When you’re replacing a fence, the panels get all the attention, but it’s the posts that decide how long the whole thing lasts. Get the posts wrong and you’ll be back fixing the fence sooner, regardless of how good the panels are.
Two of the most common choices today are DuraPost and concrete posts. They work in different ways, look different and suit different priorities. Here’s an honest comparison to help you decide which is right for your fence.
The problem with timber posts
Before comparing the two, it’s worth saying why most people end up choosing one of these over traditional timber posts in the first place.
Timber posts rot. They rot at the worst possible point, right at ground level, where moisture sits and once a post softens at the base, the whole fence becomes unstable. The most common fence repair we get called out for in Reading and across the wider area is exactly this: sound panels held up by posts that have rotted through. Both DuraPost and concrete solve that problem, just in different ways.
What is DuraPost?
DuraPost is a galvanised or powder coated steel post system designed as a modern alternative to timber and concrete. It’s lightweight, won’t rot, warp or crack, and it’s engineered to flex in high winds rather than snap, independently tested and certified to withstand wind speeds of up to 110 mph which is part of why it carries a long manufacturer guarantee.
It also looks far better than concrete, a closeboard fence for example can cover the posts entirely on one side. It comes in a slim profile and a choice of finishes (anthracite grey is the popular one), so it blends into a fence line rather than standing out as a grey slab. Gravel boards and panels slot into the system cleanly, giving a tidy, finished look.
We’re a DuraPost approved installer, so it’s a system we fit regularly and rate highly, but it isn’t automatically the right answer for every job, which is the honest part of this comparison.
What about concrete posts?
Concrete posts are the long-standing, no-nonsense option. They’re heavy, extremely durable, and they don’t rot. For decades they’ve been the default for holding up panel fencing, and they still do the job perfectly well.
The trade-offs are appearance and handling. Concrete is grey, bulky and utilitarian, it does nothing for the look of a fence, and on a boundary you see every day that matters to some people and not at all to others. The posts are also heavy and awkward to work with, and while they don’t rot, they can crack or chip over time, especially in a knock or a hard frost.
Their big advantage is cost: concrete posts are typically cheaper than DuraPost upfront.
The honest comparison
Appearance. DuraPost wins comfortably. Slim, choice of colours, blends in. Concrete is grey and bulky.
Durability. Both far outlast timber. DuraPost won’t rot, warp or crack and flexes in wind. Concrete won’t rot but can crack or chip. Both are long-term solutions.
Cost. Concrete is usually cheaper upfront. DuraPost costs more but buys you the better look, the lighter system and the long guarantee.
Wind performance. This is where DuraPost has a real edge. It’s engineered to flex and absorb wind load, which is part of why it holds up well in exposed spots. A rigid concrete post transfers that load into the panels.
Installation. DuraPost’s lighter weight and slot-in system make for a clean, tidy install. Concrete is heavy and more awkward to handle, though it’s a well-understood, straightforward method.
Which should you choose?
As a rough guide:
- Choose DuraPost if appearance matters, the fence is in an exposed or windy spot, or you want a modern system with a long guarantee and are happy to pay a bit more for it.
- Choose concrete if you want the most durable option for the lowest upfront cost and aren’t concerned about how the posts look.
Neither is a wrong choice, they’re both a big step up from timber posts that rot at the base. It comes down to budget, how exposed the fence is, and whether the look of the posts matters to you.
Get the right posts for your fence
Whether you’re replacing a failed fence or putting up a new one, the posts are the part worth getting right — they’re what determines how long you’ll go before the next repair.
We install both DuraPost and concrete post fencing across Reading and the surrounding area, and we’ll give you an honest recommendation based on your fence, your budget and how exposed the boundary is. You can see examples of our work in the gallery, read more about our residential fencing, or if your current fence is failing, our fence repair and replacement service.
For a quick idea of cost, get an instant estimate, or request a callback and we’ll come and take a look.
Frequently asked questions
Is DuraPost better than concrete? It depends on your priorities. DuraPost looks better, flexes in wind and carries a long guarantee, but costs more. Concrete is cheaper upfront and extremely durable but bulky and grey. Both far outlast timber posts.
Is DuraPost more expensive than concrete? Usually, yes, upfront. DuraPost costs more than concrete posts, but you’re paying for the slimmer look, the choice of finishes, the lighter system and the long manufacturer guarantee.
Do DuraPost fences last longer? DuraPost won’t rot, warp or crack and is designed to flex in high winds, so it’s built as a long-term solution. Concrete also lasts a long time but can crack or chip. Both massively outlast timber posts, which rot at ground level.
Can you replace concrete posts with DuraPost? Yes. If your existing concrete or timber posts have failed, they can be replaced with DuraPost as part of a fence repair or replacement. We survey the fence first to recommend the best approach.