Pros and cons of concrete posts

Hello everyone, I'm Marco from Fenceshop, our e-commerce specialized in fences and DIY. Today we will talk about concrete posts, analyzing their pros and cons. First of all, let's try to understand: what are their characteristics?, what are they used for?, and are they still used?. Let's find out together in this in-depth look.

Characteristics of Concrete Posts

The concrete posts we are talking about are pre-compressed, vibrated, and reinforced. This means that the concrete is vibrated to ensure greater compactness and resistance. Usually, four iron rods are inserted inside the post to serve as reinforcement, preventing the concrete from breaking. Normally, the posts available on the market have a section of 6x6 cm, with rounded edges and holes or slots along their entire height to lighten them and allow the passage of wires. They are available in various heights and formats.

Uses of Concrete Posts

The primary use of concrete posts is in vineyards. It is common to see these concrete posts used to support vines. Another use is in the industrial or governmental sector; for example, in sites where specifications require the use of these posts, such as at an Enel site. The installation of concrete posts is done like any other post: a hole is dug, the post is inserted, and filled with concrete. In vineyards, they are often simply driven into the ground. There are accessories such as brace arm collars that help stabilize corner posts.

Disadvantages of Concrete Posts

Weight: A 2.5-meter post with a 6x6 cm section weighs over 20 kg, making it difficult to handle and set up.
Difficulty of installation: Due to their weight and larger surface area, it is more challenging to insert them into concrete compared to lighter posts.
Disposal: Disposing of concrete posts is complicated and costly. Sorting centers need to separate the concrete from the iron, increasing disposal costs.
Cost: They are more expensive compared to other solutions.
Aesthetics: In our opinion, they are not aesthetically pleasing.

Advantages of Concrete Posts

It is hard to identify significant advantages for concrete posts. They were once widely used, but today the market has changed, and they have been replaced by metal or wooden posts, especially in vineyards.

Alternatives to Concrete Posts

Over the years, concrete posts have been replaced by iron posts, which come in various shapes and profiles like U, omega, or septagon. These posts are designed with holes and cuts to easily attach wires. They can be galvanized, painted, or made of corten, a type of iron that naturally rusts. Iron posts are lighter, cheaper, and more suitable for their purpose compared to concrete posts.

Conclusion

We hope we have provided useful information about concrete posts. We invite you to subscribe to our YouTube channel and our Facebook community to stay updated on our videos and share your experiences. Thanks for your attention and see you next time!

Goodbye everyone!