When you get a quote for a new fence, there is usually a "gulp" moment when you see the price difference between timber posts and concrete posts.
Concrete is heavy, difficult to transport, and more expensive to buy. Naturally, many homeowners in Bristol look at the bottom line and say: "Just stick with the wooden ones, it’s cheaper."
But in the world of fencing, cheaper upfront often means more expensive long-term. If you plan to live in your house for more than 7 years, concrete is almost always the smarter financial move. Here is why.
The "Ground Line" Rot Problem
Wood is a natural material. No matter how much "pressure treatment" or preservative is pumped into it, it will eventually rot if you stick it in wet ground.
In Bristol, where we have heavy clay soil that holds water like a bathtub, wooden posts are under constant attack.
- Cheap "Dip Treated" Posts: Often rot within 4–6 years.
- Standard Pressure Treated Posts: Usually last 7–10 years (depending on drainage).
Once the post rots at the "ground line" (the point where it enters the concrete), the fence leans, and eventually, the wind snaps it off. At this point, the entire fence usually needs replacing.
The "Forever" Post: Why Concrete Wins
Concrete posts do not rot. They do not get eaten by insects. They do not care if the soil is wet clay or dry sand.
A properly installed concrete post will last 25+ years. In fact, we often see 40-year-old concrete posts that are still standing perfectly straight.
The "Slot-In" Benefit (The Hidden Saving)
The biggest financial advantage of concrete posts isn't just longevity; it’s maintenance.
Concrete posts use a "slotted" H-shape design. The wooden fence panel simply slides in from the top.
Scenario: A storm hits Downend. A tree branch smashes one of your fence panels.
- With Wooden Posts: The panel is nailed to the post. You have to pry it off (damaging the post), hammer the nails out, and try to force a new panel in. It’s a nightmare job.
- With Concrete Posts: You slide the broken panel up and out. You slide the new panel in. Job done in 5 minutes. No tools required.
The Maths: 15-Year Cost Comparison
Let’s look at a typical 10-meter run of fencing.
Option A: Wooden Posts
- Year 1 Cost: £1,000
- Year 8: Posts rot. Storm blows fence down.
- Year 8 Cost: £1,200 (Replacement fence + disposal of old rot).
- Total Spend: £2,200
Option B: Concrete Posts
- Year 1 Cost: £1,300 (Higher initial material cost).
- Year 8: Posts are fine. Panels might need replacing.
- Year 8 Cost: £300 (New panels slid into existing posts).
- Total Spend: £1,600
The Verdict: By choosing concrete, you save £600 and a lot of stress over the fence's life.
"But Concrete is Ugly\!"
This is the main objection. People picture the crumbling, grey concrete of 1970s council estates.
Modern concrete posts are much smoother and cleaner. Plus, you can paint them\! A coat of masonry paint (Anthracite Grey or Black) makes concrete posts disappear into the background, giving you the modern look without the rot risk.
Ready to invest?
If you want a fence you install once and forget about for decades, choose concrete. We stock both standard and recessed "smooth" concrete posts.
Featured Image Image Split screen image: Left side shows a snapped wooden post at ground level. Right side shows a neat row of concrete slotted posts with timber panels. Image Alt Text Comparison of rotting wooden fence post versus durable concrete slotted post. Tags Select Tags Concrete Fence Posts Fencing Costs Fence Maintenance Bristol Clay Soil Long Lasting Fencing SEO Settings Meta Title Concrete vs Wood Fence Posts: Which Saves Money? Meta Description Is concrete fencing worth the extra cost? We compare the lifespan of wood vs concrete posts in Bristol soil and explain why concrete saves money long-term.