What makes a good fence post?
August 8, 2025
The most important part of any fence is the wire — but that wire’s only as good as the posts backing it up.
At Southern Wire, we’ve spent decades building strong fences that last, and we know a quality post can make the job quicker, easier, and more reliable — especially when you’re under pressure to get a fence up fast or keep it standing in tough conditions.
Here’s why our steel posts hold up better in the paddock.
More Steel = Better Strength
Not all posts are made equal. Our black steel posts, for example, weigh in at 1.86kg per metre — that’s 15% heavier than other posts at only 1.64kg per metre black post. More weight means more steel and therefore, better strength, and less chance of breaking, bending, rusting or shifting over time.
Built to Suit Common Fence Layouts
Southern Wire posts come in a wide range of sizes – from 135cm to 240cm – to suit everything from internal fences to boundary exclusion lines.
They’re made with standard hole spacings to match most wire fence configurations, so you can line up and tie off or clip without fuss.
- Sizes available: 135cm, 150cm, 165cm, 180cm, 210cm, 225cm, 240cm
Better Coating = Longer Life
Our black posts aren’t just sprayed with enamel paint like some, they’re dipped in a heavy-duty bituminous-style coating for better rust resistance. For coastal or high-rainfall areas, our hot-dip galvanised (silver) posts are the way to go, meeting Australian Standards for corrosion protection for a longer lasting coating
Designed for the Paddock
- Precision-cut points for easier driving and less twist going into the ground
- Fold-out carry handle on each bundle of 10
- Only 2 straps to cut — no tangles or no mess
- Easy to load and unload by hand — no need for a forklift or tractor just to get started
Fire-Safe
Steel posts are a safer option in fire-prone areas, and unlike timber they won’t rot, split or get eaten by termites.
They’re a solid alternative to wood — especially in tough Aussie conditions for long term peace of mind.
Extra Heavy
Larger profile posts are readily available for projects that demand extra strength and durability. These heavier-duty posts are commonly used to reinforce boundary fences, exclusion fences, and areas that experience higher stock pressure or environmental strain. By incorporating them at regular intervals—typically every 4th or 5th post—you can significantly increase the overall stability and lifespan of your fence line. This strategic placement helps distribute impact loads more evenly, reducing the risk of sagging or structural failure over time.
Made for Australian Conditions and Backed by Southern Wire
We’ve been building fencing gear for over 30 years, and we stand behind every product. Our posts are made from premium billet steel (no low grade or recycled steel) and tested to perform, so you know you’re getting a post that’s built right and backed by a team that knows fencing.
When the wire is right and the posts are solid, you get a fence that’ll hold up — stock pressure, weather, pests and all.
Check out the full range of black and galvanised posts here on our website or ask for them at your local rural store.