Fencing and Posts

[paulsharvey]

I've got approximately 1000 lf of fence that needs to get installed. The front 220lf plus about 60 ft on other sides is done; and I used all 4" wood posts, 6.5-7 ft long; with 6-7", 8 ft corner posts, line posts at 12 ft OC. For the sides and back, I had planned on doing 6.5 ft tee posts, with some wood posts, maybe every 4th, at 8 ft OC. I've got all the corner posts and posts for 2 minor gates. Question is; with the current price I'm seeing for 6.5 ft Tee posts ($5.39 ea) vs 7 ft 4" wood posts ($6.99 ea); what would you use. Plan is 54" high; running 47" Guacho field fence (might run a single strand of barb one day, or get fancy and run a 1x6 top board). The sides are pretty level for 2/3s of the run, dropping about 6 ft on the last 1/3. The back has a pretty steady side of 4 or 5 ft in 220 lf, if that affects suggestions.

The fence is Primarily to mark property line, but also to keep the dogs in. I know full well, they Can get out still; but they seem to obey fences pretty well.

I like how fast and easy Tee posts are, I can push them in with the loader, as long as one of the kids holds them on the mark, more or less plumb. I would have to hand dig all the wooden posts.

Is there a better(cheaper) source for Tee posts that I'm missing?
.

 

[2manyrocks]

T posts seem indestructible. There are T posts here that have to be 50 years old and still holding fence.

 

[bcp]

Without livestock, space your T-posts farther apart. I use 10' spacing for my property line-dog-fence.

Some dealers may give a discount for a large purchase. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Bruce

 

[bcp]

Treated wood posts last 8-10 years here. I build my H braces using T-posts, too.

Bruce

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

With high tensile wire I spaced my 5" wood line post 25' apart on the property border fence.
Interior fencing for paddocks I space them 30' apart (with high tensile fencing).
Saves a lot of labor and the fences are fine after 12 years of service.

 

[kenmac]

I have cows and T post is what I use. Spaced 8-10' apart. T post should hold your dogs just fine.
Those wooden post will rot away. I have seen some very old T post and none are rotted away

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Treated wood posts last 8-10 years here. I build my H braces using T-posts, too.

Bruce

Funny, here on the coast anything made of steel turns to rust pretty quickly, but I have pressure treated posts that were put in by the previous owner. He died in 1996.

Of course around 20 years ago they took the arsenic out of pressure treated wood and it doesn't last like it used to.

 

[jaxs]

+ 1 for tee posts and wide spacing. Forget any kind of wood top rail,it will just warp and look like crap until it rots and falls off.

 

[two_bit_score]

T-Posts with wood braces at intervals as necessary.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

When considering the choice between tee posts and wood posts for your fence installation, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Cost: Based on the prices you provided, tee posts seem to be more affordable compared to wood posts. If cost is a significant consideration for you, tee posts may be the more economical option.
2. Durability: Wood posts tend to be more durable and long-lasting compared to tee posts. They are less prone to bending or breaking under stress. If you prioritize longevity and sturdiness, wood posts might be a better choice, especially for corners and areas where the terrain is uneven or sloping.
3. Installation: Tee posts are generally easier and quicker to install since they can be driven into the ground using equipment like a loader. On the other hand, wood posts require manual digging and aligning, which can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Considering your specific needs for marking property lines and containing dogs, tee posts could be a viable option, especially for the sides and back where the terrain is relatively level. However, it's important to assess the overall durability and longevity you desire for your fence. If budget allows, using wood posts for corners and areas with more elevation changes can enhance the overall stability and longevity of the fence.

As for finding better or cheaper sources for tee posts, it would be worth exploring different suppliers or checking with local hardware stores, agricultural supply stores, or fencing companies in your area. Prices may vary, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal.

Ultimately, the choice between tee posts and wood posts depends on your budget, installation convenience, and the level of durability you desire for your fence.

ChatGPT, was this text generated by AI?

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm building a fence around my place to keep cattle, horses and goats in, but also to keep wild hogs out. For my fence, I'm putting 6 inch round posts in at my corners, and every 100 feet. I'm putting 6 foot T posts in every ten feet. My fence is four feet tall, 2x4 horse fence. It's super expensive, but because of my goats and horses, I don't want to use anything with a smaller spacing. I also use the same 2x4 fencing on my dog yard.

From what I'm seeing, your costs are about as good as I've seen. I just paid $5.09 for 6 foot T posts.

If you are going to add wood rails to the posts, then the 8 foot spacing makes sense, but then you really don't want to try to attach wood rails to T posts. I would reconsider that idea and then spread you T posts out farther. For high tensile field fence, you can easily go 15 feet apart for your T posts. Especially if all you are doing is marking your property line and keeping your dogs in. I've read that some high tensile fence manufactures say that you can go 25 feet in spacing your T posts. Where I have my cows, I've been paying attention to what everyone else is doing, and it's all over the place. I've seen T posts spread out 15 feet apart, and running for thousands of feet with just T posts. I've also seen fence lines with all wood posts without any T posts used to hold in cattle. I'm not sure if there is an actual wrong or right way to do this since nobody really seems to know, or care. My goal is to build it as good as I can, and not have to do it again.

How are you stretching your wire? I bought one of these 4 foot stretcher bars from Kencove that I highly recommend. I put a come along on the top and another on the bottom, and I can really pull the fence tight quickly and easily on my own. I use my backhoe with some chains to anchor the come along's.

Fencer's Choice Stretcher Bar

Fencer's Choice Stretcher Bar - Woven Wire Accessories - Woven Wire

kencove.com

 

[ponytug]

ChatGPT, was this text generated by AI?

Sure seems like it.

 

[paulsharvey]

The front fence I stretched with 2-2"×6"×4' with bolts comnecting; and pulled with a SxS. Worked OK, but not attached to the method.

My goal is to build a good fence, that looks decent, without over spending; but at the same time; if the extra $100 now means it lasts; I'd rather do that.

 

[ponytug]

I think T-posts are the way to go. You live in a very challenging environment for wood posts. If you have access to marine pressure treated wood, UC4A/U4B/UC4C, you could use those and expect some longevity, but around here, they are neither easy to find, nor inexpensive.

https://preservedwood.org/portals/0/documents/TW_Aquatic_Guide.pdf

Don't use round posts; those are almost always peeler cores from plywood manufacturing. They are a very soft, low strength wood, and while treated, aren't treated to a standard, and will decompose rather quickly.

Here, pressure treated posts are gone in 5-7 years due to insects and fungus. I'm having to self treat all my pressure treated wood with copper naphthenate to try and get some longevity from it. However, the treatment is only 1/4" deep, so if the wood cracks in the future, the post is toast. Don't forget to treat and cap the top of the post to keep rainwater out.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ruffdog]

My wood posts are about 26 years old and are rotting off. The fence was to mark lot lines and keep dogs in. The old saying "fences make good neighbors" sorta applies. I have found out that bad neighbors will always be bad, even with a fence. I'm debating on taking down some fences and shoring up the bad neighbor fence with t-posts.

 

[two_bit_score]

From what I'm seeing, your costs are about as good as I've seen. I just paid $5.09 for 6 foot T posts.

Where are you buying your fencing and what brand are you using?
I usually get StayTuff from McCoys.

 

[paulsharvey]

The comment about cost was; I always treated Tee posts as the inferior product, that was 1/2 or 1/3rd the price; when I saw them basically with 25% of each other, that's what got me wondering; was there a cheap source of Tee posts. I swear I thought they where around $2.99/each; but I guess everything has doubled over last 4 or 5 years.

 

[ponytug]

Having bought lots of T-posts, they do come in various qualities. The cheap ones will bend the moment the weather changes. (Kidding) Seriously, keep an eye on the weight/ft, and buy the heavier ones. I think that pulling bent T-posts and replacing them is no fun.

I don't know when I last saw even cheap T-posts for $2.99, but whenever it was, it was a long, long time ago.

All the best,

Peter

 

[two_bit_score]

This fence stapler was mentioned in another thread. Since I have fence to continually repair and rebuild I’m interested in one of these. I’ve looked at several air powered fencing nailers in the past but the cost and having to contend with the air hose didn’t appeal to me.

I already have some Milwaukee battery tools so this may be an option and I thought others in this thread may be interested also.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Utility Fencing Stapler Review 2843

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Utility Fencing Stapler is changing the way you set 9-gauge staples for both linemen and ranchers.

www.protoolreviews.com

Tool only is $599 at Home Depot. Com

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Utility Fencing Stapler (Tool-Only) 2843-20 - The Home Depot

Give a perfect finishing touch to your home with the help of this astonishing and extraordinary Milwaukee 71 M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Utility Fencing Stapler.

www.homedepot.com

 

[buckeyefarmer]

This fence stapler was mentioned in another thread. Since I have fence to continually repair and rebuild I’m interested in one of these. I’ve looked at several air powered fencing nailers in the past but the cost and having to contend with the air hose didn’t appeal to me.

I already have some Milwaukee battery tools so this may be an option and I thought others in this thread may be interested also.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Utility Fencing Stapler Review 2843

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Utility Fencing Stapler is changing the way you set 9-gauge staples for both linemen and ranchers.

www.protoolreviews.com

Tool only is $599 at Home Depot. Com

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Utility Fencing Stapler (Tool-Only) 2843-20 - The Home Depot

Give a perfect finishing touch to your home with the help of this astonishing and extraordinary Milwaukee 71 M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Utility Fencing Stapler.

www.homedepot.com

It’s a great stapler. Fast.