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After a winter storm lifted panels from an exposed seaside boundary, many homeowners in Essex discover timber will not last without heavy maintenance. If you are planning a replacement or a new boundary fence, this guide helps you choose and position concrete slotted posts so the job stays solid for years.
Who this is for: homeowners, tradespeople and small contractors in the UK—especially anyone dealing with Essex clay, coastal gusts or mixed-level gardens. What you’ll get: clear decisions on post types, siting tips for tricky ground, and a short checklist for ordering and installation.
In our experience, picking the correct post type and embedment depth up front prevents most site delays and rework.
Concrete slotted posts suit wet clay, salt air and coastal winds. They do not rot and need little upkeep compared with timber, which looks warmer but requires treatment and replacement sooner in exposed spots.
Four main types cover common layouts: inter posts for straight runs, end posts where a run finishes or meets a building, corner posts for 90° turns and 3‑way posts for T‑junctions or returns. Use the right type and bays slot together cleanly with gravelboards.
Read our detailed comparison of concrete and timber to help decide materials: concrete slotted posts vs timber in Essex, and see the full range under concrete slotted posts. Essex Concrete and Fencing casts dense, reinforced posts with clean slots designed for local conditions.
Use inter posts along every bay of a straight run; they take a panel each side. Fit end posts where a fence stops, abuts a wall or frames a gate. Corners change direction and 3‑way posts form a T or return.
A common issue we see is setting slot orientation the wrong way round. Think about which face will be visible before you dig so the ‘good’ panel face points the right way. For straight runs look at our inter post options: concrete inter posts.
Most errors come from counting panels rather than bays—one panel needs two posts at its ends only when it’s the whole run. Also, people underestimate corner forces: corners and gate posts need heavier footings than inters.
Measure the full boundary, note kinks and divide by panel width to work out bays. Count one post per joint plus one at each end—five panels need six posts on a straight run.
Most UK panels do not rake; step on slopes instead and use gravelboards to take up ground changes so timber stays off the soil. Allow for gates, returns, trees and underground services. For permitted height limits see our guidance on 2 m fence height regulations in the UK.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Curve or offset around trees and manholes. Where you meet old concrete or a wall, use an end post to abut neatly and seal the gap. On big dips or rises, use taller posts to form safe, even steps.
Concrete gravelboards protect timber and can retain a small change in level. If you need to hold back more than a single board height, step to sleepers and keep the fence above the soil. Plan privacy near patios and windows before you set heights.
If you need heavy soil retention, a structural wall or reinforced sleeper system is a better solution than standard slotted posts and gravelboards. Slotted posts are for panel fences, not major landscaping retaining works.
For 1.8–2.0 m fences aim for 600–750 mm hole depth. Go deeper in soft or backfilled ground. In heavy Essex clay add drainage gravel at the base so water does not sit against the post and shape footings wider at the bottom for grip.
Use a quality fast‑setting post mix and tamp well. Our technical note on embedment by soil type explains depth choices: fence post depth in Essex clay and gravel. Stock reliable post mix before you start. Near the coast increase embedment and consider heavier posts to withstand gusts.
Frame openings with end or corner posts and upsize posts for heavy or double gates. For busy driveways use deeper footings and stronger hinges to avoid later sagging.
Measure the clear opening, then allow for hinge throw, latch clearance and slope. Closeboard runs near drives often benefit from extra rails for stiffness. See matching gate options in our garden gates range: garden gates.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Set two control posts first at ends or corners. Pull a tight string line at panel height and dig to that line. Place each post to the line and check level both ways before you pour.
Keep slots aligned and square. Check heights frequently so steps are even. Closeboard panels need firm support; waney edge and trellis sit best with gravelboards to keep timber off the ground.
Concrete posts and boards are heavy. Plan safe handling with helpers or mechanical aids and protect paving at offload. Check vehicle access, turning space and drive load limits before the delivery day.
Batch orders reduce transport and waste. Compare package costs—not just per item—and include panels, gravelboards, posts, mix and fixings so you avoid last‑minute purchases.
If you’re unsure between heavier posts or deeper footings, choose both for exposed sites. A common decision we advise: spend more on proper footings now to avoid movement and repairs later.
Essex Concrete and Fencing casts reinforced posts with a dense mix and true slots. We design our products to cope with Essex clay, winter wet and coastal gusts so fences stay upright with minimal upkeep.
Visit the yard to check stock and get practical layout advice before you order. We help plan heights, steps and delivery so installations run smoothly on site.
Choose at least a 2.4 m post to give around 600 mm in the ground. Use 2.7 m posts for soft, stepped or exposed sites.
Standard slotted posts take most UK panels and concrete gravelboards. Always check panel width and thickness and confirm slot dimensions before ordering.
Set posts to the exact panel width; common centres are 1.83 m (6 ft). Keep bays consistent for a tight fit and to avoid gaps or forcing panels in.
One concrete gravelboard can cope with a small level change. For larger drops use sleepers or a retaining structure and keep timber panels above soil level.
On exposed coastal sites use heavier posts, deeper embedment and improved drainage. Good backfill and compaction reduce movement in storms.
Yes. Plan for a 3‑way post at the junction or replace an inter with a 3‑way when you extend. Keep bay widths and heights consistent for a neat join.
