Fence Post Spacing and Depth for Metal Fences
Posts are usually spaced about 8 feet apart on iron panel fences, about 10 feet on chain link, and about 6 feet on railings.
Fence posts are usually spaced about 8 feet apart on an ornamental iron fence and about 10 feet apart on chain link. How deep each post goes depends on the height of the fence, the soil, and the surface the post is set in.
In this guide
Post spacing by fence type
| Fence type | Post spacing |
|---|---|
| Ornamental iron or steel panel fence | About 8 feet, one post per panel |
| Chain link fence, line posts | About 10 feet |
| Railings and handrails | About 6 feet |
On a panel fence, the width of the panel sets the spacing, because each panel spans from one post to the next.
How deep the posts go
Post depth depends on the height of the fence, the soil, and the weight the posts carry. On an ornamental iron fence 6 to 7 feet tall, the footing is usually about 2 feet deep. On fences 7 to 8 feet tall, the footings are usually 2 to 3 feet deep.
Setting posts in dirt, concrete, or asphalt
Posts are set in the surface that is already on the site:
- Dirt: the hole is dug and the post is set in a concrete footing.
- Concrete or asphalt: the surface is broken out before the post is set.
- An existing concrete slab: the post can also be mounted on a steel base plate bolted to the slab.
What it costs
Posts set through concrete or asphalt cost more than posts set in dirt, because the surface has to be broken out first.
| Fence | Installed |
|---|---|
| Ornamental iron fence | $40 to $120 a foot |
| 6-foot chain link fence, full run | $55 to $70 a foot |
| Railings | $80 to $120 a foot |
What to send us
To price a fence, we need:
- How many feet of fence, and how tall
- What the posts go into: dirt, concrete, or asphalt
- Photos of where the fence goes
- The type of fence
Frequently asked questions
Are fence posts always set in concrete?
Posts set in the ground go into a concrete footing. On an existing concrete slab, a post can also be mounted on a steel base plate.
Which fences do you install?
We install ornamental iron fences, chain link fences, and railings and handrails. The panel styles and grades are in best metal fence panels for your fence installation.
Do you install fences at homes and at businesses?
Yes, at both.
Get a price on a new fence
Send us the site address and scope of work, we will help you with a quote.
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