Fence questions

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I plan on building a plank fence this spring, 3 or 4 plank yet to be determined. It will be at my rural property about 200 feet along the road frontage. It will be more decorative than functional. Also since I don't live full time at the property, it is to discourage someone from driving up to the cabin to look around. If someone wants to "visit" my cabin during my absence, at least they will have to walk up rather than drive.

Would I be better served to use round or square fence posts? I had intended on using square posts, but I was on a fence company's web site, and they said they always use round posts for plank fences. What do you think? Pros and cons of each? Does it really matter one way or the other, or just personal preference?

 

[bcp]

Round posts. Too much trouble to dig square holes.

Bruce

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Round posts. Too much trouble to dig square holes.

Bruce

LOL I definitely chuckled on that one Bruce.

 

[EddieWalker]

Is a plank fence the same thing as a rail fence? As in a four rail fence?

Round posts are usually cheaper, but they taper and there isn't much flat area for joining boards as you go. Square posts make it easier to attach the rails to them.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Is a plank fence the same thing as a rail fence? As in a four rail fence?

Round posts are usually cheaper, but they taper and there isn't much flat area for joining boards as you go. Square posts make it easier to attach the rails to them.

Yeah Eddie same thing. For the reason you mentioned, I was planning on using flat until I read a fence company's website saying they always use round. Maybe I'm overthinking this.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Maybe I'm overthinking this.

There ya go. Flat is a bit easier, round is cheaper, both work fine. :drink:

 

[bindian]

There ya go. Flat is a bit easier, round is cheaper, both work fine. :drink:

I use landscaping timbers. Last wood fence I used them on is going on 17 years and still holding up fine.
hugs, Brandi

 

[oosik]

I would use treated square fence posts. Treated will last longer and will be easier to attach the rails. I have 1 1/2 miles of barbed wire fence around my 80 acres. There are several points where I use wooden posts - those gooey treated railroad ties. Been in 34 years and looks as though they will last forever. Only down side to RR ties - they are gooey and you WILL get the goo on you and they are exceedingly heavy.

 

[bindian]

When I was still in high school, we moved to a subdivision. Dad put up a wood fence with treated landscaping timbers. The next door neighbor put up the same wood picket fence with 4 inch square treated posts. First tornado that came through took down the neighbors fence, while Dad's fence stood, except where our huge pine trees went down on the fence.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Rustyiron]

Got any Locust trees growing on your property?
Locust posts will last almost forever. Bought round fence posts should be rated for ground burial, but if you buy sq. 4x4, make sure that they are rated for that.