- essexconcrete@hotmail.com
- 01206 273363
- Mon to Fri - 8am to 4.30pm / Sat - 8am to 12pm
Essex brings strong winds, wet shrink–swell clay and, near the coast, salt air. That mix puts real strain on fences. Posts flex in gusts, clay moves with the seasons and salt attacks exposed steel. Poor concrete fails fast in these conditions.
Slotted concrete posts keep panels straight. Concrete gravelboards lift timber clear of damp ground and protect edges. The essentials are the same every time: the right materials, full compaction and careful curing. See our concrete slotted posts and concrete gravelboards built for Essex weather.
We batch with clean, graded stone and sand, fresh cement and clean water. Consistent ratios deliver reliable strength and a dense finish — never stretched mixes or dusty aggregates.
Workability matters, but we do not over‑water. Too much water weakens concrete and makes it porous. We control slump so the mix flows into moulds without bleeding. The result is durable concrete that resists rain, frost and coastal air.
Rebar carries bending loads from wind and panel weight. In slotted posts we run continuous longitudinal bars and tie them for true alignment. This keeps posts straight and reduces cracking around the slots.
Steel must be protected. Fixed spacers give even concrete cover all round to block moisture and salt. We add extra steel at slots, ends and lift points where stress peaks. Planning a run? Start with durable concrete inters (intermediate posts) and match ends and corners to suit.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Air pockets create weak spots. We use needle vibrators and vibrating tables to drive out trapped air. This locks concrete tightly around the steel and against the mould for a dense, even finish.
Correct compaction prevents honeycombing at edges and in slots. Clean, true slots mean panels slide in easily and sit square — especially useful when retrofitting concrete slotted posts to tired panels along an existing fence line.
We protect early. Demoulding only happens when the concrete is ready, not when a timetable says so. Pieces are kept damp and shaded to prevent rapid drying and surface cracking.
Cold snaps, heatwaves and coastal winds in Essex all affect drying. We adjust covers and timing so strength builds steadily. Concrete achieves most of its strength by 28 days; patient curing gives straighter posts and tougher boards.
Every batch is checked so installation is straightforward and long‑lasting:
We keep batch records and sample strength checks for traceability. You are welcome to view stock in person and choose the pieces you want.
Clay heave can lift or tilt posts if depth and drainage are wrong. We size post depths for local soils and use drainage stone to move water away from the footing. Good ground detail prevents movement later.
Near the coast, adequate concrete cover over steel is crucial to shield rebar from salt and extend life. For depths by soil type, see our guide to fence post depth in Essex clay and gravel.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Compare build quality as well as price and you will see the difference.
Choose the correct post types for a straight, stable run:
On slopes, decide between stepped and raked runs with slotted posts. Pair durable panels with concrete gravelboards for low upkeep. Use our planner to map your run: plan fence runs with inters, corners and 3‑way posts.
Visit the yard to check straightness, slot accuracy and finish for yourself. We keep consistent sizes in stock with local delivery across Essex.
Expect straight advice for your site — windy, coastal or heavy clay. Essex Concrete and Fencing builds for long life, not shortcuts.
Concrete develops most of its strength by 28 days. We cure products before sale so they are stable and ready to install when you collect or take delivery.
Dense concrete cover keeps salt and moisture away from steel. This prevents rust, limits cracking and keeps posts strong for years.
Yes. We use needle vibrators and tables on all moulds to remove air pockets and achieve a dense, reliable finish.
Go deeper in shrink–swell clay and provide drainage around the footing. Exact depth depends on post height, exposure and local soil — size conservatively for wind.
Often yes. Confirm panel width and height, then match slot size and post centres. Accurate slots make the swap straightforward.
Keep them flat on level bearers, off the ground, with edges protected. Cover to keep sun and rain off, but allow air to circulate.
