PRO FENCE DESIGN BLOG
5" Posts vs. 4" Fence Posts
There are some important design and construction consierations when deciding between 5" x 5" or 4" x 4" fence posts. Your fence contractor should know and expain the specific applications for each and benefits.
SUBMITTED: PRO FENCE Design
POSTED: December 2024
In the bill of materials for a wood fence project, wood species will primarily dictate the cost of the project. One additioanl and important variable is the size of fence posts particularly. The choice of fence post sizes is between 5"x5" posts and 4"x4" posts. One size is clearly the winner in this competition.
Is Bigger Always Better?
When installing wood privacy or picket fence, yes, bigger is always better. 5"x5" posts have 25% more material which translates into increased durability and be better design results. 5"x5" posts are cut from heartwood at the center of the tree which not only makes them super strong, but virtually prone to warping. From a design perspective, 5"x5" posts frame privacy panels nicely and especailly tongue and groove, cap and trim cedar panels. 5" x 5" posts are also better for wood panel installs set between each post and into their inside edges. There is a slight price difference in pricing for 5"x5" posts but the results are 100% better.
OK: 4' x 4" posts are a cheaper, cost saving option but the small savings is not worth it as they warp over time.
MUCH BETTER: 5" x 5" fence posts in pressure treated or white cedar are the professional grade standard for wood fences and particularly 6' privacy models
4" x 4" posts are not the same grade as 5" x 5" posts and look small and weak when attached to 6' H privacy panels.
BEST: 5" x 5" fence posts stucturally and aesthetically
frame a 6' white cedar, tongue and groove privacy panel
When to Use 4" x 4" Posts
Though there is a clear winner for wood privacy panels, this is does not mean 4" wood posts are worthless in fence design. When installing wood railing up a flight of stone stairs, wood decks or for econmical home center stockade panels, 4' x 4" posts are the preferred choice due to railing heights and the face-mounting
For railing that is just 36" - 42" H, 4 x 4" post look great and perform perfectly.
"When "face mounting" stockade panels to posts, 4" posts are also the preferred standard.
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