I'm needing to replace a blown down fence, and have been seeking advice and quotes from fencing contractors. There seem to be two conflicting schools of thought.
One contractor advises that using pressure treated timber posts concreted into the ground, along with a continuous strip of feather-boarded fence (again using pressure treated timber) will result in a longer lasting fence. He specifically said that pressure treated timber will last longer than concrete posts, which are likely to crack over time due to frost. He also said that using pressure treated timber boards will mean the fence doesn't need to be treated in any way after installation.
Another contractor pooh-poohed that, and said concrete posts with gravel board and feather-board panels is the way to go. He said that pressure treated timber is a gimmick for applications where the timber is not in direct contact with the ground, and that it would need to be treated periodically.
To summarise: both options involve concreting thee posts into the ground, but the first option uses timber posts, and the second concrete.
Which route should I take for a long-lasting, low-maintenance fence? Looks are not especially important, and security is not really an issue. I'm prepared to pay more if it will last well.
Best Answer
A concrete post/form in the ground with some sort of above ground post or embedded post in the concrete is the way to go. Depending on what you want from your fence, ie: privacy, security, looks, etc. will effect what kind of materials to use for the actual visible fence. There are many choices of composite materials and vinyl products out there that are low or no maintenance and will outlast any wooden materials. The first serious structure to fail is usually where a wood post meets the ground. You need to pay special attention to this area, keep wet dirt, leaves etc from building up around the wood posts. The concrete should be sloped away from the post so water drains away and no water stands around your posts. Use good hardware, galvanized at minimum, stainless steel screws are best, but a little pricey.
I'm not sure if either contractor has really given you good advise. Tell us a bit more of what you what your fence to do and look like and we can help you more.