of your fencing project. In most cases, you will be drilling your own holes into corner posts, depending on the specific angle that you’re going for. If you’re not confident about your ability to install a corner post, you should seek professional help (as this is a key element of any strong, sustainable fencing project).
5. Line Posts
Line posts are some of the more common post types that you’ll use when completing a fencing project. Line posts are made to have holes on either side of the post, allowing them to be much more versatile than many other similar post styles. Typically, line posts will connect straight sections of fencing, but this can differ depending on the style, aesthetic, and nature of the project that is being completed. As long as you take the time to ensure you’re using line posts correctly, they will help you complete your fencing project with as few hiccups as humanly possible.
6. Latch Posts
A latch post holds fasteners that ensure your fence’s gates and other key sections are kept strongly sustained. However, if you’re making a double-gate project, you may not need latch posts at all to complete your building tasks. Because latch posts are not meant to be major weight holders or a key supporting part of the fence, they are one of the least common post types that you’ll be using throughout your fencing project.
7. Hinge Posts
Lastly, hinge posts are the posts to which all swinging gates (and other opening sections) of your fencing project will be attached. Being sure to install these with a steady hand and eye is critical. Otherwise, you increase the likelihood that your fence’s gate(s) will become unstable and in need of maintenance. To keep your fence’s maintenance needs low, you need a professional’s help when installing hinge posts.
Unlock Your Dream Fence in 2022
By using these seven types of fence posts effectively, you can easily achieve your dream fence in 2022. Just be sure to avoid overestimating your ability to handle each step of this ambitious project on your own. Otherwise, you will find yourself making up for your overconfidence via an inflated project budget.