Find out why more people are switching from traditional timber posts to the patented “W” Post!
WHY “W” POST?
Built to last: Durable, practical, reliable
When it comes to fencing, durability and reliability are key factors to consider, especially for fences that are exposed to harsh weather and wear. That’s why the W Post is engineered to outlast traditional timber posts by providing superior long-term durability.
Its hot dip galvanised finish is specifically designed to protect against the damaging effects of rust and corrosion, ensuring that it holds up even in the most extreme conditions. Whether you're dealing with heavy rains, high humidity, scorching heat, or strong winds, the W Post maintains its integrity, staying sturdy and strong throughout the years.
Unlike timber posts, which can rot or weaken, the W Post’s galvanised steel construction ensures it stands the test of time. This makes it the perfect long-term solution for both homeowners and professionals who want a low-maintenance, cost-effective fencing solution that lasts.
Built for the Future: Greener, cleaner, stronger
With the demand for wood skyrocketing, our natural resources, including precious old growth forests, are under threat. Many traditional areas of logging have now been restricted and therefore the trees that are logged are younger and less reliable. Timber may have been the traditional fence post material in the past but it is now less trusted and people are looking for alternatives. The W post was invented to provide an eco-friendly alternative to the timber posts that is built to last longer and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
Crafted from high quality steel, the W Post does not just last longer than timber; it reduces the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on waste and conserving valuable resources. By making the switch to the W Post, you are contributing to a greener future, helping to protect forests and reduce the environmental toll of traditional fencing materials.
Built for ease: Adaptable, versatile, simple
The W Post is designed to make fencing projects easier and more efficient, no matter the installation type. Whether you are building on sloped ground, installing angled panels, or working with standard fencing, the W Post handles it with ease. Its versatile profile suits a wide range of projects, from residential to commercial.
What sets the W Post apart is its simple, smart design. It works with the same materials and tools used for timber posts, so both DIY users and professionals can install it without changing their setup. No special gear or added steps are needed. You get better durability and longer performance in a familiar format.
STRENGTH & DURABILITY TESTING
For many years timber posts have been used for paling fences around most states in Australia. Sadly, we have used up all the available old Red Gum and similar trees that had a life span up to 50 years. The more recent options like Cypress, younger or lower class Gum varieties have a shorter life span. Because of the variability of timber, a fence post that would typically last 10-15 years, may fail after 5. Increasing scarcity of these has also caused prices to rise sharply over the last few years and we expect that to continue.
The combination of these factors has led to people in the industry looking for alternatives that aren’t the old concrete posts.
One innovation is a roll formed galvabond post shaped around the same size as a timber fence post with check outs for rails pre-cut and the cut out forming flaps to attach the rails. We’ll refer to it as RF1 in the results table.
We thought through all the issues facing fencers doing a variety of paling fence types and heights and came up with our design registered “W” Post. It will handle sloping ground, capping, any plinth variation and a double paled fence. The advantage of a steel post, especially hot dip galvanised (HDG), is that it will continue to perform at the same level, even after many years in ground.
Some common questions when people are considering options for their paling fence are “How long will the posts last?” and “Which post is stronger?” To answer the second question effectively, we commissioned load testing on a range of fence posts through Melbourne Testing Services.
Method
We tested our HDG Steel “W” Post, the alternative Steel RF1 post, as well as standard Mixed Gum and Cypress fence posts. To make the tests realistic, we manufactured a mini fence, complete with rails, palings and plinth, but only 300mm wide.
These posts were then solidly anchored with load applied incrementally at two thirds of the height above ground level.
For each of these we tested load from both the paling side and the rail side. (In cases where a rail is checked in the post can be substantially stronger pushing toward the rail than away from it.)
After each increment, the force was released and any residual deflection measured before the next level of force was applied.
Results
All posts were tested to breaking point. In the case of timber, that was a snap while, for steel, it was where the residual deflection at the top of the post was greater than 15mm.
Both types of timber post performed well, withstanding pressure well in excess of any winds likely to be encountered around Melbourne (see table below). Of course, the problem with timber posts was never how strong they were when new. The issues of deterioration in post properties after 5 years and variability still remain.
The “W” Post also performed well withstanding loads of 116km/h one way and 120 km/h before showing signs of bending. So it’s pleasing to report that all three varieties of post we sell will stand up to any wind gust we can expect around Melbourne.
W Post vs New Timber
W Post vs. Timber: A Smarter Choice Below Ground
When it comes to fencing, the W Post stands out for its long-term durability and performance. Unlike timber posts, which are prone to rot and decay when placed directly in the ground, the W Post's hot-dipped galvanised steel construction resists moisture and corrosion, ensuring a longer lifespan. Timber posts often require treatments like bitumen paint to protect against moisture. These coatings can add a good 5 years to the life of a post, but eventually the same problem arrises - the post will fail. In contrast, the W Post eliminates these concerns, providing a maintenance-free solution that maintains its integrity over time, making it a reliable choice for both residential and commercial fencing projects.
But Don’t Just Take Our Word For It: Visit Our Test Site
Over seven years ago, we installed W Posts at Lifetime Pine in Moorabbin, and they’re still going strong today. No rot, no warping, and no signs of slowing down. It’s real-world proof of just how tough and reliable the W Post really is - even on the windiest block in the world!
We invite you to visit Lifetime Pine to see the W Post in action and meet the wonderful team - especially the inventor, whose original idea and insight led to the creation of the W Post. It’s a product born from hands-on experience and a real understanding of the problems tradies face every day. That’s what makes the W Post not just another product, it’s a fix created by someone who knew there had to be a better way.
W Post vs Alternatives
W Post
W Post $46.50
Plinth block $4.00
Screws (16) $3.50
Break Point
towards rail 116 kph
away from rail 120 kph
Over 20 years
Suitable for any sort of paling fence. The only HDG option.
2 screws each side provides solid grip on rail. No checkout.
The easiest solution for fence repairs. Light weight and stackable
Looks different. Will require different methods for fence building to timber. High flex over 2.25 mtr
125mm
100mm
Post Type
Full Cost (2.4m)
(In April 2025)
Wind speed test
at break point
(For new posts)
Durability
Key Benefits
Downside
Fence Footprint
Width of Std Fence
Width of Dbl Paled Fence
125x75 Timber Post
Cypress $40.50
HW $47.20
Check out Labour $10.00
Break Point Cyp HW
towards rail kph 153 190
away from rail 125 167
5 – 15 years uncertain
Everyone knows how to use timber post with check out. Looks normal. Very high initial strength
Customers are losing faith in timber durability, which is extremely variable within the same species. Doing checkouts is quite time consuming
150mm
150mm
Post Type
Full Cost (2.4m)
(In April 2025)
Wind speed test
at break point
(For new posts)
Durability
Key Benefits
Downside
Fence Footprint
Width of Std Fence
Width of Dbl Paled Fence
Post Type
Full Cost (2.4m)
(In April 2025)
Wind speed test
at break point
(For new posts)
Durability
Key Benefits
Downside
Fence Footprint
Width of Std Fence
Width of Dbl Paled Fence
75mm Sq Steel with Brackets
Steel length $44.00
Galv Cap $ 3.25
FR Brackets/Screws(6) $12.00
Bracket Labour $10.00
Not tested but confident would be high
Over 20 years
Possibly the strongest of the options Will perform more consistently than a timber post
Some flex with taller fences.
Rail brackets are quite time consuming and make this highest cost. Tek screw rail to front of post is less reliable and adds 50mm to footprint
100mm
100mm
Rollformed Prechecked
2639 with cap $51.50
Screws (8) $2.00
Break Point
towards rail 80 kph
away from rail 80 kph
20 years
Looks like a solid steel post.
Will perform more consistently than a timber post. No checkout
Requires different post for capped or non capped fence. Light weight but bulky to carry and easily damaged. Potential rail twist problem with 1 screw each side
150mm
150mm
Post Type
Full Cost (2.4m)
(In April 2025)
Wind speed test
at break point
(For new posts)
Durability
Key Benefits
Downside
Fence Footprint
Width of Std Fence
Width of Dbl Paled Fence
FAQs
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Yes! Not only is the “W” Post made in Australia. It was also invented and had it’s design registered here!
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Yes. The “W” Post is not suitable for fences over 2.25 metres in height. It naturally has more flex than timber, which makes it less suited to taller structures. We have tested the W Post at 2 metres and found it performed exceptionally well, giving us the confidence to recommend it for fences up to 2.25 metres. However, anything above that height falls outside our tested parameters.
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Your local distributor should be able to answer most questions on how to use the “W” Post. You can also refer to the PDF’s which detail how to use the W post on each specific type of fence here. If more guidance is required, you can always call our main office at Lifetime Pine with any questions you may have.
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The “W” Post is currently partnered with 3 Timber & Hardware Suppliers: Moorrabin (Lifetime Pine), Bayswater (IGotWood) and Geelong (Belmont Fencing). For more information please visit their respective pages below in the section titled “Find a ‘W’ Post Distributor”.
Or interested in becoming a “W” Post supplier?
We’re growing our distribution network and looking for partners who share our commitment to quality and innovation. Explore what it means to be a “W” Post distributor and how to join our trusted network!
Find a “W” Post Distributor!
Ready to build with the W Post?
We proudly work with a select network of trusted distributors across key locations. Explore the distributor nearest to you, or simply fill out our enquiry form with your needs and specifications and our team will be in touch to help you get started.