a fencing run like this would be improved with a fence godfather such as a concrete godfather post

Forest 6' x 6' Paloma Decorative Fence Panel (Europa Prague) - Click HERE to View

 

Your fence is your home's boundary, so it must be tough, robust and secure. That is where a godfather post is ideal as the backbone of your foundation. In this article, we look at the topic in detail, answering the question, “What is a godfather post?” and “Why buy them for your fencing run?” We get into the nitty-gritty, discuss why you should use them, and look at the difference between wooden and concrete godfather posts. Finally, we offer some fence godfather posts pros and cons.

What is a godfather post?

Fence godfather posts are used to support or repair timber fence posts. These are specialised posts and are relatively infrequently used. Traditional concrete godfather posts are 4ft long because 2ft of the post must be buried in the ground. Timber or concrete posts offer added strength to your fence run. The fence godfather post is perfect for repairing your fence run post where the structures have rotted at ground level. Timber or concrete fence posts are not designed to be used instead of upright fence posts or vertical posts but in addition to them.

Timber or Concrete Fence posts can be supported or repaired with concrete godfather posts
Timber or Concrete Fence posts can be supported or repaired with concrete godfather posts

Godfather fence posts are also known as timber or concrete fence spurs and are a practical solution for extending the life of your upright fence posts. They are often used to repair and support broken fence posts when they begin to rot or weaken at ground level. When installed alongside your upright fence post, they act as structural reinforcement.

While godfather posts extend the life of your fence post over time, they can also be installed in the first instance with your new fence if you know your ground is overly wet, reducing the risk of premature decay.

This fence may have stayed up if it had been supported with concrete godfather posts
This fence may have stayed up if it had been supported with concrete godfather posts

Why use fence godfather posts?

There are many fantastic reasons, such as use, enhanced durability, strength, versatility, cost-effectiveness and safety. Here is a deep dive into the reasons why you should use godfather posts:

Durability

Godfather posts are designed to be as durable as possible. Their entire remit is to extend the life of your fence and fence posts. Therefore, they are made of pressure-treated timber or concrete to increase the durability of your boundary fence without replacing the fence post and panels. This is even the case when the fence has been in place for a long time.

Strength

Fence godfather posts are built to be strong; timber godfather posts are excellent reinforcements, especially if your upright fence posts are beginning to fail. Manufacturers design and make concrete godfather posts to ensure durability and strength. A godfather post will strengthen your fence post in your fence line, securing your boundary for years to come.

add even more protection to your fence posts with fence post support along with your concrete godfather posts
add even more protection to your fence posts with fence post support along with your concrete godfather posts
Forest 85-105mm Post Support with Spike 750mm - Click Image to View

Versatility

Godfather posts or repair spurs are versatile because they can be used to repair upright fence posts or as an effective fence post rot preventative.  Many versatile products are available for protecting your fence run. These include fence post brackets that also protect the part of the post that is underground and fence post spikes that do a similar job.

Cost-effectiveness

Protecting your fence run with a godfather post is a cost-effective measure because you are prolonging the life of your perimeter fence. Anything that prolongs the life of your fence posts and fence panels is a money-saving measure and one that should be embraced. You can save money by adding fence post caps and using the best fence post fixings.

add even more protection to your fence posts with fence post caps along with your concrete godfather posts
add even more protection to your fence posts with fence post caps along with your concrete godfather posts
Forest Fence Post Cap 13 x 13cm - Click Image to View

Safety

If your fence run is unstable because the fence posts are rotten it will compromise your home’s safety. To ensure the security of your home you must have a strong and stable boundary fence. Make sure your fence is secure by using the best quality fencing fixtures and fittings.

add even more protection to your fence posts with fence brackets along with your concrete godfather posts
add even more protection to your fence posts with fence brackets along with your concrete godfather posts
Forest U-Brackets Pack of 4 - Click Image to View

Are concrete godfather posts better than wooden ones?

Concrete godfather posts are generally considered superior to wooden ones in terms of longevity, strength and maintenance, but both options have advantages depending on your requirements.

To answer whether concrete versions are better than wooden ones, we must consider the pros and cons of these versatile, durable and safety-conscious products.

 

Here are our pros and cons for consideration:

Pros – wooden version

  • Cost-effectiveness – wooden godfather posts are generally cheaper than concrete
  • Sustainability – timber posts are often made from sustainably sourced wood
  • Customisable – you can adapt your fence post to suit your needs

Cons – wooden version

  • Durability concerns – timber, even treated timber, is prone to rot, which cannot happen with concrete
  • Strength limitations – wood is not as strong or resilient as concrete
  • Environmental impact – improperly sourced timber can contribute to environmental degradation

Pros – concrete version

  • Strength – concrete is much stronger than wood, so reinforcing your fence post with ultimate strength 
  • Durability – concrete is highly resistant to rot and pests
  • Low-maintenance – unlike wood, concrete requires little to no maintenance

Cons – concrete version

  • Weight – concrete is much heavier than wood and may need assistance to install
  • Cost – concrete models are generally more expensive than timber posts
  • Inability to modify – these posts cannot be modified

Concrete and wooden fence godfather posts both do a fantastic job securing your fence panels.

Can fence spurs be a viable alternative to a godfather post?

Yes, fence spurs can be used instead of godfather posts in many situations. They are used to bolt into concrete spurs set into the ground to reinforce existing wooden posts. This will extend the life of the fence without replacing the whole post. But for seriously weakened or rotten posts, a full godfather post may still provide stronger, longer-term support.

add even more protection to your fence posts with fence post support along with your concrete godfather posts
add even more protection to your fence posts with fence post support along with your concrete godfather posts
Forest Fencefast easy-fit repair spur - Click Image to View

Buy the Forest Fencefast easy-fit repair spur as a good alternative to a godfather post.

Conclusion

A godfather post is a simple and cost-effective way to reinforce or repair your fence posts and keep them standing for years to come. Whether you choose a concrete godfather post or a timber post, both will add extra strength to your fencing and prevent rot at ground level.

Concrete posts are more durable and require less maintenance, timber posts are cheaper and customisable, so the choice is yours. Get a concrete godfather support post or a repair spur when you install or maintain your existing fence and protect your boundary from high winds and wear and tear.

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