Timber vs Concrete Posts – What’s Best for Chester Gardens?
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If you’re planning to put up a new fence in your Chester garden, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between timber fence posts and concrete posts. Whether you're in Upton or Broughton, both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your garden, budget, and how long you want your fence to last. At Timber Supply Centre in Chester, we stock both – and we help customers make the best choice every day.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option and help you decide what’s best for your garden.
🪵 Timber Fence Posts – The Natural Choice
Timber posts are the traditional go-to for many gardens in Chester. Whether you’re just replacing an old panel or putting up a brand new featheredge fence, timber offers a natural look that blends in beautifully.
✅ Benefits of Timber Fence Posts:
- Easier to handle and install – especially handy for DIYers.
- More affordable than concrete, especially for larger projects.
- Aesthetically pleasing, especially in traditional or cottage-style gardens.
⚠ Things to Consider:
- Timber posts need to be treated properly to resist rot and fungal attack. - All the timber we use is 'Tanalised'. This is a chemical pressure treatment to resist against decay.
- Even with treatment, they can eventually rot, especially in wetter areas or heavy clay soil.
- They may need replacement sooner than concrete posts if not maintained well.
💡 Our top tip: Use gravel boards under your fencing to keep timber posts off the ground and extend their life.
As Jacksons Fencing approved suppliers & installers, we can supply timber fencing carrying Jacksons 25 year guarantee against wood boring pests and against all forms of wet and dry rot to mitigate against these drawbacks. Contact us for your free quote.
🧱 Concrete Fence Posts – Built to Last
Concrete posts are known for their durability – and many of our Chester customers choose them for long-term peace of mind. They’re particularly good in exposed areas like Vicars Cross or Saltney, where wind and rain batter fences more aggressively.
✅ Benefits of Concrete Fence Posts:
- Will not rot, warp, or weaken over time.
- Extremely strong and stable – ideal for sloping or windy gardens.
- Low maintenance – once they’re in, they’re in for the long haul.
⚠ Things to Consider:
- Concrete can crack or fracture over time and more difficult to install (you’ll want at least two people), although... we'll make light work of it. 😉
- More expensive upfront than timber. (slightly)
- Industrial look isn’t for everyone – but pair them with timber panels for the best of both worlds.
💬 We often recommend concrete posts to customers who want to “fit it and forget it.”
🏡 So... What's Better for Chester Gardens?
Really, irrespective of what Chester location you live in, you should choose the type of fencing that most suits your preference and your situation.
We usually find that the factor that sways people's decision the most is the aesthetic that the option will bring. Fencing can be an emotive investment, and if you plan to spend time in your garden, choose what will compliment your property the most. Simply put... what's your personal preference.
However, if you're looking to take a more scientific approach, it might be a good idea to take into consideration the soil type in your area:
🏙️ Chester City Centre
Soil Type: Triassic sandstone with glacial sand and marl.
Fencing Recommendation:
✅ Timber fencing – Stable ground supports timber posts well; suitable for garden and decorative fencing in residential and historic areas.
🌳 Kelsall
Soil Type: Sandstone, siltstone, glacial till, and gravel.
Fencing Recommendation:
✅ Concrete or timber – Use concrete posts in wetter areas with glacial till to prevent rot. Timber is fine in well-drained gravel or sandstone zones.
🌲 Delamere Forest
Soil Type: Mix of brown earths, podzols, peats, and gleys.
Fencing Recommendation:
✅ Concrete or metal posts – Soils here are often waterlogged; concrete posts resist rot. Use gravel boards to protect panels. Avoid untreated timber.
🏞️ Bickerton Hill
Soil Type: Acidic, nutrient-poor sandy soils and podzols.
Fencing Recommendation:
✅ Timber fencing – Well-drained sandy soils are ideal for pressure-treated timber. Use rust-proof fixings due to acidity.
🏘️ Upton-by-Chester
Soil Type: Fine-textured, stable grassland soil.
Fencing Recommendation:
✅ Timber fencing – Dry, firm ground suits traditional timber posts. Ideal for residential garden fencing.
🌄 Helsby & Frodsham
Soil Type: Helsby and Wilmslow sandstone (well-drained).
Fencing Recommendation:
✅ Timber fencing – Excellent drainage means timber posts perform well and visually suit rural properties.
🤝 Our Honest Recommendation
At Timber Supply Centre, we stock both concrete and timber fence posts because they each serve different needs. If you want the lowest-cost option a natural look and a reasonable lifespan of 12-15 years, timber is perfect. If you’re investing in a fence you want to last 20+ years with minimal fuss, go concrete.
Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for....
📍 Visit Us in Chester – We’ll Help You Choose
Whether you’re planning a full garden makeover or just replacing a single post, we’re happy to help. Pop down to Timber Supply Centre at Church road, just off Lache Lane Chester, or give us a call. Our team can walk you through the options, show you the materials, and even help you plan and cost an install.
We also offer:
- Featheredge boards and rails
- Gravel boards and sleepers
- Concrete posts (intermediate, corner and 3-way)
- Gate posts, hinges, and fittings
- Installation services and custom gates
❓ FAQs – Fence Posts in Chester
Q: Are concrete fence posts better for windy gardens?
A: Yes – they offer slightly more strength and won’t rot in wet conditions, making them ideal for exposed gardens around Chester.
Q: Can I mix timber panels with concrete posts?
A: Absolutely. Slotted concrete posts work well with timber fence panels and are a popular choice in modern Chester gardens.
Q: Do you offer trade discounts on fence posts?
A: Yes! We support local landscapers and builders with competitive trade pricing. Ask in-store or give us a ring.