Steel Star Pickets vs Timber Posts
Pickets or timber? Most fences use both. Here is where each fits.
Most farm fences use timber at the strainers and gates, and steel pickets along the line. Here is why.
1. Steel star pickets
- Quick to drive and cheap per post.
- Don't rot or burn, and suit rocky ground.
- Less strong sideways, so they're line posts, not strainers.
- Fit safety caps to the tops. Exposed picket tops can injure people and stock.
2. Treated timber posts
- Strong. Used for strainers, gate posts and corners.
- Need the right treatment class for in-ground use. Check the H rating on the post.
- Heavier and slower to put in.
3. Mixing them
Timber strainers and gate posts, steel pickets in between, is the common farm fence.
4. Quick summary
- Timber where the load is: ends, corners, gates.
- Steel pickets along the line.
- Cap your pickets.
General information only. Check the maker's instructions, and ask your council about approvals.
Related guides
Guide
How to Estimate Fencing Materials: Posts, Strainers and Wire
Work out how many star pickets, strainer posts, stays and rolls of wire your farm fence needs, with a worked example for a 600 m paddock.
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Timber Treatment Classes H1 to H6 Explained
What the H1 to H6 hazard classes on treated timber mean, which one to use for posts, decks, garden beds and indoor framing, and safe handling.
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