WHAT SIZE T-POST DO I NEED FOR MY FENCE?
If you’re new to agricultural fencing, it’s possible that you’ve never heard the term “T-post” before. But, t-posts are a very important part of fencing for livestock, crops, and more.
A t-post is a metal post with an anchor built into the bottom. This anchor keeps the post buried securely in the ground so it can support wire fencing and keep the fence taught along the fence line.
T-posts are very popular, as they are affordable and very effective. However, they are only effective if you choose the right size for your fencing project.
What are the Benefits of a Tall T-post?
Firstly, let’s establish one simple rule: your t-posts should be about two feet longer than the height of your fence. This is why t-posts are typically sold at lengths between 5 and 10 feet. A tall t-post (for example, one that is seven or eight feet) can be very useful if you want to have a particularly tall fence that your animals can’t jump over.
What are the Benefits of a Shorter T-post?
Maybe you aren’t worried about your animals jumping the fence. Instead, your greater concern is that they might wander onto a neighbor’s property, or that local kids might try to get into their enclosure. In this case, a shorter fence can serve your purposes just fine — and that means you’ll be able to benefit from a shorter t-post to go along with it.
What T-Post Weight Should I Use?
Most commonly, t-posts come in two weights: 1.25 and 1.33 pounds per foot. For most applications, a t-post weighing 1.25 pounds per foot is ideal. When looking for something to withstand high-pressure, it’s best to use a 1.33 pound per foot t-post.
What Purpose Will The Fence Serve?
There’s one big question you need to ask yourself before you pick a t-post for your fence: what purpose will the fence serve? The primary purpose of a fence is to keep animals in or out. However, there are different purposes for different types of fences on a farm.
For example, horse fencing needs to be tall enough to prevent horses from jumping over it, climbing it, or mowing it down with a good canter. Cattle fencing should also be tall, as well as strong enough to withstand leaning or chewing on the wires, while hog fencing should be a bit lower to the ground to prevent the pigs from digging or rooting under the fence line. Once you determine the purpose your fence will serve, you can figure out the size you’ll need for your t-posts.
