Galvanised steel fence post systems can provide a durable and attractive alternative to the more traditional material choices. John Abernethie, Managing Director at Birkdale, explains why he feels such systems are an ideal option for merchants to recommend to their customers.
When it comes to selecting a fence post material, there are a number of different options available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. However, there are three main factors to consider when choosing a final product — strength, durability and aesthetics.
Concrete is one option that has proven to be very popular, largely due to its strength and weather resistance. However, concrete does fall short in other areas. Prone to chipping and hairline cracks, this can lead to water ingress, which in turn causes further damage to the post before it eventually snaps. In addition, concrete posts are often rejected as a result of their aesthetic value; their bulkiness and colour can disrupt the look of an outdoor space.
Furthermore, concrete is an incredibly heavy material, meaning that the installation process is time consuming and requires multiple tradespeople, negatively impacting on the cost of the job. Similarly, the space inefficiency and weight of concrete also impacts merchants, as it means that less concrete posts can be stocked compared with more modern lightweight systems.
Timber has of course remained a prominent material within the UK fencing market due to its natural and popular aesthetic. However, timber is unable to deliver when it comes to strength and durability. It has a tendency to rot at the base, causing the rest of the structure to weaken and eventually fail. As a result, untreated timber fence post systems need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
“Merchants should be aware that high performance alternatives such as galvanised steel have entered the market and present a number of advantages over concrete and timber systems.”
However, merchants should be aware that high performance alternatives such as galvanised steel have entered the market and present a number of advantages over concrete and timber systems.
First of all, galvanised steel is a more durable option — it will not rot, warp, or twist over time, regardless of conditions. The durability of the material also ensures that no maintenance is required, meaning it is very cost-effective in the long run.
Another crucial advantage is that galvanised steel is 80% lighter than concrete. This allows it to be easily transported to site, carried and installed by a single tradesperson. As a result, making the switch can reduce both transport and labour costs on projects. Galvanised steel fence posts can also save the tradesperson time on site allowing them to move on to their next job faster, helping to make a really positive contribution to their overall profitability.
Although a lighter alternative, galvanised steel is still able to match concrete for strength. This was demonstrated when the Building Research Establishment (BRE) strength tested Birkdale’s DuraPost system and it was proven to withstand wind speeds of up to 110 mph — the equivalent of 625kg of force. This is particularly relevant considering the violent and damaging storms that have recently occurred across the UK.
The strength of DuraPost is due to it being cut and rolled through a specially made die to create a unique, patented H-section profile. Not only does this provide the system with a great deal of strength and durability, but it also means that the posts come in slimmer profiles that are less intrusive on existing garden aesthetics and can complement any garden design.
Furthermore, the space efficiency of the DuraPost system also ensures that it can be stocked easily and in larger quantities than alternatives. This helps merchants to hold more stock, yet still increase space in the yard for other items.
Galvanised steel post systems are available in a variety of different colour options, including the popular Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey and Sepia Brown. Untreated galvanised steel posts are also available, providing a strong, long-lasting product that is ideal for use alongside pre-existing concrete and in commercial environments, and at a highly competitive price point to traditional concrete systems.
In addition, environmental considerations are increasingly important too and galvanised steel has major selling points over the alternatives. Indeed, concrete has been labelled “the most destructive material on earth” and contributes 4-8% of the world’s CO2. The good news for customers looking for more environmentally friendly options is that Birkdale’s DuraPost is made from 50% recycled steel and is 100% recyclable at the end of its working lifespan.
Overall, galvanised steel fence posts are a modern alternative that offer merchants and their customers a multitude of benefits when compared to traditional options. To ensure your customers do benefit from all the advantages galvanised steel fence posts can provide, they should be of a high quality and sourced from a recognised manufacturer.
Established in 1982, Birkdale is the UK’s leading supplier of fencing and gate accessories and supports its DuraPost galvanised steel fence post system with a guarantee of up to 25 years. The company also supplies a variety of supporting accessories such as colour-matched gravel boards and post caps.
Click the link for more information on Birkdale.
A version of this article appeared in the April edition of PBM. Click here to read the full digital issue.
