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Are Concrete Fence Posts Reinforced?

Concrete fence posts are reinforced, typically with four internal steel reinforcing bars (rebar). Notoriously, this solution is the strongest available. While timber posts are susceptible to rot and steel rust, reinforcement concrete fence posts last significantly longer.

However, despite the name, it’s not necessarily the concrete that makes this fence post solution strong, it’s the reinforcement bars inside the concrete. So, if you’re building a new fence or replacing a fence post, then we highly recommend applying a reinforced concrete solution.

You can install this post the same as you would if it was wooden. However, it’s much heavier to manoeuvre. Therefore, we recommend using more than one person for the job.

How to Reinforce a Fence Post

Reinforcing a fence post can be achieved with different techniques and materials. The best methods depend on a few factors, such as the material you wish to use, the size of the fence and whether you’re fixing an old fence post or building an entirely new fence.

How to Reinforce a Wooden Fence Post

If you’re working with a fresh wooden fence post, you can reinforce it from the start to avoid repair later. Reinforcing a wooden fence post can come from beneath the ground and from the outside.

Firstly, dig your hole relative to the size of the post. The hole depth should be at least a third of the post length (90cm post – 30cm hole depth). Before placing your fence post in the ground, take the opportunity to add some extra reinforcement.

This addition could include galvanized wood screws to remain 4-5 inches on the outside or reinforced concrete or steel support fixes that can be attached to the post above and beneath the ground.

Next, fill your hole with gravel, stones, or rubble before pouring in the concrete mix. It’s important to make sure that the post is level while it sets. Any extra reinforcement can be installed on the outside with wooden, steel, or concrete support beams to help stabilise the fence post.

How to Reinforce a Vinyl Fence Post

Once again, vinyl fence posts are strengthened with concrete and steel reinforcement methods. Securing a vinyl fence can be achieved with steel metal sleeves which are popular to attach to the vinyl posts, alongside ensuring the fence is tight enough around the perimeter.

Often, vinyl fences can become damaged because the panels, posts, and rails were not tight enough in the first place. Before attempting to fix or replace a vinyl fence post, ensure all rails, pickets and posts are tightened.

How to Reinforce a Leaning or Rotting Fence Post

There are a few solutions available for fixing fence posts, depending on the material and damage.

Firstly, you need to assess the damage. To understand the extent of damage, test the post with your hand to determine if it’s intact. Unfortunately, if the fence post is broken, without steel sheets or concrete reinforcement supports, we suggest you remove it entirely and replace it.

Secondly, to reinforce the fence post, you should dig a few inches of soil around it to give yourself space beneath the ground next to it. In this space beneath, add gravel, stones, small rocks, broken bricks and rubble before filling the hole with concrete and leaving it to set.

Finally, attach steel sheet fixes or concrete supports to the fence post for extra stability. This way, even if the post is broken, you don’t have to replace it.

Speak to a Specialist Reinforcement Fence Post Provider

At Hickman & Love, we have over 80 years of experience providing rebar and reinforcement concrete solutions for domestic and industrial projects.

Our product range in fence post reinforcement consists of premium quality steel rebar, ranging in diameters between 5.5mm and 10mm.

For further information or to order please call +44 (0)121-557-2191 or email enquiries@hickmanandlove.co.uk we look forward to hearing from you. Or like us on Facebook to keep up to date with projects and news.