Fencing - concrete posts vs. wood

[nry]

Hi all,

I've done a bit of looking around on here and elsewhere but I'm still not convinced either way...

We're looking at having ~20 metres of fencing replaced. Currently 2/3 is concrete post, the rest is wooden based on recovered railway sleepers. The concrete one is a joke, 6" depth, they all wiggle around badly! Sleeper fence is a bit wobbly but holds well.

Anyhow, we've had it suggested that wooden is a good option, with a 20 year life using correct materials, though initially we thought concrete posts again but obviously with a good 2 feet under the ground etc.

Looking at the wooden fence build in photos, the construction and finished look is lovely, they mentioned the source of the wood but I forget, it was the whole pressure treated stuff etc.

Photo's here, though the fence is not installed by the company who's website this is:

http://www.gardenstransformed.com/Project59.htm

We've seen in-build photo's of the fence but none are online.

That aside, I am guessing concrete posts/plinths have a pretty much indefinite lifespan? We can self replace the panels if they need it, beyond that it should be maintenance free.

If the concrete option has some form of comparable lifespan then the wooden option appeals more, but if the wood is going to need money spent on repairs in 15-20 years then we're not so sure!

Thoughts welcome!

[Bob_A]

Not an answer to your question but have a read of this and see if it hepls.

http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....nd+post

[lutonlagerlout]

although certain members here install timber fencing correctly and can offer a 15 year guarantee ,
(dig dug dan)

I have seen loads fail in 2-3 years

IME concrete posts installed 600mm deep do not snap or crack

the only issue is that you cannot fix anything to them

my ideal rear garden fence is concrete posts ,300mm gravel boards and close boarded 1500 panels

I have this at home and the panels are only now starting to look a bit naff after 10 years,but the posts and gravel boards are solid

I am sure someone will disagree but I like things to be as near as permanent as possible
LLL

[dig dug dan]

I used plastic posts at home. They cut with a handsaw, never lose their colour and you can easily atrach to them. Shame they are more expensive than concrete

[Bob_A]

I've got concrete posts and gravel boards that are very light in colour almost white and have a smooth finish, although not to eveyones liking I think they actually look quite smart.
I don't like the dark grey rough concrete stuff though.

[nry]

I do prefer the look of the wooden fencing, but unless the price is massively different, the concept of having the fence replaced again in 15 years or so is off putting!

[michaelthegardener]

for me you cant beat wood but ill put up whatever they wanna pay for :p

[nry]

I like the look of the fencing vs. concrete...the longevity puts me off!

[Carberry]

Wooden fence will need maintenance, possibly replaced in 15-20 years unless you use a better quality timber and cover it in creosote or something. I have a fence to replace next week, it's been in for 30 years - All oak, 27mm slats, treated with creosote. Timber is all fine still apart from where a car drove through 2 sections of it :laugh:

[TheRockConcreting]

For fencing that will last a lifetime see Colorbond Fencing

[nry]

We've opted for concrete fencing from a local contractor (Graham Howes Fencing), the price was very competitive and matches our neighbours etc. who all have the same style