Fence Project - Fencepost Types

A metal T-post.

For my Eagle project, I had to research many different fence possibilities. One detail was the posts themselves. There are three main types: round metal posts (used mainly for chainlink,) wooden 4x4's, and metal T-posts. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, listed below.


Round metal posts
+Strong, durable, heavy
+No sharp angles, so a curved fence is easier to do
-Mainly used for chainlink fencing, which is not in my plan
-Sort of expensive
-Not the best for a forest environment
-Need concrete

Wooden 4x4 posts
+Strong, heavy
+Relatively cheap
+Fit in with forest environment well
+Work with the fencing specified by Lafayette Parks, Trails, and Rec. center 
-Need concrete
-Cumbersome
-Susceptible to rot

Metal T-posts
+Don't need concrete
+Works with almost all types of fencing
+Cheap
+Easy to install
-Easy to remove
-Not strong; flimsy
-Tacky; not suitable for permanent barriers

I decided to go with wooden 4x4 posts. I ruled out metal T-posts because there had been vandalism in the area, and the temporary fences put up by the Trails department had been ripped out by vandals. I needed something stronger. I ruled out the round metal posts because they weren't suitable for the environment, but the wooden 4x4's were, so I went with that. I found them at about $12 for one 10-foot length, and I needed 10 of them.