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So you’re thinking of erecting your own farm fence? A question we often get asked is: How far should I space my posts apart?
Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule. Many different factors impact fence post spacing.
In this guide, we walk you through what you need to consider when spacing your fence posts, and what you can do to ensure a long-lasting and robust fence.
We have also given a number of examples to help you decided the best post spacing for your farm fence.
Where Do I Start?
Firstly, it is essential to understand that there are two different types of farm posts. These are your fence strainer posts and your star pickets.
Strainer posts are designed to keep your wire fence tight and upright. The purpose of a strainer is to create an anchor point for the wires. Where anything changes, your wires need to be anchored so they stay the same distance and the same strain.
Pickets are used to guide the line of wires and to provide additional support.
With both strainer posts and picket, many factors will impact the distance between your fence posts. These including:
- How heavy your fence is.
- The stock to be fenced in/out.
- The topography and geography of the land.
- Any change in direction.
However, because strainer posts and pickets have different roles, you need to think about them differently when deciding how far to space them.
What Impacts Star Picket Spacing?
The Number Of Wires On Your Fence
If you have a large number of wires, for example, 9 to 12, you will need as much support as possible. Your pickets will need to be closer together to support that extra weight.
Livestock Size and Pressure
If you have large stock, such as cows, you will need to have your pickets spaced closer together to withstand the tension of the animals against your fence. Barbed wire can help as a deterant for your cattle, but you still want to have that added strength.
If you have smaller stock like sheep or goats, you will be able to space your pickets further apart.
Terrain
Whether your land is undulating or flat will impact the space between pickets. If you have a flat surface, you will be able to have more space between support pickets. If you are fencing in a hilly area, you will likely need more pickets so your fence follows the contours of the land. More on this below.
What Impacts Strainer Post Spacing?
Does Type Of Livestock Matter?
While the type of livestock will impact how far to space your pickets, it doesn’t really affect your strainers. If you use a strong steel strainer posts of 80NB (89mm O.D) or larger, the post will be strong enough to support the fence. It won’t matter if you have cows or chickens.
The Topography Of Your Land
With any significant topography change, you should use a strainer.
If your fence dips down into a gully, you should have an inline strainer post at the bottom of the gully. Due to the strain of the fence wire, if you had a star picket, it would be pulled straight out. A strainer post will be able to stay tight in the gully.
This also applies to star pickets at the top of a hill. Use a inline strainer post at the top of the hill. This will ensure that your post doesn’t get pushed into the ground due to the force of the strained wire.
If you are setting up a fence on a dead flat plain and going in a straight line with no hills or dips, you can easily get hundreds of meters between strainer posts.
A Change In Direction
In most cases, particularly for heavier duty fences, any change in direction will require a strainer post.
The pressure of the strained wire will cause a picket to be pushed/bend to the side. A strainer post can withstand the pressure and remain upright.
For significant changes in direction, the use of a stay can be used to ensure that the strainer post remains upright, particularly for highly-strung fences.
Number Of Wires
If you have a lower number of wire, for example, 3 to 4, or an electric fence, you may be able to get away with using star pickets for minor changes in topography or direction. However, for heavy-duty fences, you will want to make sure your fence is secure and tight by using a strainer post.
Gateways
You will want a strainer post end assembly on each side of a gateway.
Strainer Thickness
The thicker the wall is, the stronger the strainer post. This means you can have them further apart, and they will still manage to keep your fence tight and upright.
We recommend steel strainer posts of 80NB (89mm O.D) or 100NB (114mm O.D). Using less than 80NB will effect the strength of your fence and you will need to place them closer together. Resulting in more components and expense.
Fence Post Spacing Examples
Here are some example situations you might be in and what you could potentially do.
- Crop Fencing (Flat, No Stock)Crop fences are designed to keep pests such as pigs and kangaroos out, rather than keeping stock in. In most cases, the terrain will be relatively flat. 5 metres between posts will be more than enough in most cases. If you do have a big pig or kangaroo problem, you might want to bring it closer to 4 metres.
- Sheep Fencing On Flat Ground While your fence wires will have to have a high tension to stop lambs getting out, sheep tend to put lower pressure against a fence than larger stock.4 metres between posts should be good to keep your sheep in.
- Sheep Fencing On Hilly GroundAgain, sheep tend to put lower pressure against a fence than larger stock.4 metres between posts should be good to keep your sheep in on hilly terrain. Any topography changes should be taken care of by a strainer post.
- Cattle Fencing On Flat GroundThe main thing to consider, is the strength of your fence is in the strainer posts.4 metres between posts should be enough to keep your cattle in, however if you do have ‘rowdy’ cattle that like to push fences, increase your inline strainer posts to be after every 3 or 4 picket instead of after every 5th picket. These extra strainer posts will ensure the integrity of your fence against large animals.
- Cattle Fencing On Hilly GroundThe main thing to consider, is the strength of your fence is in the strainer posts.3 metresbetween posts should be enough to keep your cattle in on hilly ground. Any topography changes should be taken care of by a strainer post. If you do have ‘rowdy’ cattle that like to push fences, increase your inline strainer posts to be after every 3 or 4 picket instead of after every 5th picket. These extra strainer posts will ensure the integrity of your fence against large animals.
These examples should give you an indicator to the different spacing you will need for different circumstances.
Do Ground Conditions Affect The Spacing Between Posts?
When it comes to ground conditions, depth is more important than the number of posts you have. In black soil/clay country, you will need to ensure that the post hits rock bottom to ensure it doesn’t move. This means you will need a longer strainer post.
If you are erecting a fence in sandy conditions, again depth is more important than more strainers.
Rocky soils while being difficult to drive posts and pickets in, have an advantage. The rocks give added support to the fence posts, increasing the overall strength.
How To Build A Wire Fence: Our Fencing Tips
#1. Strainer Posts First
Plan out your fence by determining where you strainer posts will need to go. Start with the corners and where you want to place your gates. Assess where there will be any changes in direction and topography.Can you kill two birds with one stone by putting your gate post where you want to change direction? Mark out key areas: the end of your fence, any corners, gateways, or changes in topography. That’s where you put your strainers.
Inline strainer posts should be included after every 5th picket to ensure a strong fence. (Potentially after every 3rd or 4th picket if you have rowdy cattle!)
For example, a farmer has 300 metres of fencing on flat terrain to put up. The farmer has decided to put a post every 5 metres. This farmer will have to put an inline strainer post every 30 metres so they can put a picket every 5 metres in between.
#2. Space your pickets out evenly
Evenly spacing out your pickets between your strainer posts provides even strength and support throughout your fence. And it looks better too!
#3. Always Double Check
Once your fence is entirely in (wires strained up) it is incredibly frustrating and time consuming to make changes. It is always easier to knock in another strainer post when there is no wire or strain.Getting a new post in when your fence is all wired up is sure to cause headaches. Re-Configuration is a nightmare, so do it once and do it right.
#4. Consider What’s In Your Neighbours Paddock
For property boundary fences, don’t forget to consider what your neighbor has. If they have Brahman’s and you space your posts for a light duty three wire boundary fence, you are going to have a lot of headaches in the future.
Wrapping It Up
By now you have a good idea what you need to think about when determining your fence post spacing. If you still have a question, feel free to contact us, or talk to one of our recommended rural fencing contractors.
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FAQs
How far apart should farm fence posts be? ›
Standard barbed wire fences (Figure 4) usually have posts spaced 10 to 12 feet apart and use three to five strands of wire.
What is the maximum distance between fence posts? ›For most residential fences 8′ between posts is the maximum. Commercial fences (industrial chain link, for example) typically can handle up to 10′ spacing because of their stronger frames.
How far apart should 4x4 fence post be? ›Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circumstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet.
How many fence post do I need for 40 acres? ›For example, a square 40-acre pasture would need one mile of fence. You can space posts from 8-to-12 feet apart. A reliable structure will have a ratio of five steel T-posts to one wooden post. You'll need 660 posts to space them 8 feet apart.
How far apart are fence posts for cattle? ›The posts will typically go in the ground about 4 feet. Post spacing can be between 8 to 12 feet apart, depending on the material and length of the fence line. Many farmers use a ratio of 5 steel posts to 1 wood post for durability.
Should fence posts be 6 or 8 feet apart? ›The standard spacing for fence posts is 8 to 25 feet apart, depending on the type of fence. A standard wood fence would require posts 8 feet apart, while a high-tensile wire could span 25 feet.
Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts? ›Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
How many fence posts per acre? ›An acre needs 110 poles to fence given a 3 meter spacing. A family of five can dig the holes in 2 days each digging 11 holes per day providing a better a moment for bonding while staying at home. We have poles treated poles even at Kshs 380 vat inclusive with assured durability.
Can fence posts be 2 feet deep? ›The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.
How long should a 4x4 post be on a 6 foot fence? ›Post lengths for fences start at 8 or 10 feet for a 6-foot-tall fence. They are commonly four-by-fours, which measure approximately 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches, or six-by-sixes, at around 5 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches.
Is it better to use screws or nails on a fence? ›
Nails are faster than screws to install, meaning less labor for you or your builder (which may translate into lower installation cost). However, nails are more likely than screws to grow loose over time. Screws, on the other hand, secure the fence better than nails.
How do I calculate number of fence posts? ›Equations used in the fence calculator
Number of posts = (fence length / post spacing) + 1 (round the result up) Number of sections = number of posts - 1. Post length = fence height × 1.5.
Woven wire fences are the preferred design in rural areas, perfect for animal containment without making the farm look shabby. Horse owners also prefer to install woven wire fences as opposed to barbed wire as the big animals won't get tangled up and fall, resulting in injury.
How tall is a standard farm fence? ›Fences must not be higher than 1.8 m. Fences must be constructed using post and wire or post and rail. Masonry materials can be used within 3 m either side of the entrance to the property from the primary road.
How many feet apart are horse fence posts? ›Space line posts about 10 to 12 feet apart for most fences (25 feet for high-tensile wire fences). Narrow spacings are better over irregular ground and in contour fences. Rail fences normally have post spacings of 8 to 10 feet.
How far apart should metal T posts be? ›The typical spacing of posts is between 8′ and 12′. The distance should be determined by the type of fence and the amount of support that the fence needs in order to stay taught. Animal pressure and weather conditions are serious considerations when it comes to how much reinforcement is needed.
How far apart should 6x6 posts be? ›The two most common sizes used for deck posts are 4×4 and 6×6. When using 4×4 posts, place them no more than 6 feet apart, and when using 6×6 posts, no more than 8 feet apart.
Can wood fence posts be 10 feet apart? ›Typical spacing is right around 8 feet between each post however different circumstances may call for different measurements and it is not uncommon to have spacing between posts reach up to 10 feet.
How deep do you set a 8 foot fence post? ›How Deep Should a Fence Post Be? For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone. For gateposts, you'll need concrete too.
How many posts are needed for a field fence? ›An In-Depth Look at Post Spacing
Using the above rule of thumb, posts can be spaced anywhere from 8 to 12 feet apart. Generally, a successful structure will have five steel t-posts to one wooden post. Spacing the posts 8 feet apart will require 660 posts. On the other hand, a 12-foot spacing requires 440 posts.
How much fence do I need for 7 acres? ›
| Acres | Fence 20 Rod Rolls | Fence 100 ft. Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 21 |
| 7 | 7 | 22 |
| 8 | 8 | 24 |
| 9 | 8 | 25 |
If you're purchasing barbed wire, one roll is equal to 1,320 feet of fence, or 1/4 of a mile. Therefore, for a 40-acre square area that requires 1/4 mile of fencing on each side, you will need one mile of fencing, or four rolls of barbed wire per line.
How far in the ground should at post be? ›The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.
How far apart should terminal posts be? ›The string should be 4" below the top of the terminal posts. Line posts should not be spaced more than 10 feet apart. For example, if the length between two terminal posts is 30 feet, then line posts would be spaced 10 feet apart (see chart below). Dig the post holes and set the line posts.
How far apart should fence posts be for deer fence? ›Wooden posts should be sunk approximately 2 1/2 feet in the ground and set about 15 feet apart. The fence should be securely braced at the corners, angles, and at intervals along longer sections. Woven wire fencing with at least 10 gauge top and bottom wires and 12 1/2 gauge filler wire should be used.
Is 2 feet deep enough for 8 foot post? ›For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone. For gateposts, you'll need concrete too.
Can you put dry concrete in a post hole? ›Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there's no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.
How big of a hole do you need for a 4x4 post? ›The diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post. So, if you're planning on using a four-inch round or 4x4-inch square post, your post hole will need to be 12 inches in diameter. For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that's 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.
How many boards should be between fence posts? ›You will have to figure how many boards you need to purchase to 'rip' your custom pickets. It is recommended that you use a minimum of 2 horizontal rails between posts for all fences less than 5' high, 3 rails for fences 5' to 7' high, and 4 rails for 8' high fences.
Should your fence touch the ground? ›In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.
How long of a post do I need for a 6 foot fence? ›
Calculate the post lengths
If you're setting wooden or concrete posts in concrete you'll need 8ft (2.4m) posts for a 6ft (1.828m) fence – i.e. your posts are 2ft (0.6m) longer than the fence height.