EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DURAPOST

Fencing professionals often turn to timber and concrete products as their go-to solutions, despite limitations in long term performance.

DuraPost® By Birkdale is a galvanised steel fence post system that offers a stylish, lightweight and durable alternative to traditional systems, backed by a guarantee of up to 25-years. Here, John Abernethie, Managing Director of Birkdale explains further.

For many years, timber and concrete have been the traditional materials used for fence posts despite the trade’s knowledge of each material’s limitations. While timber is widely regarded as the aesthetically appealing choice, it is susceptible to rotting and warping over time. The material may also require regular treatment and maintenance throughout its operational life and is at risk of failing when subject to severe weather conditions.

On the other hand, concrete fence posts offer a more robust, long-term solution when compared to timber. However, concrete systems are far more difficult to store and transport due to their size and weight. They also often require multiple tradespeople to install. Furthermore, concrete fence posts are aesthetically unappealing and tend to limit the design possibilities of outdoor space.

In contrast, DuraPost® is ergonomically designed to be up to 80% lighter than concrete while retaining an excellent strength to weight ratio. At the forefront of modern fence post solutions, DuraPost® is manufactured from cold rolled galvanised steel using a specially made die to create a patented and strong H-section profile. This combination of durable material and design results in a more resilient product that can achieve superior performance. As well as being tested to withstand wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, DuraPost® can be powder coated to ensure superior protection against corrosion. Easy to transport, store, carry and install by a single tradesperson, DuraPost® minimises the risks associated with heavy lifting due to its light weight.

In addition, the innovative system can match the aesthetic appeal commonly associated with timber. Available in a choice of four colours – Olive Grey, Sepia Brown, Galvanised Steel, and the popular Anthracite Grey – with colour matched accessories also available, enabling the creation of a co-ordinated fence that complements any garden design. Crucially, DuraPost® is compatible with virtually all build-on-site fencing and pre-fabricated fence panels currently available on the market, making it an incredibly flexible system.

Here’s our practical guide to installing DuraPost® with prefabricated fence panels:

Step 1: Based on a 1.8m bay, dig a 600mm deep hole at the start of your fence and insert a DuraPost®. Fix the DuraPost in place with FENCEMATE® Post Concrete while ensuring that the post remains upright and level.

Step 2: Dig a second hole for the next post at the prefabricated fence panel’s length from the first hole.

Step 3: Position the lightweight DuraPost® gravel board in the channel of the first post at the correct height and secure it to the back of the post with colour matched screws. Ensure the gravel board is level.

Step 4: Slide the prefabricated fence panel into the DuraPost® channel above the gravel board and check the height is appropriate. Secure the back of the panel to the DuraPost® with colour matched screws.

Step 5: Position the next DuraPost® into the second hole, checking the channel’s alignment with the fence panel and gravel board. Then secure with colour matched screws and set the post in place with FENCEMATE® Post Concrete.

Step 6: Repeat the above steps as appropriate. Colour matched capping rails, post caps and cover strips can then be fitted to create a smart and quality finish.

For further information on DuraPost® By Birkdale, please visit: www.birkdalesales.com/durapost