The Hidden Problem with Timber Fence Posts
Every year, UK landowners spend thousands replacing rotted fence posts. The problem is predictable:
- Year 1-3: Timber posts look fine above ground—but below the soil line, moisture is already causing decay
- Year 4-7: Posts start to wobble; fences lean; gates sag
- Year 8-10: Complete failure—posts snap at ground level, requiring expensive emergency repairs
The culprit? Ground contact. Even pressure-treated timber absorbs moisture from soil, creating the perfect environment for rot and fungal decay.
Recycled plastic fence posts eliminate this problem entirely. Made from 100% recycled plastic, they are:
- 100% rot-proof—even in permanent ground contact
- Maintenance-free—no painting, staining, or annual inspections
- 50+ year lifespan—install once and forget about them
In this guide, we'll explain why recycled plastic posts are ideal for permanent outdoor installations—and how they save you money over time.
What Makes Recycled Plastic Fence Posts Different?
1. Moisture Is Irrelevant
Timber posts absorb water like a sponge:
- Untreated timber: Absorbs up to 30% of its weight in water
- Pressure-treated timber: Chemicals delay rot but don't prevent it (typical lifespan: 10-15 years in ground contact)
Recycled plastic posts:
- 0% moisture absorption—water cannot penetrate the material
- No swelling or shrinking—dimensional stability in wet or dry conditions
- No rot, ever—even after 50 years in waterlogged soil
2. Stronger Than Timber Over Time
Timber posts lose strength as they decay:
- Year 1: 100% load-bearing capacity
- Year 5: ~70% capacity (internal rot begins)
- Year 10: ~30% capacity (structurally unsafe)
Recycled plastic posts:
- Maintain 100% strength for 50+ years
- Flexible under load—absorb impacts that would crack timber (ideal for livestock fencing)
- Won't snap at ground level—common failure mode for rotted timber posts
3. Chemical-Free & Animal-Safe
Timber fence posts are typically treated with:
- Creosote (banned for residential use but still found in old structures)
- Copper-based preservatives (CCA, ACQ)—harmful to livestock if chewed or licked
- Tar-based coatings—toxic to soil and groundwater
Recycled plastic posts:
- No toxic chemicals—safe for children, pets, and livestock
- Won't leach into soil—ideal for vegetable gardens, paddocks, and farmland
- Chew-resistant—horses and cattle can't damage them (unlike timber, which splinters)
Technical Specifications
Standard Fence Post (75mm × 75mm × 1.8m)
| Property | Value | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | | Dimensions | 75mm × 75mm × 1800mm | | Weight | ~6.8 kg | | Tensile strength | 15 MPa (ISO 527-2) | | Tensile modulus | 1445 MPa (ISO 527-2) | | Flexural strength | 30 MPa (ISO 178) | | Flexural modulus | 1225 MPa (ISO 178) | | Ground burial depth | 600mm (recommended) | | Above-ground height | 1200mm | | Max fence panel span | 2.4m (light-duty), 1.8m (heavy-duty) | | Fire rating | Class E (self-extinguishing) | | Temperature range | -20°C to +50°C (operational) |
Heavy-Duty Post (100mm × 100mm × 2.4m)
| Property | Value | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | | Dimensions | 100mm × 100mm × 2400mm | | Weight | ~12.5 kg | | Tensile strength | 15 MPa (ISO 527-2) | | Tensile modulus | 1445 MPa (ISO 527-2) | | Flexural strength | 30 MPa (ISO 178) | | Flexural modulus | 1225 MPa (ISO 178) | | Ground burial depth | 800mm (recommended) | | Above-ground height | 1600mm | | Max fence panel span | 3.0m (light-duty), 2.4m (heavy-duty) | | Fire rating | Class E (self-extinguishing) | | Temperature range | -20°C to +50°C (operational) |
Installation Guidelines
1. Post Hole Preparation
- Depth: Bury posts at least 1/3 of total length below ground
- 1.8m post → 600mm below ground
- 2.4m post → 800mm below ground
- Width: Post hole should be 3× post width
- 75mm post → 225mm diameter hole
- 100mm post → 300mm diameter hole
2. Setting the Post
Option A: Concrete (Recommended for heavy-duty fencing)
- Place post in center of hole
- Backfill with postcrete or ready-mix concrete
- Check post is vertical (use spirit level)
- Allow 24 hours to cure before attaching fence panels
Option B: Compacted Aggregate (Suitable for light-duty fencing)
- Place post in center of hole
- Backfill with MOT Type 1 aggregate (crushed stone)
- Compact in 100mm layers using a tamping bar
- Mound aggregate slightly above ground level to encourage drainage
Option C: Direct Burial (Temporary or agricultural fencing)
- Suitable for temporary paddocks or light agricultural fencing
- Compact soil firmly around post
- Not recommended for permanent boundary fences
3. Fixing Fence Panels
- Use stainless steel brackets and screws to prevent rust staining
- Pre-drill holes (3mm smaller than screw diameter) to prevent cracking
- Avoid overtightening—plastic compresses more than timber
- Leave 5mm expansion gaps between panels and posts (thermal movement)
4. Gate Hanging
- Use heavy-duty posts (100mm × 100mm or larger) for gates
- Set gate posts in concrete (aggregate not sufficient for lateral loads)
- Install diagonal bracing on gates over 1.2m wide
- Use stainless steel hinges and latches
Load-Bearing Capacity
Lateral Load Resistance (Wind & Livestock Pressure)
| Post Size | Burial Depth | Max Safe Wind Load | Livestock Suitability | | ------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------- | | 75mm × 75mm | 600mm | 200 N (light-duty) | Sheep, small animals | | 100mm × 100mm | 800mm | 500 N (heavy-duty) | Horses, cattle | | 125mm × 125mm | 1000mm | 800 N (extra heavy-duty) | Bulls, large livestock |
Note: These values assume concrete-set posts. Aggregate-set posts have 30-40% lower load resistance.
Applications & Use Cases
1. Agricultural Fencing
Why farmers choose recycled plastic posts:
- More flexible under load than timber—less likely to snap when cattle lean against them
- No toxic creosote or tar—safe for livestock to lick or chew
- Won't rot in wet farmland—performs flawlessly in waterlogged fields
- Low maintenance—saves hundreds of hours annually on fence repairs
Typical applications:
- Paddock fencing (sheep, cattle, horses)
- Field boundaries
- Livestock pens and corrals
- Silage clamp supports
2. Equestrian Fencing
Why equestrian centers prefer recycled plastic:
- Chew-resistant—horses can't damage posts (timber splinters and rots when chewed)
- Splinter-free—eliminates injury risk
- High visibility—available in white or bright colors for safety
- Impact-resistant—absorbs kicks and bumps without cracking
Typical applications:
- Arena fencing
- Paddock perimeters
- Stable yards
- Mounting blocks and tack room structures
3. Garden & Boundary Fencing
Why homeowners love recycled plastic posts:
- Zero maintenance—no annual staining or painting
- 50+ year lifespan—install once and forget about it
- Aesthetic consistency—posts don't grey, warp, or twist over time
- Easy to clean—pressure wash to remove algae or dirt
Typical applications:
- Residential boundary fences
- Garden partitions
- Trellis supports
- Privacy screening
4. Commercial & Municipal Fencing
Why councils and businesses choose recycled plastic:
- Low total cost of ownership—saves 70-80% over 50 years vs timber
- No maintenance budget required—eliminates annual inspections and repairs
- Sustainable procurement—supports circular economy and reduces carbon footprint
- Public safety—splinter-free, non-toxic, fire-resistant
Typical applications:
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Council estates
- School perimeters
- Footpaths and nature reserves
Cost Comparison: 100-Metre Boundary Fence
| Cost Factor | Timber Posts (75mm × 75mm) | Recycled Plastic Posts (75mm × 75mm) | | ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------- | | Posts (50 posts @ 2m spacing) | £400 | £800 | | Installation (concrete setting) | £600 | £600 | | Maintenance (inspections, staining) | £100/year × 50 = £5,000 | £0 | | Replacements (rot failure after 10-15 years) | £1,000 × 3 = £3,000 | £0 | | Total 50-year cost | £9,000 | £1,400 |
Savings: £7,600 over 50 years (84% lower total cost)
Environmental Benefits
1. Waste Diversion
Each recycled plastic fence post contains:
- ~6-12 kg of plastic waste (bottles, packaging, industrial offcuts)
- Equivalent to ~150-300 plastic bottles per post
Impact: A 100-metre fence (50 posts) diverts 300-600 kg of plastic from landfills.
2. Carbon Footprint Reduction
- 70% lower energy to produce than virgin plastic
- No deforestation—eliminates demand for timber logging
- Longer lifespan = fewer replacements—reduces manufacturing and transport emissions
3. Soil & Water Protection
- No chemical leaching—timber preservatives contaminate soil and groundwater
- Safe for vegetable gardens—no risk of copper or arsenic absorption by crops
- Marine-safe—ideal for waterfront fencing (no toxic runoff)
Why Choose Ezotrade Recycled Plastic Fence Posts?
✅ 100% Recycled Material
Every post supports the circular economy—keeping plastic out of landfills and oceans.
✅ UK-Based Supply & Delivery
Fast delivery across England, Scotland, and Wales. Trade and bulk pricing available.
✅ Custom Lengths Available
Need posts taller than 2.4m? We can supply custom lengths up to 6m for specialized projects.
✅ Technical Support
Not sure which post size you need? Our team can help you calculate load requirements and recommend the best solution.
✅ Trade Accounts Welcome
Contractors, councils, and large-scale buyers: Contact us for competitive pricing and account terms.
Get Started Today
Ready to install fence posts that last 50+ years?
Request a quote: Tell us your project details (fence length, post height, application) and we'll provide a detailed quote.
Order samples: See and feel the quality of our recycled plastic posts before placing a bulk order.
Speak to our team: Call us for technical advice on post sizing, installation methods, and load calculations.
Ezotrade Ltd — Supplying 100% recycled plastic building materials across the UK.