💡 How much would I save long term with steel fence posts over wood?

Treated lumber isn't what it used to be. Today's wood posts typically last about 10 years before they start failing. If you plan to stay in the home longer than that, you will likely face replacement costs.

As Joe Everest puts it, the new post lifespan varies, but he uses 10 years as a round number. If you are wanting to live in this house long term (more than 10 years), steel posts are probably going to be the choice.

Steel posts require a much larger upfront investment compared to standard treated pine posts. A wood post, even a treated wood post, still has a lifespan that is significantly shorter than a steel post.

In his market in 2024, Joe Everest notes that a wood post will go for roughly $9.50 from one of the big box stores, whereas a steel post typically goes for around $44.

The true cost of a wood post isn't just buying it again. When a post rots, you have to pay per-post labor to remove the old post, dig out the concrete, and set a new one.

As Joe Everest explains, typically there is a minimum service charge to come out, and then there is a charge per post to remove and reset a new post. The steel posts become less expensive the first time you avoid a replacement.