Posts determine how sturdy and how flexible your fence is. This category contains step-in posts in lengths from 75 to 155 cm, in plastic, fibreglass and spring steel, a 150 cm permanent plastic post, and post caps that protect wooden posts from water getting in.
Temporary or permanent?
For a field you often re-divide, step-in posts are the handiest: you push them into the ground with your foot and pull them out just as easily. The insulation is usually built in, so tape or rope hangs directly in the eyelets. For a permanent fence, use sturdier posts at the corners and by the gateway, with step-in posts or the permanent ZoneGuard plastic post in between if you like. Plastic posts do not conduct current themselves; wood and steel need separate insulators.
Which length?
- 75 cm: low fencing, for example for poultry, small animals or screening off a border.
- 100–115 cm: sheep, goats, ponies and temporary division of a horse field.
- 150–155 cm: large horses and cattle, or if you want several lines above each other.
Bear in mind that part of the post disappears into the ground. So choose a post long enough for the top line plus the insertion depth.
Material and shape
Plastic step-in posts with stirrup are light and come in green and white. Fibreglass-reinforced posts are slim and flexible. Round and oval spring steel posts with pigtail insulator are thin and sturdy, and can also be pushed into hard ground. For wooden posts, post caps are available in round (60 and 80 mm) and square (75 and 100 mm), and a 7 cm galvanised ground auger makes placing thicker posts easier.
Building further
For wooden or steel posts, you will find ring and tape insulators, for the conductor tape, rope and wire. The ground auger and post caps are also in fencing accessories. If you would rather work ready-made with posts already built into the net, see electric fence netting. Everything together: field fencing.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart do I set fence posts?
That depends on the conductor and the terrain. Tape catches more wind and needs support more often than rope or wire; on bends and uneven ground, set posts closer together.
Do I still need insulators with plastic posts?
No, plastic step-in posts have eyelets or clips that take the conductor directly. Separate insulators are only needed with wooden or steel posts.
Which colour post should I choose?
White stands out and helps horses see the fence; green blends into the landscape. Functionally there is no difference.