A fence is a physical structure which you can install for the safety of your home, graden, property and utility lines. You need fence posts to hold the panels in place and keep the fence stable. But if you choose wrong fence post size, it can make your fence system weak and unstable.
Therefore, you must be aware of all standard sizes of fence posts. That’s exactly we have explained in this guide. You will also read how to choose the right posts according to the fence, so you can make your fencing strong and durable.
Fence Post Dimensions
Fence post dimensions tell you about the right thickness and height of fence post you need. You should choose post size according to fence types and soil conditions where you want to install it. Below we mentioned standard dimensions of fence posts.
Fence Post Height
How long are fence posts? The most common height of fence posts range between 5 to 6 feet. If we calculate it in meters, this height is around 1.5 to 1.8. Length can change based on the height of fence you want to place. In case of wind exposure or loose soil where you have to install a post deep in the ground, 5 feet and 11 inch long post is the best choice.
Fence Post Thickness
A thicker post can hold the heavy weight of a fence. For light fences, you can install 4×4 posts. If we talk about the standard thickness of fence posts, it is generally 75 to 100 mm or 3 to 4 inches. Well, the 100 mm thick posts are perfect for your home garden fencing. You should always choose a thicker post if your fence is tall and placed in windy areas.
Fence Post Width
Mostly, the fence posts are 4 to 5 inches (100-125 mm) wide. This width is ideal to give the right balance of weight and strength for the fence. When you install too wide posts, they actually add extra weight only.
Standard Fence Post Size According To Post Types
Timber Fence Post Sizes
Timber fence posts are basically made of wood. These are commonly used posts for garden or yard fences. Most wooden fence post sizes are 4×4 inches or 6×6 inches in width. However, these posts are 6 to 8 feet long. Remember, this length depends on the length of the fence. Wooden posts are also available in following dimensions too.
- 3.0 m × 100×100 mm: Best for tall fences.
- 2.4 m × 100×100 mm: Perfect for gates and corners.
- 2.4 m × 75×75 mm: This post size is good for 1.8 m fences in sheltered areas.
- 3.0 m × 75×75 mm: Good choice for slopes or heavier fences
Concrete Fence Post Size
There are various sizes of concrete posts which you can use for different fencing types. These posts are 10 to 15 centimeters wide. For length options, you can get concrete posts in the range of 1.8 to 2.4 meters. Further, 10 to 12 centimeters is a standard thickness for a 1.8 long post. But, you must prefer 15cm thickness for posts over 2.4 m in length. These posts usually weigh around 60 to 90 kg, which gives enough strength for durable fencing.
Metal Fence Post Sizes
As we all know, metal or steel fence posts are a very strong and long lasting choice for a fencing system. Its common sizes include 6 to 12 feet in height. You can use thin posts such as 50×50 mm for light fences. But, thicker posts like 75×75 mm are perfect to hold heavy or tall fences.
For your home, you can go for a 6 ft high post. But, you have to use taller posts in your commercial or industrial settings when you want extra security. Additionally, steel fence posts are designed in lengths of 8 ft, 10 ft or 12 ft sections.
Square Steel Fence Post or Rectangular Fence Post: This shape post is perfect for contemporary fences. Rectangular fence posts are 1×1 in and 4×4 in size.
Round Steel Fence Post: Round steel posts are used for strength and classic look. They are available in the range of 1 3/8 in to 4 in (diameter).
Galvanized Fence Post Sizes
Galvanized fence posts manufactured in different sizes to suit your various needs. For example: round posts are 1.375 inches and 3.5 inches wide. But, square posts are 40 millimeters by 40 millimeters in size. You will find most galvanized posts between 6 to 12 feet long. Hence, you can easily place these posts deep in concrete.
Commercial Chain Link Fence Post Sizes
If we talk about commercial chain link fence posts, they are available in different dimensions. Mostly, line posts are 2.375 inches to 3 inches wide. However, corner or end posts are 2.875 inches to 8.625 inches in width. You must keep in mind, the exact size you need is based on fence height and security level.
Vinyl Fence Post Sizes
Vinyl fence posts are made of plastic, so they need minimum maintenance. These posts are commonly 5 by 5 inches for standard fences or 4 by 4 inches for small and light duty fences. For vinyl posts length, you have options in the range of 60 to 96 inches.
Tapered Fence Post
The tempered fence post basically has a unique design. These posts are thick at the base and slim at the top. Due to this shape, tampered posts stay strong and stable in the ground.
- 4-5“x7′ Post Size: The fence post is 7 feet long. Its width varies between 4 inches and 5 inches.
- 4-5“x8′ Tapered Post: Tapered post also available in 4-5 width and 8 feet long.
- 6-7“x8′ Faced Fence Post: A 6 to 7 inch by 8 foot faced post basically 8 feet long. It tapers 6 inches at the top and 7 inches at the bottom. A saw cuts a straight edge along the post around 1 to 2 inches wide. This straight edge is known as the face.
Common Fence Post Size By Fence Panel Height
Below table will show the post size you need according to your fence panel height and hole depth on the ground.
| Post Height Required (m) | Panel Height (m) | Post Hole Depth (m) |
| 1.5 | 0.75 to 0.89 | 0.6 |
| 1.8 | 1.05-1.19 | 0.6 |
| 2.1 | 1.40 to 1.54 | 0.6 |
| 2.4 | 1.65-1.79 | 0.6 |
| 2.7 | 2.00 to 2.14 | 0.6 |
Post Dimensions Based on Fence Sizes
Post Size For 8 feet (2.4m) Fence
You will commonly see 8 feet tall fences around places where maximum privacy and noise reduction is required. These include commercial properties, storage yards, sports areas and backyards.
| Fence Details | Post Dimensions |
| Post height | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Fence post thickness | 150×150 mm (6×6 in) |
| Post depth in soil | 3ft (0.9m) |
Post Measurement For 7ft (2.1m) Fence
It is the most commonly used size for fencing. You need tall and strong posts to support the height and weight of the 7 feet panels.
| Fence Specification | Suggested Post Size |
| Panel Height | 7 ft |
| Post digging depth | 3 feet (0.9m) |
| Best post height | 9 ft (2.7 m) |
| Minimum post thickness | 125×125 mm (5×5 in) |
| Post thickness for high wind areas | 150×150 mm (6×6 in) |
Post Size For 6 feet (1.8m) Fence
Well, a 6 feet tall fence is most popular choice among homeowners. You should install this fence when you want a good balance between security and looks. The post requirements for this fence are listed.
| Fence Post Feature | Standard Size |
| Fence post height | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Recommended post thickness | 125×125 mm (5×5 in) |
| Best application | Dense panels or windy areas |
| Concrete footing depth | Around 2.5 ft |
Post Dimensions For 5ft (1.5m) Fence
A 5 feet fence is a medium height option. It works well for residential privacy and garden borders. Due to its average size, it provides security but still allows some visibility.
| Fence Specification | Recommended Size |
| Minimum post thickness | 100×100 mm (4×4 in) |
| Thickness for heavy panels | 125×125 mm (5×5 in) |
| Minimum post depth | 2 ft (60 cm) |
| Installation method | Place in concrete for extra strength |
Post Size For 4 feet (1.2m) Fence
This size is perfect when you need visibility and privacy along with a secure and attractive boundary for your home or outdoor spaces. Following are standard post sizes for a 4 feet fence.
| Fence Information | Best Dimensions |
| Fence post height | 6 feet (1.8 m) |
| Fence post thickness | 100×100 mm (4×4 in) |
| Post in ground depth | 2 feet (0.6m) |
Post Size For 3ft (0.9m) Fence
A 0.9 m fence is actually a low height barrier. Therefore, you should use it for front gardens or small partitions. Its common styles include wooden pales and horizontal slats. This table will show you the right size of post for this fencing system.
| Fence Features | Recommended Size |
| Ideal post height | 5 ft (1.5 m) |
| Minimum ground depth | 2 ft |
| Post thickness (Light) | 75×75 mm (3×3 in) |
| Post thickness (Heavy) | 100×100 mm (4×4 in) |
Fence Post Manufacturer
In our factory, we manufacture various types of safety and fence products. Our range includes plastic & metal/steel posts, temporary fence panels, Y fence post & T posts, orange fence and snow fences. With over 18 years of experience, we are one of trusted fence post suppliers around the world.
Our R&D team is highly focused on quality to make sure JACKWIN’s fence posts are strong and easy for you to install. We also provide customized solutions for fence post size. So, talk to our team and share your requirements. We promise to deliver your order as fast as we can.
Final Note
These all are the standard available fence posts dimensions which we listed above. To choose the perfect height & thickness of post, we advise you to match the post size with your fence panel and ground conditions.
If you want to install light fences, you should go for smaller posts. But for taller or heavier panels, you have to choose large size and strong posts to keep everything stable.
FAQs
Can You Use an 8 Foot Post For 6 Foot Fence?
Yes, you can place 8 foot long posts for a 6 foot fence. You need extra length because one third of the post should go into the ground for support. That means, a 6 foot fence exactly requires an 8 ft long post to stay strong and stable. Further, you can see this reddit post to know how many fence posts you should use for a strong and stable fence.
How Deep Does a Fence Post Need to Be?
A fence post must be pushed around one third of its length into the ground. Our suggestion is, you should dig a post hole approximately 600mm (2 feet) deep in soil. This depth is ideal for standard fences. But for taller fences or loose soil, you can dig 3 to 4 feet to keep the fence stable.
Can I Cut Concrete Fence Posts To a Custom Size?
Absolutely yes. You can cut concrete fence posts to fit a custom size. However, it is difficult and dusty work for you. Hence, you have to use special tools and safety gear. Because concrete posts mostly have steel rods inside, which makes its customization hard.
Do I Need Gravel Boards With Timber Posts?
Gravel boards are not very important for timber posts. But they are strongly recommended by professionals. With these boards, you can keep the fence panels 4 to 6 inches above the ground which protect panels from moisture and damage.
How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?
You should place posts 6 to 8 feet apart for most home and wood fence projects. This gap keeps the fence strong and prevents sagging as well. You must use 6 foot spacing when your area has strong winds, heavy panels or soft soil.
What Size T Post For 5 Foot Fence?
For a 5 ft (60 inch) fence, you can use 7 or 8 foot T posts. This gives you nearly 1.5 to 2 feet of the post in the ground for support. It keeps the post secure plus leaves 5 feet or more above ground for the fence.
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